Episodes

  • What fandom, parenting, and tech say about honesty, engagement, and modern work

    What fandom, parenting, and tech say about honesty, engagement, and modern work
    Dec 15 2025
    Modern life feels loud, fast, and constantly online, yet people still find connection in the strangest places. This conversation moves through sports fandom, parenting, technology, and generational differences to unpack how people actually relate to each other today. From shared misery over teams we love, to how phones shape honesty and attention, to why work often feels busier but less thoughtful, the discussion connects everyday experiences to deeper questions about engagement, communication, and community. In this episode, we talk about sports culture, technology habits, parenting challenges, generational expectations, social media honesty, and workplace engagement. The discussion moves from how sports create shared identity and suffering, to how different generations use and interpret technology, to why intentional communication and quiet time matter more than ever at work and at home. Key Takeaways Sports fandom creates community through shared misery as much as shared wins. That emotional bond mirrors how people connect at work, through struggle, humor, and mutual understanding more than polished success stories. Generational differences shape how people use technology and interpret engagement. What feels responsive to one group can feel distracting or performative to another. Leaders who ignore this gap often misread motivation and intent. Parenting exposes how hard real communication actually is. Mistakes are inevitable, and honesty matters more than perfection. Those same dynamics show up at work, where transparency often builds more trust than polished messaging. Social media blurs honesty and performance. People curate versions of themselves that can distort reality and expectations, both personally and professionally. That tension affects how teams communicate and how authentic engagement feels. Workplace engagement suffers when pace replaces thoughtfulness. Constant motion creates the illusion of productivity while crowding out reflection. Creating quiet space is not a luxury. It is a requirement for better decisions and deeper work. Technology connects and isolates at the same time. Used well, it strengthens community. Used carelessly, it fragments attention and weakens trust. Engagement improves when tools support conversation instead of replacing it. This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Philadelphia, Pa. The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more. Learn more about isolved: ⁠https://www.isolvedhcm.com/⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 02:58 Sports Fan Misery and Community 05:55 Generational Differences in Technology Use 08:58 Parenting Challenges and Communication 11:58 Workplace Engagement and Productivity 14:58 Honesty in Relationships and Social Media Guest Karen Wallace Lipson, Director, Human Resources Operations, Marelene Meyerson JCC Manhattan LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-wallace-lipson/ Connect with Us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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    18 mins
  • How earned wage access is reshaping financial wellness, recruiting, and retention

    How earned wage access is reshaping financial wellness, recruiting, and retention
    Dec 15 2025
    Payday used to be a fixed point. Now it’s a pressure point. As more employees live paycheck to paycheck, access to earned wages has become less about convenience and more about survival. This conversation digs into why financial stress shows up at work, how payroll and benefits are evolving to meet that reality, and why employers can no longer ignore the role money plays in engagement, performance, and trust. In this episode, we talk about earned wage access, employee financial wellness, payroll integration, and the growing partnership between ZayZoon and isolved. The discussion moves from how employees actually use early wage access for basics like groceries and gas, to why instant access to money is becoming a recruiting and retention advantage, to how small fees compare to the real cost of overdrafts, payday loans, and side hustles. Key Takeaways Earned wage access gives employees access to money they have already earned, removing the artificial wait for payday. For many workers, this is not about impulse spending. It is about covering essentials and avoiding financial emergencies that spiral into bigger problems. A significant portion of the workforce is financially fragile, with roughly two-thirds of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. That reality shows up in stress, distraction, absenteeism, and turnover. Financial wellness is no longer separate from workforce strategy. ZayZoon’s partnership with isolved embeds earned wage access directly into payroll, making it simple for employers to offer and easy for employees to use. When financial tools live inside systems people already trust, adoption increases and friction drops. The cost comparison matters. A small flat fee for accessing earned wages is materially different from overdraft fees, payday loans, or credit card interest. For many employees, earned wage access is a way to lose less money, not spend more. Employers are starting to see earned wage access as a recruiting and retention lever, not just a benefit. In a market driven by instant access and flexibility, waiting two weeks for pay can feel outdated and out of touch. Access to earned wages can also reduce the need for side gigs and financial scrambling. When employees are less stressed about cash flow, they show up more focused, more engaged, and more likely to stay. This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Philadelphia, Pa. The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more. Learn more about isolved: ⁠https://www.isolvedhcm.com/⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 03:14 Understanding Earned Wage Access 06:04 The Role of ZayZoon in Employee Financial Wellness 09:03 Recruitment and Retention Strategies Guest Kauley Claypool: Partner Growth Manager, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kauley-claypool-03184594/ Garth Dmyterko, Sales Development, ZayZoon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garth-dmyterko-b6335275/ Connect with Us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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    10 mins
  • Why Selling Cars Is Harder Than Ever and Why Most People Wash Out

