On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Mercedes Sullivan, VP of People Transformation at McKinley! 

Mercedes shares her unconventional journey as a touring professional tennis player, which eventually led her to become an IT and HR transformation executive. Plus, her fun story on how experimenting with an AI boyfriend named ‘Mateo’ sparked a curiosity for AI in the future of work. 

The group explores the intersection of AI and human connection, the ethics of automation, and why treating employees like athletes could unlock performance potential across the enterprise. Mercedes also shares her paradigm-shifting mindset of moving from “projects to products”, her vision for governance in an AI-powered workplace, and why HR must lead the way in keeping humanity at the center of innovation.

Connect with Mercedes: 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedessullivan/ 

Article about Mercedes, Tennis to Corporate career: https://www.itftennis.com/en/news-and-media/articles/from-court-to-corporate-world-the-touring-teams-influence/

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this very special episode, Julie and Pete take a tour of the 2025 Payroll Profession Confidence Index (PPCI) report!

They share details and color commentary around the results of the 2nd annual PPCI, walking through the unique research set and its key findings and themes, including guidance for leaders and C-suite executives.  The 2025 PPCI assesses the health of the payroll profession and its operations globally, delving deeper into the performance of payroll operations against the Five Pillars of Modern Payroll, introduced in the 2024 inaugural report.  Plus, Pete unveils a groundbreaking new Modern Payroll ROI Framework and POV to help leaders measure, prove, and shape a new narrative around payroll’s strategic contributions and impact! 

Download the 2025 PPCI: https://www.payrollinfluences.com/researches/2025-payroll-profession-confidence-index-report

About the PPCI: 

The Payroll Profession Confidence Index (PPCI) is the first-of-its-kind payroll research designed 'by payroll and for payroll' to amplify the collective voice of its professionals and raise awareness for the value and impact of the critical profession. The PPCI takes the sentiment-based pulse of payroll professionals and measures the health and value-driven impact of their operations to better understand how to nurture the future of the payroll profession and raise the eminence and impact of every payroll professional worldwide. The PPCI remains entirely free of sponsorship or any monetization, and 100% anonymous with no personal information required to participate or to access the final report. 

About Payroll Influences: www.payrollinfluences.com

Founded, curated, and led ‘by payroll and for payroll, ‘Pi’ is the world’s premier virtual forum dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the critical payroll profession and empowering its current and future leaders to shape its next chapter. We believe payroll professionals are the most essential workers on the planet and, until now, have lacked an ecosystem dedicated to advancing their eminence and influence. Our mission is to provide THE premier forum to unite the world’s most essential professionals through a community of like-minded leaders eager to explore, share, learn, and advance as payroll executives! 

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome long-time HR technology industry executive and Partner at Acadian Ventures, Thomas Otter, to share his insights on where ‘hype meets truth’ on the state and future of HR and payroll technology!

Thomas shares his path from studying labor law and industrial relations to finding a career in HR technology and now fueling the future of HR tech as an investor.  Thomas provides insight into the Acadian Ventures investment thesis and lens, as well as why the firm is betting big on what he calls the “infrastructure era” of HR tech. He explains why AI is prompting the industry to reassess long-held assumptions and challenges the hype that often surrounds so-called ‘game-changing’ innovations, as well as how unstructured data and conversational UIs are transforming our interactions with systems. 

Thomas makes a compelling case for why HR leaders must understand their business at its core - starting by knowing their organization’s “gold price.” Plus, advice on how HR buyers can cut through the noise to focus on what solutions actually deliver to solve problems and drive business outcomes!

Connect with Thomas: 

Acadian Ventures: https://www.acadianventures.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasotter/ 

SubStack: https://thomasotter.substack.com/

“Wedding cakes vs. Cupcakes” blog: https://www.unleash.ai/hr-technology/thomas-otter-on-the-wedding-cake-v-cupcake-of-hr-tech/

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Eddie Dunn, Founder and Exec Director at Civilian Ready Foundation, Interim President at Vets2Industry, long time talent executive, Army veteran and veteran advocate to the show.  

