Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast Paychex, Inc.

President and CEO Emily Williams Knight helped guide the Texas Restaurant Association and its tens of thousands of members through the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to advocate for legislation that will help restaurants thrive. She shares stories about the industry association’s efforts on Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, to educate and benefit members, as well as her thoughts on why transactional tipping is bad, swipe fees, too, and how getting a childcare initiative established and fostering the second chance hiring initiative will be key to sustaining growth of this billion-dollar industry.
Topics Include:00:00:00: Episode Preview
00:01:25: Introduction to Emily Williams Knight
00:01:55: The pandemic's impact on the restaurant industry
00:03:14: Impact of pro-business policies during a pandemic
00:06:35: Changes in the restaurant industry post-pandemic
00:08:47: Mission of association as state’s largest private employer
00:11:52: Value of being an association member: education and a voice
00:13:40: Crucial topics and demands within the restaurant industry
00:16:15: Discussion about regulatory measures and compliance
00:16:58: Discussion about tipping policies in the restaurant industry
00:17:18: Discussion on transactional tipping
00:18:07: Importance of experiential tipping
00:21:37: Discussion on swipe fees
00:25:26: Shrinkflation in the restaurant Industry
00:28:01: Minimum Wage Discussion
00:31:07: Child care crisis solution initiative
00:32:53: Second chance hiring initiative
00:34:52: Wrap-up and thank you
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.

Who wouldn’t take an 88.5 on a test? It’s passing. Sadly, the National Federation of Independent Small Businesses Optimism survey isn’t a test – and 88.5 is not great. In fact, it is the 27th straight month that the survey has shown less than optimistic results. Gene Marks takes a look at what might be causing the steady dip, plus he talks about how employers have to prepare for the pending OT rule. Not everything is gloom: Women-owned businesses are thriving out West. Listen to the podcast.
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.

Cathy Engelbert has shattered a few glass ceilings in her career – first woman CEO of Deloitte and first WNBA commissioner – while still battling the gender imbalance in leadership roles. She shares her journey with Gene Marks on Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, starting with her formative years, her decision to be a working mother while striking work/life balance, the mentorship she received. She also talks about confidence gaps, programs to foster the advancement of women, and the advice and guidance she gives her own daughter.
Topics Include:00:00:00: Episode Preview00:01:22: Introducing Cathy Engelbert
00:03:15: Inequality in the Mid-80s Working Environment
00:04:28: Role as a Representative for Women in Business
00:07:05: Challenge of Retaining Women in the Workforce
00:10:01: Value of Role Models and Mentors
00:12:32: Being an Unexpected CEO
00:15:00: Strengths Women Bring to the Workplace
00:16:24: Reflecting on Women's Confidence Growth
00:18:26: Challenges in Encouraging Women to Leadership Roles
00:24:22: Balancing Work, Family and Personal Passions as a Female Leader
00:27:24: Pivoting from Deloitte to Lead the WNBA
00:29:13: Advice for the Young Generation on Navigating Careers
00:33:21: Wrap-up and Thank You
 
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.
 

If you’re in the Midwest, job prospects have ticked up slightly – the first increase in 2024 – and every region has seen growth in all but one industry, according to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch. Gene Marks also highlights a study on manufacturing that points to a massive gap in the next decade of qualified and trained workers, especially regarding digital skills. He stresses that businesses can get potential tax credits and funding for training to help. And all eyes are on California to see how a proposed bill to allow some employees to disconnect from work during off hours proceeds. Listen to the podcast.
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.

Kent Smetters has experienced public policy on the economy from inside and outside the federal government. The economist and Wharton school professor helps us explore the use of economic modeling in influencing public policy and examines the potential impact of fiscal challenges and tax legislation changes. He joins Gene Marks on Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast, to talk about the many factors impacting economic growth, and how educating the current and next generation of executives can equip them to make more informed decisions on the economy.
Topics Include:00:00:00: Episode preview
00:01:14: Introduction of Kent Smetters
00:03:12: Changing dynamics of MBA candidates
00:05:19: The many hats of an economist
00:06:07: Working with policymakers on economic impact analysis
00:07:04: Discussions on upcoming tax provisions
00:08:02: Balancing the cost of capital and national debt
00:08:38: Influence and work process of Wharton on legislation
00:19:39: Importance of honest broker analysis in policy decisions
00:22:16: Strategies for integrating more STEM personnel into our economy
00:23:29: Discussion on U.S. fiscal situation and debts and deficits
00:25:05: Projection of unsustainable debt level in U.S.
00:26:03: Hiking taxes and spending cuts only solution for deficit
00:27:07: Consequences of spending cuts on Social Security
00:28:13: Concerns about current approach in U.S. of dealing with crises
00:29:16: Effect of inflation on wealth over time
00:32:17: Implications of printing more money
00:35:06: Wrap-up and thank you
 
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.
 

Fast-food restaurants with a national footprint gain an exemption via the law as California raises its minimum wage. Gene Marks discusses the issues this could cause, but also says the state could be a model for others if its works. He also takes a look at a new Bank of America portal that streamlines the process by connecting access to funding sources, and he just can’t get over the fact that a bellwether for the check on inflation has changed. Gene offers his two cents on a four-cent increase of the price of bananas at Trader Joe’s. Check out the podcast.
 
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.