HR & Payroll 2.0

WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • 4.7 (13)
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Join Pete A. Tiliakos and Julie Fernandez as they combine their unique HR and payroll industry knowledge, experience, and POV’s for highly authentic conversations that unpack the key trends, challenges, and opportunities facing HR and Payroll leaders today! Powered ad-free by G-P, OneSource Virtual, and Zoho.

  1. The State of HCM Technology with Special Guest John Kostoulas

    6D AGO

    The State of HCM Technology with Special Guest John Kostoulas

    On this special episode, Pete welcomes John Kostoulas, VP of Market Positioning & Strategy at Dayforce and former Gartner Vice President and distinguished HCM tech analyst, for a candid conversation on the future of HR technology, AI adoption, and what it really takes to modernize in the era of agentic AI. John shares his journey from an engineering graduate in Greece to an HCM vendor executive and what the "analyst in him" still sees that most miss. He brings research-backed insights on the AI governance gap, and why trust, not features, is the real barrier to adoption at scale. He also delivers a sharp, no-nonsense framework of AI transformation do's and don'ts for executives who are paralyzed or unsure where to start, including why chasing feature lists over outcomes is the fastest road to regret. The conversation explores the growing "vibe coding your HCM" phenomenon, debating whether SMBs and enterprises can realistically AI-generate their way to payroll and HR solutions. Plus, they talk about the critical difference between a truly unified HCM platform and a fragmented "unified" illusion, and why that distinction is make-or-break for enterprise agility. Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkostoulas/ John’s Post on unified consolidation and AI features: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7439258950371344385/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners’: https://www.globalization-partners.com/  OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain’ and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

    51 min
  2. Payroll Like a Boss with Special Guest John Bernatovicz & Tammy Gillenwater

    MAY 5

    Payroll Like a Boss with Special Guest John Bernatovicz & Tammy Gillenwater

    On this special episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete & Julie are joined by friends of the show, John Bernativicz and Tammy Gillenwater of Willory Consulting to talk their new book: ‘Payroll Like a Boss.’  John and Tammy share the origin story behind the book, the inspiration for writing it, and why themes like bravery, influence, community, and leadership are key elements of the content and increasingly critical for payroll professionals today. They also dig into the challenges holding payroll back, from constant firefighting to lack of recognition, and offer a clear call for payroll to step forward, prove its value, and help shape the future of work. Plus, John and Tammy talk about the ‘movement’ and community developing around the book and its goal to elevate the payroll profession. The conversation explores why payroll leaders must move beyond process and compliance to become more strategic, influential, and visible leaders inside their businesses. Want to Payroll Like a Boss? Your Guide to Strategic Payroll: https://johnbernatovicz.com/payroll-like-a-boss/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Payroll-Like-Boss-Guide-Strategic/dp/1662970854/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image Connect with John & Tammy:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnbernatovicz/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tammy-gillenwater-cpp-374692107/  Willory Consulting: https://willory.com/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0 X: @PeteTiliakos X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners’: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain’ and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

    31 min
  3. Rebranding With Purpose with Special Guest Amberly Dressler

    APR 28

    Rebranding With Purpose with Special Guest Amberly Dressler

    On this special episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete catches up with Amberly Dressler, a brand marketing executive known for helping shape one of the most memorable community-led brand stories in HR tech and now leading corporate and partner marketing at Conga.  Amberly shares on the brand mechanics that matter right now: when a rebrand is truly earned versus vanity, how to create a single truth that unites multiple buyer personas, and why consistency beats novelty even when you’re personally tired of the message. In a crowded market where buyers are overwhelmed, she argues credibility is built the old-fashioned way: community, repetition, and showing up in the real world, not just on a slide. Drawing from the ‘People Heroes’ movement at isolved and the roadshow-first approach that met practitioners where they are, Amberly shares what modern GTM must deliver beyond the software: confidence, change support, and a narrative champions can carry into internal business cases.  They also unpack why relationship-building is the only sustainable growth strategy in HR and payroll, and what it means to show up authentically in public forums like Reddit as AEO, GEO, and SEO collide with AI-driven answer engines. Connect with Amberly:  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlydressler/ Conga: https://conga.com/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners’: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain’ and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

    41 min
  4. When Compensation & Payroll Converge with Special Guest Briana ‘Bri’ Mullens

    APR 21

    When Compensation & Payroll Converge with Special Guest Briana ‘Bri’ Mullens

    On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome payroll and compensation expert and practitioner, Bri Mullens, to the show to discuss the convergence of payroll, compensation, benefits, and total rewards.  Bri shares how an accounting background led to a career in payroll and why the key ingredients that kept her there were equal parts numbers, compliance, and real human impact. The conversation covers why aligning payroll with compensation and benefits can be a strategic unlock, especially as pay transparency laws accelerate, and employees expect clearer answers to how, why and what they are paid.   Bri breaks down how she’s using market data, partnering closely with HR, and rolling out total compensation letters to help employees understand the full value of their rewards package and provide the transparency that builds trust.  They also discuss modern pay experience enablers such as earned wage access (EWA), the payroll “latency” challenge, and financial wellness. Plus, a practical look at how HR and compensation teams are using AI today without compromising sensitive employee data.   Connect with Bri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianamullens/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners’: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain’ and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