Eddie shares insights on creating veteran-ready workplaces and bridging the gap between the highly skilled veteran community and the civilian workforce. Eddie discusses the critical importance of confidence, community, and clarity during a veterans’ transition, and why employers must move beyond standard hiring practices to truly tap into veterans’ immense leadership capabilities and unique skillsets. From redefining transition as a wellness practice to advocating personalized career pathways, Eddie offers valuable guidance for HR leaders, employers, and transitioning service members alike. 

Connect with Eddie: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiedunn/

Civilian Ready: https://www.civilianready.org/

Vets2Industry: https://vets2industry.org/

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

In this episode, Pete and Julie welcome long-time show friend Danny Schulz, Director of Global Payroll at Kohler, for a candid and insightful conversation on the future of payroll talent, leadership, and transformation!

Danny shares how Kohler is navigating the looming payroll talent gap with intentional succession planning, cross-generational leadership, and a bold commitment to building a people-first, globally integrated payroll function. From reshaping payroll’s role under Total Rewards to embracing data science and automation, Danny offers insights for building resilient operations, preparing for global expansion, and reframing payroll as a strategic growth engine.

Connect with Danny: 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-schulz/  

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome global mobility powerhouse, the “energizer bunny” of global payroll, and Founder of ExPaytriate, Catey Palmer! 

Catey shares her unconventional journey from a career in law to global payroll and how her passion for compliance, strategy, and people shaped a new venture to make expat payroll support more accessible. The group talks the often-overlooked intricacies of global mobility, shadow payrolls, and the critical need for tighter integration between HR, payroll, tax, and legal. Catey also shares candid views on the evolving role of EORs and how technology and culture must evolve to support truly agile global talent strategies. 

Connect with Catey:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catey-palmer-globalpayroll/ 

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Maureen Shea, former VP of HR Transformation, Vendor Governance, and Finance at CVS Health, for an energizing conversation on building an end-to-end mindset in a world of constant change!

From her early days in compensation and benefits to leading large-scale enterprise HCM integrations, Maureen shares hard-earned insights on breaking down silos, driving cross-functional change, and keeping the employee experience front and center. The group explores how HR can move beyond the “way we’ve always done it” mindset, leverage AI and automation, and build credibility through data-driven outcomes. Whether you’re grappling with onboarding challenges, technology transformation, or cultural resistance, this episode is packed with relatable stories, sharp advice, and a few laughs on what it takes to drive meaningful change in today’s complex HR landscape.

Connect with Maureen: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenshea7/ 

Connect with the show: 

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

In this episode, Pete returns from Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida where UKG held its first Global Analyst Day and shares insights from the big event!  Pete and Julie opine a long list of updates at UKG including its refreshed C-suite, GTM focus, plus product updates on both the UKG Ready and UKG Pro solutions and what it all means for buyers.    

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

Fresh home from Orlando, Florida, Pete and Julie debrief on the ‘Super Bowl of Payroll,’ the 43rd annual Payroll Congress!  They share a recap of the biggest week in payroll, including POV’s on key learning sessions, keynotes, and insights from the week.  The new products and innovations making headlines, plus their thoughts on trends and takeaways from conversations around the event! 

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky. social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0

On this episode, and just in time for Veterans Appreciation Month…. Pete and Julie welcome Ross Dickman, Army veteran and CEO of Hire Heroes USA! 

Ross shares his personal transition story from Apache helicopter pilot to purpose-driven nonprofit CEO, offering candid insights on the challenges veterans and their spouses face when entering the civilian workforce and the rich, often overlooked skills they offer. Ross provides a peek into the mission at Hire Heroes USA and why it is as critical as ever, highlighting the power of purpose and belonging in veteran engagement.  Ross provides his POV on engaging and nurturing veteran talent as the workforce evolves with tips for the employer and veteran lenses. 

Connect with Ross and HireHeroes USA: 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossdickman/ 

Hire Heroes USA: www.hireheroesusa.org 

Connect with the show:   

LinkedIn:  http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 

X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0