On this episode of HR & Payroll 2.0, Pete and Julie welcome Ross Heron, CEO of the Australian Payroll Association to explore one of the world’s fastest-evolving and complex payroll landscapes! 

Ross unpacks why Australia has surged up the global payroll complexity rankings, how new legislation is reshaping employer accountability, and why compliance is becoming a board-level conversation.

Together, they dive into the mounting risks facing payroll leaders, the accelerating talent and payroll skill shortage, and the emerging role of payroll as a strategic, data-driven advisor to the business. Ross shares what’s driving innovation, where AI adoption truly stands, and how forward-thinking organizations are reimagining payroll as a financial well-being engine and not just an administrative function amid unprecedented regulatory and technological change.

Connect with Ross & the Australian Payroll Association:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/australian-payroll-association 

Website:  https://austpayroll.com.au/ 

‘Beryl’ AI Payroll Assistant: https://info.austpayroll.com.au/beryl-payroll-assistant 

Australian Industry Report 2025: https://austpayroll.com.au/2025-payroll-industry-report

Australian AI Adoption Report 2025: https://austpayroll.com.au/payroll-ai-adoption-report

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

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome Sue Danino, a seasoned CFO and shared-services executive who has spent her career at the intersection of finance, payroll, and enterprise transformation.

Sue dishes on how CFOs truly view payroll’s strategic value - from controllership and cash-flow forecasting to risk, compliance, and data-driven decision-making. Together, the trio explores payroll’s wedge between HR and Finance, and how that tension can be turned into partnership, influence, and better business outcomes.

Sue shares candid stories from leading large, complex organizations through M&A, global payroll consolidation, and multi-provider landscapes, highlighting why payroll must be at the table early for any acquisition, restructuring, or technology investment. The conversation explores the rise of automation and AI inside finance functions, the growing importance of real-time integrations, and why documentation, governance, and cross-functional relationships matter more than ever.

Connect with Sue:

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

https://www.focuscfo.com/fractional-cfo-team/sue-danino 

Connect with the show:

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

X: @HRPayroll2_0 

BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social

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

On this episode, Pete and Julie share their POV’s and insights on long list of HR and payroll tech marketplace updates and activity making headlines to wrap up 2025!  

Pete and Julie share their thoughts on recent events including UKG Aspire and Workday Rising EMEA.  Plus acquisitions, product announcements, and news from vendors across HCM, Payroll, Benefits, EOR, fintech, compliance, managed services, and more.  

Vendors mentioned in the episode include ADP, Alight, Bitwage, Deel, DarwinBox, G-P, IBM, Paychex, Paystand, SD Worx, Strada Global, UKG, Vensure Employer Solutions, and Workday.   

Connect with the show:

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

X: @HRPayroll2_0 

X: @PeteTiliakos 

X: @JulieFer_HR

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/hrpayroll2o.bsky.social 

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

WRKDefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/hr-payroll-20

On this episode, Pete and Julie welcome award-winning Chief Marketing Officer, founder, author, and TV host Jeanniey Walden to the show for a masterclass in modern leadership, marketing, brand storytelling, and authenticity!

From her early career at JCPenney to leading marketing for global brands like Mercer, Rite Aid, and DailyPay, Jeanniey shares how authenticity, inspiration, and relatability – all central elements in her signature “AIR” framework can transform not only marketing but also internal culture. She reveals how DailyPay's branding became a verb, why HR leaders are natural marketers, and how AI is reshaping creativity, communication, and brand trust.

The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping marketing strategy and what it means for trust, creativity, and authenticity. Jeanniey shares her experience testing a fully AI-powered “virtual team,” what she’s learning from it, and why she believes AI replaces inefficiency, not humanity. 

From the future of demand generation to the return of face-to-face connection, Jeanniey shares invaluable insights for leaders, reminding us that in an AI world, the most powerful brands will be built on emotion, trust, and human connection.

Connect with Jeanniey:

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

X: https://x.com/LiftOffShow

Website: https://www.liftoffcompany.com/ 

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

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 ‘ATLien’, HRIS strategist, payroll expert, and CEO of Transcenders Consulting Group, and host of the Human-Roll Podcast, Tiana Neal!

Tiana shares here path of a career in radio and television to finding passion and purpose in HR and payroll.  And why curiosity, courage, and a love of fixing things shaped her career and her work helping organizations modernize HR and payroll systems. 

From the rise and angst with AI to compliance complexity to why so many companies still mistake tech problems for people problems. Tiana shares how HR and payroll leaders can embrace change, elevate the employee experience, and lead their businesses into what’s next.