    45 min
  5. Asia-Pacific Compliance Pulse Check with Special Guest Lynette Liew

    APR 14

    Asia-Pacific Compliance Pulse Check with Special Guest Lynette Liew

    On this episode, Pete welcomes Asia-Pacific HR and compliance expert Lynette Liew of Links International to the show for a pulse check on one of the most complex and fast-moving regions in the world of work. They explore the rapid evolution of employment compliance across Australia, China, India, and Southeast Asia, the growing shift from global to regional HR and payroll providers, and why enterprise buyers are doubling down on local expertise to manage regulatory risk. The conversation also dives into how AI is reshaping payroll operations, workforce planning, and compliance oversight. Lynette brings frontline insight into statutory volatility, fragmented labor frameworks, digital payments innovation, payroll talent shortages, and why localization, cultural fluency, and deep regulatory knowledge are emerging as true competitive advantages in 2026. Connect with Lynette:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynetteliew/  https://linksinternational.com/research/apac-labour-law-updates/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners’: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain’ and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

    31 min
  6. The Past, Present, & Future of HR Transformation Reinvention with Trey Campbell

    APR 7

    The Past, Present, & Future of HR Transformation Reinvention with Trey Campbell

    On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Trey Campbell, legendary HR outsourcing and transformation executive, former CEO, and current board member of OneSource Virtual, for a candid conversation on how HR outsourcing and managed services have evolved and where they are heading next. Trey takes us from the early days of HR outsourcing (HRO) to today’s automation-driven, cloud-enabled service models that power cloud-based HR operations. He explains why so many large-scale outsourcing deals failed, why “lift and shift” never delivered on its promises, and why standardization, workflow automation, and service design matter more than ever. The conversation goes deep on what CHROs, and CFOs are getting wrong about outsourcing, why payroll and compliance risk, not just cost, drives buying decisions, and why the myth of one global payroll system still hasn’t been cracked after 30 years.  Trey shares his perspective on AI, automation, and “services as software,” explaining where intelligent workflows will truly transform HR and payroll and where human expertise will remain essential.  Connect with Trey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campbelltrey/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners’: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain’ and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

    45 min
  7. Live from Zoho Day 2026 with Special Guest Raju Vegesna

    APR 2

    Live from Zoho Day 2026 with Special Guest Raju Vegesna

    In this special episode, Pete is joined by Raju Vegesna, Chief Evangelist at Zoho, live from the annual Zoho Day analyst 2026 event and update in Austin, Texas! Together they explore Zoho’s 30-year journey from shipping software on floppy disks to delivering integrated SaaS platforms and now AI-driven solutions, and how the company’s distinct culture and values have underpinned that evolution.  The conversation explores the future of SaaS and AI. Raju challenges the narrative that “SaaS is dead,” arguing instead that commoditization of software and AI is a net positive: as costs drop, access and productivity rise across society. They discuss the shift from productivity gains to intelligence gains as the new ROI in software, and how connected data and platforms are foundational for meaningful AI insights. They talk about the gap between AI hype and reality, why many AI projects are not yet delivering ROI, and how we’re still in the “plumbing” and protocol phase of this wave and the emerging importance of data and intelligence sovereignty, including why some countries and large enterprises may push back toward on‑premise or sovereign AI. Plus Raju offers guidance for business leaders who feel stuck or behind on AI: it’s still early, the ground is shifting rapidly, and the current explosion of innovation will be followed by consolidation, creating a window of opportunity for fast movers.  Connect with Raju: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajuvegesna1/ X: https://x.com/rajuv Website: www.zoho.com  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: https://x.com/HRPayroll2_0  X: https://x.com/PeteTiliakos  X: https://x.com/JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners’: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain’ and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

    31 min
  8. Live from Zoho Day 2026 with Special Guest Holger Mueller

    MAR 31

    Live from Zoho Day 2026 with Special Guest Holger Mueller

    In this special episode, Pete is joined by Holger Mueller, VP and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, live from the annual Zoho Day 2026 analyst event and update in Austin, Texas! Drawing on decades of watching Zoho grow from early cloud pioneer to fully integrated “ecosystem,” Holger breaks down what makes Zoho’s horizontally and vertically integrated stack so distinctive, and why its people-first culture and homegrown talent strategy show up so clearly in its products and customer relationships.  Pete and Holger dive into the noisy “SaaS is dead” narrative and cut through the hype around AI agents, cloud, and data. They unpack why back-end modernization and elasticity still matter, why all‑in‑one suites are back in vogue, and how integration gaps quietly sabotage ROI in HCM, payroll, and benefits. From orchestration and data lakes to edge computing and mobile‑only HR, they explore how frontline employees, real‑time payments, and smartphones at the “edge” are reshaping how work gets done  Holger argues HR must lean into technology, get closer to IT and data governance, and use AI to turn static policies and PDFs into conversational, employee-friendly experiences, while protecting trust, security, and compliance.   Connect with Holger: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgermueller/ X: https://x.com/holgermu BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/holgerbsky.bsky.social Constellation Research: https://www.constellationr.com/  Connect with the show: LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0  X: @PeteTiliakos  X: @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0  WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20  Thank you to our marquee sponsors for powering the HR & Payroll 2.0 podcast forward!  G-P ‘Globalization Partners’: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ OneSource Virtual: https://hubs.ly/Q03YFNR90 Zoho: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Thank you to our ‘wizard behind the curtain’ and show producer Ryan Kielma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kielma/

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Join Pete A. Tiliakos and Julie Fernandez as they combine their unique HR and payroll industry knowledge, experience, and POV’s for highly authentic conversations that unpack the key trends, challenges, and opportunities facing HR and Payroll leaders today! Powered ad-free by G-P, OneSource Virtual, and Zoho.

Information

  • Creator
    WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved by WRKdefined
  • Show Website
    HR & Payroll 2.0

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