August 14, 2025

HR, We Have a Problem - How to avoid the HR vendor selection trap and why taking control of the process can save millions in failed implementations.

52 minutes

In this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Teri Zipper and guest Brett Ungashick, Founder and CEO of Outsail, discuss one of the most challenging aspects of HR leadership: selecting and buying the right software solutions. They explore common pitfalls that derail software purchases and strategies for running a thorough, stakeholder-friendly evaluation. This conversation covers how to move beyond flashy demos and sales presentations to focus on what really matters for your organization's long-term success.

Key points covered include:

↪️ How organizations often fall in love with vendors based on charismatic salespeople and polished presentations, at the risk of ignoring other solutions that might be better suited for their needs..

↪️ The challenge of balancing input from multiple stakeholders without creating "too many voices" that slow progress, and strategies for organizing core project teams versus secondary stakeholder groups.

↪️ The difficulty buyers face in comparing vendor proposals due to inconsistent pricing models, hidden costs, and the importance of understanding total cost of ownership beyond initial software fees.

↪️ How billion-dollar software companies often control the selection process through their sales methodology, and why buyers need to take ownership by setting their own agendas, scorecards, and evaluation criteria.

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

Brett Ungashick

Outsail

...more