    Why Selling Cars Is Harder Than Ever and Why Most People Wash Out
    Dec 15 2025
    Automotive sales looks simple from the outside. It isn’t. Between long sales cycles, multiple stakeholders, emotional buyers, and relentless pressure, dealerships are struggling to hire, train, and retain the right people. This conversation breaks down why turnover is so high, why leadership roles are harder to fill than anyone admits, and how customer experience lives or dies with the people on the floor. In this episode, we talk about automotive recruitment, sales training, dealership dynamics, customer experience, and the growing role of technology in sales enablement. The discussion moves from why General Manager roles are so difficult to fill, to how mental toughness separates survivors from burnout, to how training programs and direct-to-consumer models are changing what success looks like in modern dealerships. Key Takeaways The General Manager role is often the hardest position to fill because it requires operational discipline, sales leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience all at once. Few candidates fully understand the scope until they are already in the seat. Sales roles experience constant turnover because many candidates underestimate the emotional and mental demands of the job. Rejection, long hours, and inconsistent wins test people fast, especially in high-pressure dealership environments. Mental toughness is not a nice-to-have in automotive sales. It is the baseline. The ability to handle rejection, stay focused, and keep momentum directly impacts both performance and longevity. Customer relationships drive repeat business more than any script or incentive. Buyers remember how they were treated, not just what they paid. Trust compounds faster than discounts. Sales training is evolving beyond in-person shadowing and trial by fire. Online learning systems, structured onboarding, and continuous reinforcement are becoming essential to keeping teams sharp and confident. Technology is reshaping how dealerships train and sell, but tools only work when paired with real coaching. Tech can enhance learning and consistency, but it cannot replace accountability or human connection. Direct-to-consumer models are forcing dealerships to rethink the sales experience. Transparency, education, and speed now matter as much as persuasion, changing how sales teams must be trained and supported. This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Philadelphia, Pa. The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more. Learn more about isolved: ⁠https://www.isolvedhcm.com/⁠ Chapters 00:00 Who is Adam and Phil Long Dealerships Dealerships 03:00 Challenges in Automotive Recruitment 06:00 Sales Dynamics and Customer Experience 08:54 Training and Development in Sales 11:59 The Role of Technology in Sales Training 15:01 Conclusion and Reflections Guest Adam Cavender, Variable Operations Recruiter, Phil Long Dealerships LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-cavender-26a2b685/ Connect with Us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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    17 mins
  • Why HR Finally Feels Seen, Heard, and Celebrated

    Why HR Finally Feels Seen, Heard, and Celebrated
    Dec 15 2025
    HR doesn’t usually get the spotlight. At isolved Connect in Philadelphia, that changed. This conversation captures what happens when HR professionals are treated like the drivers of the business, not the back office. From real customer conversations to broker dynamics to celebrating People Heroes, the episode reflects a shift in how HR is valued, supported, and invested in. In this episode, we talk about isolved Connect, customer awards, the role of brokers in HR decisions, the People Heroes initiative, AI’s growing influence, and the importance of community in talent acquisition and employee experience. The discussion moves from why customer stories matter, to how brokers shape buying behavior, to why HR leaders are finally being given permission to invest in themselves. Key Takeaways Customer conversations are energizing because they reflect growth, resilience, and real career journeys. Hearing how HR leaders navigate challenges reinforces why this work matters and why recognition is overdue. AI is top of mind for HR leaders, but fear is giving way to practical use cases. The focus is shifting from disruption anxiety to how AI can actually support HR teams without replacing human judgment. Brokers play a critical role in influencing HR technology decisions. Making it easy for brokers to work with platforms like iSolved is no longer optional. It is a strategic advantage. The People Heroes initiative shines a light on HR professionals who rarely get celebrated. Recognizing their impact builds pride, community, and momentum across the industry. Investing in HR professionals is essential for long-term success. When HR leaders are supported, educated, and connected, the entire organization benefits. Community engagement around HR has grown dramatically. Events like iSolved Connect show how powerful it is when people come together to share stories, challenges, and wins. Celebrating small and mid-sized businesses through their HR stories brings authenticity back into the conversation. These are the teams doing the hardest work with the fewest resources. Great software still matters, but service and partnership are what create loyalty. HR leaders remember who shows up and makes their jobs easier. This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Philadelphia, Pa. The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more. Learn more about isolved: ⁠https://www.isolvedhcm.com/⁠ Chapters 00:00 Welcome to isolved Connect 02:59 Customer Conversations and Awards 06:09 The Role of Brokers in HR 08:58 People Heroes: Celebrating HR Professionals 11:51 Investing in HR and the Power of Community Guest Amberly Dressler, SVP Brand and Experience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlydressler/ Connect with Us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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    15 mins
  • Why Local Restaurants Win or Lose on Hiring, Community, and Burritos

