THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

Paychex, Inc.
  • 4.9 (12)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Designed for those who crave the inside scoop on everything from people to policy to profits, each THRIVE episode transforms complex business and HR topics into clear, actionable advice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring leader, this podcast is your go-to source for cutting through the noise and gaining a competitive advantage.

  1. 22H AGO

    Optimistic but On Edge: What NFIB’s Indexes Say About Small Business in 2026

    Small business owners are feeling cautiously hopeful, but far from settled. In this episode of THRIVE, host Gene Marks sits down with Holly Wade and Peter Hansen from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) to break down what their three signature indexes — Optimism, Uncertainty, and Employment — are really telling us about small business in 2026. From interest rates to federal policy shifts, find out why confidence is up, but small business owners are still holding their breath. Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:18 – Peter’s background and NFIB podcast overview 04:06 – Holly’s background and NFIB Research Center history 05:25 – NFIB Indexes: Optimism, Uncertainty & Employment 10:24 – Dealing with Bias: Optimism, politics & perspective 14:50 – NFIB survey demographics 21:41 – New NFIB Employment Index: What and why 25:21 – Reconciling NFIB data and survey challenges 29:47 – Current read on optimism and uncertainty 33:03 – Wrap up and thank you #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeartSummit #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    35 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Pay Transparency, Tax Write-Offs, and AI Wishful Thinking

    A new Mercer survey finds that only 54% of U.S. employers are ready to comply with pay transparency regulations, while host Gene Marks says it’s a smart business practice, whether or not your state requires it. A 1-800Accountant survey reveals that 57% of small business owners admit to questionable tax deductions, with complexity, not intent, being the real culprit. And while a Goldman Sachs study shows most small businesses are using AI, only 14% have truly integrated it into core operations. Listen to the podcast. Topics: 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Pay Transparency 03:44 - Questionable Tax Deductions 06:32 - Small Businesses and AI 09:27 - Episode Wrap Up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Article on AI for small business: https://bit.ly/4uVEhvW DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    11 min

  3. MAR 19

    Optimism Up and Entrepreneurs Out, Compensation Boost, AI Innovation Incentives

    A report finds that entrepreneurs are optimistic about business prospects but nearly one-third want to sell. Gene Marks says take the positivity with a grain of salt from the sellers, plus take advantage of buying a business that already exists. Employers struggling to find labor aren’t shy about paying more for what they can find, according to a report by the National federation of Independent Businesses, with nearly 50% increasing compensation to lure candidates. And speaking of money, KPMG is offering cold, hard cash to employees who start innovating with AI tools.  Topics: 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Entrepreneurs Planning Exits 03:42 - Small Business Wages and Labor Market 06:11 - Incentivizing AI Innovation (KPMG's Case) 08:01 - Episode Wrap Up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeart #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    9 min

  4. MAR 17

    Actress and Producer Jill Wagner: The Business of Being a Creative Entrepreneur

    What happens when a Hallmark star meets a business podcast? Actress and Lioness executive producer Jill Wagner joins Gene Marks to reveal the business savvy behind her 20-year career. From cold-calling Taylor Sheridan to building a real estate portfolio, Jill treats her career like a CEO treats a company. She opens up about handling rejection, knowing your worth, managing money, and finding structure in the chaos of Hollywood. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or just hustling toward your next big break, Jill’s candid advice will leave you ready to pick up the phone. Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 02:03 – Why acting is a business 04:46 – How Jill’s “business” is structured 06:12 – Creating your own opportunities 11:00 – The perspective of experience 13:05 – How to handle rejection 16:01 – Taking work that isn’t perfectly aligned 18:45 – Reframing competition and success 22:29 – The reality of balancing career and motherhood 25:57 – Jill’s approach to money management and legal protection 30:01 – Time management in a multi-hat career 32:34 – Jill’s outlook on her future 35:03 – Wrap up and thank you #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeartSummit #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    36 min

  5. MAR 12

    Refunds for Tariffs, Job Growth Discrepancy, Rehiring After AI Layoffs

    With the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the legality of some tariffs and another court ruling that refunds must be paid, host Gene Marks offers business owners several tips on how to set themselves up to get their piece of billions of dollars returned. The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch paints a more stable picture of job growth than the federal government, which announced a loss of 92,000 jobs in February. A new weekly feature highlighting artificial intelligence shows that people who lost jobs in customer service to AI are being rehired, and the reason why will surprise you.  Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew Tariffs and refund article: https://bit.ly/tariffs-and-refunds DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    10 min

  6. MAR 5

    Industry Optimism Up, Data Needed for HR Decisions, OpenAI’s New Gadget

    A quarterly check-in with the National Federation of Independent Businesses finds optimism in many industry sectors, led by Manufacturing. Host Gene Marks says he’s hearing the same things when he speaks at association events. On the not-so-rosy side, almost 70% of HR leaders expressed concern over a lack of data to make effective decisions on raises and promotions – citing fragmented systems and manual entry. OpenAI ready to release another gadget: a smart speaker with a speaker that could change the way we make purchases. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    7 min

  7. FEB 26

    Tariffs: SCOTUS Ruling, Why They’ll Stay, and What to Do with Uncertainty

    Host Gene Marks takes us through a whirlwind few days regarding tariffs, including the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a majority of the president’s tariffs as unconstitutional. He’ll explain what might happen next with tariffs, why no one should expect a refund without litigation, and what businesses can do moving forward with a new set of tariffs in place. Listen to the podcast.   Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    12 min

  8. FEB 19

    Jobs and Wages Steady, Skipping PTO Causes Burnout, Growth Targeted in 2026

    The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch for January reveals that job growth and hourly wage growth remain steady to start 2026, but host Gene Marks expresses some concern that wage growth is hovers around the inflation percentage. A survey from the Philadelphia Business Journal highlights a burnout concern by Millennials and Gen Z workers who continue to fear taking time off and push themselves toward professional burnout. Gene says it is indicative for owners to support employees for the good of the company and individual. Plus, despite daunting economic headwinds, many small business owners are emphasizing growth through marketing expenditures. Listen to the podcast.     Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew Article on employee burnout: https://bit.ly/burnout-prevention-strategies DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

    8 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Designed for those who crave the inside scoop on everything from people to policy to profits, each THRIVE episode transforms complex business and HR topics into clear, actionable advice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring leader, this podcast is your go-to source for cutting through the noise and gaining a competitive advantage.

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