Plus, Pete, Julie and Tiana talk through a handful of notable workplace and HR related news articles and share their POV’s and have a little fun with each! 

Connect with Tiana:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-neal-22903386/

Website: http://www.transcendersconsultinggroup.com/

Blogs: https://www.transcendersconsultinggroup.com/ourblog 

The Human Roll Podcast: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/the-human-roll

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 special episode recorded live at the CIPP’s (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete sits down with Ian Giles, Global Payroll Director at Dayforce, for a high-energy conversation on the “golden age of payroll!”

From the rise of AI to the rebirth of real-time pay, Ian shares his view from the front lines of global payroll transformation, where technology, trust, and talent are redefining what it means to lead in this profession.

Together, they explore how AI is reshaping payroll roles, why flexibility is the new currency of attraction, and how earned-wage access and continuous calculation are accelerating the move beyond the traditional pay cycle. Ian also offers candid advice for payroll leaders on building strategic influence, restoring trust, and embracing innovation before they’re left behind.

Connect with Ian:

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

Dayforce: https://www.dayforce.com/

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 special episode, recorded live at the CIPP’s (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete sits down with Steve Elcock, Director of AI & HCM Product at Zellis, for a conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of payroll and HR.

The two explore why payroll is the ultimate test case for trustworthy AI, and why future-ready organizations must invest in AI literacy, clean data, and standard operating models before expecting results.

Steve unpacks the real-world applications of AI in payroll, from data quality and model trust to embedded security and responsible automation, sharing how AI is bringing explainability and precision to one of the most risk-averse functions in business.

Together, they explore what it takes to move beyond the hype, discussing AI readiness, data scaffolding, sustainability, and why domain expertise will define the next generation of payroll innovation.

Connect with Steve:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-elcock-4b04a2/

Zellis: https://www.zellis.com/ 

About Zellis ELLA: https://www.zellis.com/software/ai-with-humanity/ 

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 special episode recorded live at the CIPP’s (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete catches up with HCM transformation and global payroll executive, Wendy Muirhead, Founding Partner of WH People!

From the shifting compliance landscape in the U.K., to the cultural and economic forces shaping payroll investment worldwide, Wendy shares the current climate and pulse across the marketplace as organizations strive to “do more with less” and unlock the hidden strategic value in modern payroll operations. 

Pete and Wendy explore how payroll leaders are earning a seat at the table, by mastering data, governance, and storytelling that moves the C-suite from “approval  to investment” - sharing how payroll leaders can step beyond execution to become strategic advisors, driving business outcomes through insight, collaboration, and influence at the C-suite level.

Together, they challenge the perception of payroll as a back-office function, spotlighting the profession’s evolution toward risk mitigation, business transformation, and strategic influence.

Connect with Wendy:

WH People: https://wh-people.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendymuirhead0980/ 

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 special episode recorded live at the CIPP’s (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete catches up with the world-famous duo behind the most recognized payroll recruiting brands in the world - JGA Recruitment co-founders and payroll evangelists Nick Day and Tom Coughton!

Together, they unpack the evolving payroll talent landscape, exploring how AI, hybrid work, and shifting expectations are reshaping the skills, leadership, and mindset required to thrive in modern payroll. 

From the global war for payroll talent to the rise of the Chief Payroll Officer and the paradigm-shifting concept of a “Chief Payroll Ethicist,” the trio dives into the importance of storytelling, trust, and leadership development in attracting the next generation of payroll professionals.

Packed with candid discussion and actionable advice, this episode challenges payroll and HR leaders alike to rethink the critical practice positioning in the organization and how they attract, retain, and empower the next generation of payroll professionals.

Connect with Nick and Tom:

JGA Recruitment: https://jgarecruitmentinc.com/

Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/ 

Tom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-croughton/ 

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 special episode recorded live at the CIPP’s (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPP ACE) in Newport, Wales, Pete sits down with Jen Cozier, VP of Product Management for Workday Payroll, to unpack how AI, data, and orchestration are transforming the payroll experience. 

They explore why trust, data quality, and employee experience are shaping payroll’s position and impact for a new strategic era, and how modern payroll teams can elevate their strategic influence, attract new talent, and lead with innovation in what Pete has called the “golden age of payroll.”

Connect with Jen:

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

Workday Payroll: https://www.workday.com/en-us/products/payroll/overview.html 

Pete’s recent e-book “From Cost Center to Strategic Partner: The ROI of Modern Payroll” in partnership with Workday: https://shorturl.at/MjlYn 

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