    Why Local Restaurants Win or Lose on Hiring, Community, and Burritos
    Dec 15 2025
    Local restaurants are fighting a very different battle than big brands. They’re competing for talent, attention, and loyalty in communities where relationships matter more than polish and margins are always thin. This conversation digs into how small operators think about hiring, marketing, and customer engagement, and why community connection is often the real differentiator when resources are limited. In this episode, we talk about local business ownership, restaurant hiring challenges, marketing strategies, technology adoption, and customer engagement. The discussion moves from competing with bigger industries for talent, to how soft benefits and culture keep people around, to why apps, online presence, and community storytelling now play a critical role in restaurant success. Key Takeaways Local businesses shape community identity in ways large brands never can. Restaurants become gathering places, not just service providers, and that emotional connection drives loyalty when times get tough. Hiring is especially hard when restaurants are competing with higher-paying industries for the same workforce. Owners are being forced to rethink what attracts people beyond hourly wages, including flexibility, respect, and growth opportunities. Technology is no longer optional for customer engagement. Apps, online ordering, and digital marketing help local restaurants stay visible, relevant, and connected to customers who expect convenience without losing authenticity. Soft benefits matter more than many operators realize. Schedule flexibility, culture, and feeling valued often outweigh small pay differences and can be the deciding factor in retention. A strong online presence is essential for survival, not vanity. Customers discover, judge, and recommend restaurants digitally, even when the experience itself is deeply local and personal. The industry is evolving by transitioning roles, not eliminating them. Technology changes how work gets done, but human interaction, hospitality, and local knowledge remain irreplaceable. Community relationships drive long-term success. Word of mouth, personal stories, and genuine engagement outperform generic marketing when trust is the currency. Understanding local culture matters. Restaurants that reflect their neighborhood, not just trends, are better positioned to grow and adapt. This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Philadelphia, Pa. The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more. Learn more about isolved: ⁠https://www.isolvedhcm.com/⁠ Guest Lacey Davidson, Human Resources Manager, JumBurrito LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacey-davidson-59b61b94/ Connect with Us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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    15 mins
  • How product teams balance AI ambition, customer reality, and business pressure without breaking trust with Sydney Ridge, isovled

    How product teams balance AI ambition, customer reality, and business pressure without breaking trust with Sydney Ridge, isovled
    Dec 15 2025
    Product development today is less about shipping features and more about orchestration. Platform teams are navigating AI integration, customer feedback, and business goals at the same time, often with competing incentives pulling in different directions. This conversation explores how modern product orgs are structured into pods, why AI adoption is harder than it looks, and what it actually takes to earn trust from users and internal teams. It also connects product thinking to audience engagement during speaking engagements, showing how communication, incentives, and feedback loops shape adoption both onstage and inside the product. In this episode, we talk about platform strategy, AI integration, product development tradeoffs, customer feedback, trust in AI, and audience engagement. The discussion moves from how product teams are organized into pods, to why incentives matter more than hype for AI adoption, to how engineering skillsets are evolving as AI reshapes how products are built, explained, and adopted. Key Takeaways Product platforms are increasingly organized into focused pods, each owning a specific slice of HCM or functionality. This structure speeds execution but also forces tighter alignment across teams, especially as AI becomes a shared dependency instead of a side feature. Platform is no longer just infrastructure. It is the strategy layer. AI integration is not optional anymore, but adoption is fragile. Teams underestimate how much trust, clarity, and repetition it takes before users actually change behavior. AI works when it feels obvious, helpful, and safe. If users have to think too hard, they simply opt out. Customer feedback is necessary but dangerous if it is followed blindly. Strong product teams listen closely, then filter that input through business goals, technical reality, and long-term vision. The hard part is saying no while still making customers feel heard and respected. Trust is the real bottleneck in AI adoption. Users worry about accuracy, intent, and outcomes, not just features. Transparency, incentives, and communication matter more than model sophistication. Adoption follows belief, not capability. Speaking engagements mirror product launches more than most people admit. Audience engagement, clarity of message, and post-event reflection directly impact how ideas land and spread. The best speakers treat every talk like user research for their thinking and their product story. This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Philadelphia, Pa. The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more. Learn more about isolved: ⁠https://www.isolvedhcm.com/⁠ Chapters 00:00 The Platform and Its Role 02:17 The Future of Product Development and AI Integration 05:23 Balancing Customer Feedback and Business Goals 08:57 Adopting AI: Building Trust and Encouraging Use 11:35 Reflections on Speaking Engagements and Audience Engagement Guest: Sydney Ridge, Leader of Product Management, isolved LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sydney-ridge-b2a55871 Connect with Us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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    21 mins
  • Why Passwords Are Dying and What That Means for Payroll, HR, and Security

