Episodes

  • Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - A recap of major tech conferences, ServiceNow's UKG partnership to integrate AI agents, and how AI is affecting ageism across industries - starting at age 29 in tech.

    Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - A recap of major tech conferences, ServiceNow's UKG partnership to integrate AI agents, and how AI is affecting ageism across industries - starting at age 29 in tech.
    May 16 2025
    In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson recap what they learned at recent major HR tech events, including Unleash America. The conversation also explores what’s behind ServiceNow's just-announced partnership with UKG to integrate UKG AI agents with ServiceNow’s AI Agent Fabric and the latest updates on Oracle’s product and marketing strategy, gleaned from its recent Analytics and Data Summit. This episode also covers critical workplace issues, including how AI is affecting ageism bias, Microsoft's new policy to give under-performing employees a choice between a PIP and a severance package, and the urgent need for organizations to establish proper norms around AI-generated work. Key points covered include: ↪️ By working with tech companies such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google, ServiceNow is set to give organizations the ability to integrate AI agents from any implemented AI tool with ServiceNow’s AI Agent Fabric, allowing AI agents to collaborate across solutions. ↪️ Workday secures a $342,000 government contract with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to modernize the agency’s HR system. The contract, which has drawn some criticism because of the closed bidding process, potentially positions Workday for broader work across the federal government. ↪️ The rise of AI and related skills are accelerating ageism in the workplace; in fact, ageism bias in tech companies can begin as early as 29. ↪️ No, Microsoft isn’t getting rid of performance improvement plans; rather the company is now giving employees a choice to work under a traditional PIP or accept a 16-week severance package. There’s much more to this far-reaching conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • HR, We Have a Problem - How to personalize the employee experience and why the one-size-fits-all engagement strategy no longer works.

    HR, We Have a Problem - How to personalize the employee experience and why the one-size-fits-all engagement strategy no longer works.
    May 8 2025
    In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and seasoned HR executive Pam Myers discuss practical guidance for HR professionals navigating today's changing workplace dynamics, including remote work challenges and mergers & acquisitions. They also cover the critical role leadership plays in creating positive workplace cultures and how data analytics can help organizations become more proactive in addressing employee needs. Key points covered include: ↪️ Employee engagement has evolved from basic job satisfaction to a more individualized approach that considers career paths, social connections, and personal values. ↪️ Leadership that prioritizes autonomy, personal connection, and development opportunities creates stronger workplace cultures. ↪️ Data analytics and AI are creating opportunities for more predictive and personalized approaches to employee engagement. ↪️ The future of employee experience will become increasingly personalized through technology, meeting employees where they are in both their professional and personal life cycles. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Pam Myers LinkedIn
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    42 mins
  • Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - HR tech vendors are spying on each other, AI bots applying for job openings and how women will feel the impact first as AI replaces HR jobs

    Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - HR tech vendors are spying on each other, AI bots applying for job openings and how women will feel the impact first as AI replaces HR jobs
    May 2 2025
    In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss key takeaways from the Workday Innovation Summit, including more focus on its ecosystem strategy and partner relationships, the Workday Extend platform, and more plans for AI. The hosts discuss numerous executive changes at Greenhouse, UKG, Docebo, I4CP, and Perceptyx and what they mean for corporate strategies and customers. Throughout the conversation, they reference new uses for AI, its intersection with HR, opportunities for exploitation, manipulation, and misuse – as well as the potential disproportionate impact of AI on women in the workforce. Key points covered include: ↪️ The 28th Annual HR System Survey launches May 1st. In addition to covering all segments of HR tech, the survey will delve into new areas such as contingent workforces and the confluence of work and HR tech. All participants will get a complimentary copy of the final report. ↪️ At its recent Innovation Summit, Workday execs discussed the company’s focus on its partner ecosystem, the Extend platform for app development, and more plans for AI. ↪️ Paychex completes its acquisition of Paycor, with plans to maintain the Paycor brand while exploring ASO and PO service opportunities. ↪️ Microsoft's new People Skills, an AI-powered data layer within Microsoft 365 Copilot, promises to infer and map skills based on user activity – another example of how AI tools are blurring the lines between work and HR technology. ↪️ AI-powered recruiting tools are reshaping hiring processes but stories of misuse are cropping up. “Fake” applicants are starting to flood systems and biased filters are systematically overlooking qualified candidates. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff Stevenson Twitter | LinkedIn
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • HR, We Have a Problem - How proper AI implementation drives productivity, enhances decision-making with data, and creates strategic advantage fundamentally changing how work gets done.

    HR, We Have a Problem - How proper AI implementation drives productivity, enhances decision-making with data, and creates strategic advantage fundamentally changing how work gets done.
    Apr 24 2025
    In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper welcomes William Tincup, Editor, Analyst, Advisor & Host at WRKdefined, for a candid discussion on how HR is fundamentally about improvisation, with practitioners regularly shifting from planned activities to urgent matters like harassment claims or large-scale acquisitions. Their discussion covers technology adoption, AI implementation, recruiting trends, and the importance of making HR systems engaging for employees who aren't explicitly paid to use them. Throughout the episode, they share practical insights about creating sustainable technology adoption through gamification, thoughtful change management, and a focus on user experience. Key points covered include: ↪️ The real challenge with AI isn't the technology itself but adoption - creating systems for employees to share what they're learning and increasing digital literacy across organizations. ↪️ Rather than overwhelming employees with all features at once, gradually introduce functionality and ensure people are comfortable with each layer before moving deeper ↪️ AI adoption in HR benefits from experimentation and sharing knowledge organization-wide - the challenge isn't the technology itself but creating systems for organizational learning as people use these tools. ↪️ As AI transforms recruiting into an "AI versus AI" dynamic with candidates using AI for resumes, HR professionals should focus less on keywords and more on finding people who genuinely want the job. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn William Tincup Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Why Europe and Asia are outpacing US AI Adoption, data integration's 17% ROI and how skills validation is changing the global HR landscape.

    Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Why Europe and Asia are outpacing US AI Adoption, data integration's 17% ROI and how skills validation is changing the global HR landscape.
    Apr 17 2025
    In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson discuss international acquisitions, AI implementations across the industry, and the growing focus on skills-based approaches to workforce management. This conversation explores how organizations are navigating technology decisions during a period of economic uncertainty, particularly in the US market. The hosts also preview Sapient Insights Group's 28th Annual HR Systems Survey launching May 1st, highlighting new questions on AI adoption, contingent workforce management, and integration strategies. Key points covered include: ↪️ Integration strategy is critical - organizations with data integration strategies see 16-17% better business outcomes, yet only 20% of companies have such strategies in place. ↪️ AI development is shifting from a "checkers" approach (collecting maximum data) to a "chess" approach (strategic data selection for specific outcomes). ↪️Skills validation and standardization are becoming critical challenges, with new initiatives like skills-first.org and extended reality training platforms addressing these needs. ↪️ Europe and Asia-Pacific markets are showing stronger AI adoption at the mid-market and SMB levels compared to the more uncertain US market. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff Stevenson Twitter | LinkedIn
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    52 mins
  • HR, We Have a Problem - The rise of the workforce systems leader in hr and why CHROs need them in 2025

    HR, We Have a Problem - The rise of the workforce systems leader in hr and why CHROs need them in 2025
    Apr 10 2025
    In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Richard Rosenow, VP People Analytics Strategy at One Model, discuss the evolution of people analytics and systems thinking in HR. This conversation explores the role of "workforce systems leaders" who coordinate the people data supply chain across strategy, operations, technology, data, and analytics. Key points covered include: ↪️ People analytics is best viewed as "listening at scale," allowing HR professionals to understand workforce dynamics through data while still leveraging their human-centered strengths. ↪️ A new "workforce systems leader" role is naturally emerging to coordinate the people data supply chain (strategy, ops, tech, data, analytics) and relieve overwhelmed CHROs ↪️ The biggest challenge in people analytics today isn't technology or data skills but driving organizational change and securing resources to implement insights. ↪️ Modern analytics platforms are making technology more accessible, allowing HR professionals to return to their core strengths while being data-informed. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Richard Rosenow Twitter | LinkedIn
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    45 mins
  • Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Deel-Rippling corporate espionage, more executive moves and product announcements, and recent survey findings on pay equity and AI use among small businesses.

    Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Deel-Rippling corporate espionage, more executive moves and product announcements, and recent survey findings on pay equity and AI use among small businesses.
    Apr 3 2025
    In this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson explore several notable executive movements, including new leadership roles at Udemy, iSolved, and Rippling. They analyze recent product-related announcements such as the full integration of ApplicantPro into isolved’s brand and UKG’s launch of Ready Suite into the Canadian market. The conversation also touches on the high-profile legal dispute between Deel and Rippling and its implications for buyers and data security practices. Key points covered include: ↪️ isolved's full and complete integration of ApplicantPro into its brand and business,, strengthening the company’s all-in-one platform approach for SMB customers. ↪️ UKG’s launch of Ready Suite into the Canadian market, offering a native payroll solution for small businesses as well as its full product suite. The move is part of the company’s expansion beyond the 3000-plus employee market. ↪️ The lawsuit over alleged corporate espionage between Deel and Rippling highlights critical questions around data access controls and security practices for HR tech vendors. ↪️ According to the recent Paychex survey, while 72% of small businesses have a somewhat positive to very positive sentiment about AI use, 18% struggle with AI use because of poor data. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey Harris Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Cliff Stevenson Twitter | LinkedIn
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    50 mins
  • HR, We Have a Problem - How to redirect your career path and transition beyond retirement.

    HR, We Have a Problem - How to redirect your career path and transition beyond retirement.
    Mar 27 2025
    In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper sits down with HR tech legend Lexy Martin, the originator of the annual HR System Survey Report. Lexy shares her journey from being one of the first women in tech programming in 1967 to becoming a renowned researcher and thought leader in HR technology. The conversation explores her groundbreaking work in self-service HR solutions, lessons from decades of research, and her current focus on helping people "redirect" rather than retire. Throughout the discussion, Lexy offers valuable insights on career transitions that apply to professionals at any age. Key points covered include: ↪️ Integration of HR technology remains a significant challenge, requiring cross-functional collaboration and effective change management. ↪️ People analytics consistently proves to be the technology that most improves organizational performance when properly implemented. ↪️ Successful career "redirecting" requires foundations including financial stability, physical/emotional health, strong relationships, and time to "cocoon" and reflect. ↪️ Modern thought leadership is evolving from individual expertise to community-based learning and knowledge sharing. Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below: Sapient Insights Group Download the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White Paper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Teri Zipper Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Lexy Martin LinkedIn
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    42 mins