    Why Passwords Are Dying and What That Means for Payroll, HR, and Security
    Dec 15 2025
    Security is no longer an IT problem. It is a business problem. As companies scale globally, adopt cloud infrastructure, and rely more heavily on AI, the attack surface keeps expanding. This conversation looks at how payroll and HR platforms are evolving alongside rising cybersecurity threats, from spoofing and credential theft to the growing risks of BYOD environments. It also digs into why legacy security models are breaking down and what modern organizations need to do differently to protect both systems and people. In this episode, we talk about the evolution of P&I, cybersecurity threats, passkeys and biometrics, cloud security, penetration testing, AI-driven protection, spoof sites, and managing security in a BYOD world. The discussion moves from how payroll platforms have scaled globally, to why passwords are failing, to how AI and vetted applications can reduce risk while still improving user experience. Key Takeaways P&I’s evolution from a regional provider to a global platform reflects a broader shift in payroll and HR technology. Scale introduces complexity, and complexity demands stronger security foundations. Global payroll is no longer just about compliance. It is about resilience. Passwords are becoming a liability. Passkeys and biometric authentication reduce friction while closing common attack vectors tied to credential reuse and phishing. Simpler login experiences can actually improve security when implemented correctly. Cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated and more deceptive. Spoof sites and impersonation attacks are increasingly common, targeting both employees and administrators. Education alone is not enough. Systems must be designed to assume users will be targeted. Penetration testing and continuous security assessments are essential, not optional. Cloud environments move too fast for static defenses. Organizations need ongoing validation that their controls actually work under real-world attack scenarios. BYOD environments introduce convenience and risk at the same time. Strong policies, vetted applications, and clear boundaries are critical to protecting sensitive data without killing productivity. Security has to meet users where they are. AI is becoming a force multiplier for security and operations. When used responsibly, it can help verify information, detect anomalies, and improve client interactions. The risk is not AI itself. The risk is deploying it without guardrails or trust. This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Philadelphia, Pa. The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more. Learn more about isolved: ⁠https://www.isolvedhcm.com/⁠ Chapters 00:00 Who is Nicholas Holcomb 01:16 Overview of P&I and Global Expansion 02:45 Cybersecurity Challenges and Strategies 04:10 The Shift from Passwords to Passkeys 08:12 Penetration Testing and Cloud Security 11:33 Emerging Cyber Threats and Spoofing 14:17 The Role of AI in Modern Business 18:17 Managing BYOD and Security Policies Guest Nicholas Holcomb, PNI, HCM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pnihcm/ Connect with Us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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    21 mins
  • Building Loyalty in the Workplace

    Building Loyalty in the Workplace
    Dec 8 2025
    Employee loyalty isn’t luck. It’s built. Jill Fish and Lisa Walker from Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center walk through nearly two decades of working side by side and what it takes to create a workplace people genuinely want to stay in. Their story highlights how benefits, communication, culture, and technology all shape the employee experience in ways that actually move the needle. In this episode we talk about HR, employee experience, benefits, loyalty, compensation, diabetes care, technology in HR, employee engagement, workplace culture, and healthcare. Jill and Lisa share what has kept their team together, why employees return even after leaving, and how a supportive culture translates into recognition for exceptional employee experience. Key Takeaways: Loyalty isn’t random. Jill and Lisa’s 18 and 25 year tenure shows what happens when a workplace prioritizes stability, communication, and human connection. When people feel supported and valued, they stay, and in Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center’s case, many even return. Benefits only matter when employees understand them. Clear communication around total compensation gives people a sense of security and appreciation. Innovative options like FinFit and Zeyzoon show how modern benefits can solve real problems for employees and build trust across the organization. Technology is becoming a central part of the employee experience. Streamlined HR processes free up time for more meaningful engagement and help employees feel like the company is evolving with their needs. But culture still comes from personal connection, not software. Recognition matters. Awards and acknowledgments don’t just celebrate wins. They reinforce that the effort to build a positive workplace is seen and appreciated. A strong culture forms when people feel respected, supported, and part of something that grows with them. This episode was recorded live at isolved Connect in Scottsdale. The Heroes of HR podcast is a limited series sponsored by isolved. isolved is an HCM platform that modernizes HR, benefits, and payroll across Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, and more. Learn more about isolved: ⁠https://www.isolvedhcm.com/⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Heroes of HR Podcast 02:44 The Loyalty Factor in Employment 05:45 Creating a Positive Employee Experience 08:44 Benefits That Matter 11:49 Understanding Total Compensation 14:42 Innovative Benefits and Employee Engagement 17:40 The Role of Technology in HR 20:35 Conclusion and Award Recognition Guests: Lisa Walker, Business Office Manager, Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-walker-3a14aa16/ Jill Fish, Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center Connect with Us: William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/
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    23 mins