It's About Payroll

🎧 EPISODE 166: The Global Payroll Playbook with Max van der Klis-Busink Podcast: It’s About Payroll Hosts: Brian Escobar & Walt Tynes

This week, we’re honored to welcome Max van der Klis-Busink — global payroll leader, award-winning author of The Global Payroll Manager’s Playbook, and founder of Passion for Payroll & The Payroll Comedian.

Max shares his journey from dreaming about global payroll in Amsterdam to launching a book now sold in over 35 countries—with 100% of proceeds going to help kids access sports.

🎙️ In this episode:

Why payroll is beautifully complex

The power of structure in chaotic payroll worlds

Leadership traits every payroll pro needs now

Debunking the “one global vendor” myth

How AI can (and should) empower frontline payroll teams

What’s next for Max in his payroll comedy journey

📌 Quote of the day: “Every day is Day Zero.”

If you’re in payroll, HR, finance—or even just pay curious—this is a must-listen conversation.

✅ Subscribe, rate, and share the episode!

#PayrollPodcast #ItsAboutPayroll #MaxVanDerKlisBusink #PayrollLeadership #FutureOfWork #GlobalPayroll #PayrollBook #HRTech #ThePayrollComedian

Trucking payroll isn’t just complex—it’s a moving target.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Ritzema, President and Founder of Superior Trucking Payroll Service, to talk about the unique challenges and solutions in the world of transportation compensation. From per diem strategies and IRS Form 945 to misclassification pitfalls and garnishment headaches, Michael shares hard-earned insights from years on the road supporting carriers. We also dig into how automation is shifting the landscape, what new fleets often get wrong, and where the industry is headed next.

If you’re in trucking or just love a good payroll puzzle, this episode delivers.

**Website:** [truckingpayroll.com](https://truckingpayroll.com)

**Social Media:**

- LinkedIn: [Michael Ritzema](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelritzema)

- YouTube: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0yXxR3fTjxoPoxtI2kOhA)

- TikTok: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.tiktok.com/@truckingpayroll)

- Instagram: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.instagram.com/truckingpayroll)

- Twitter: [Trucking Payroll](https://twitter.com/truckingpayroll)

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, we welcome Michael Steen, Client Solutions Director at Payroll Minds, for a powerful and insightful conversation on the intersection of payroll, leadership, and humanity. Michael shares his nontraditional journey from crisis intervention and mental health to global payroll consulting, and how compassion, personal branding, and listening are his keys to success.

We dive into:

What the future of payroll could—and should—look like

Why AI hasn’t quite arrived (yet) in payroll processing

The power of showing up authentically in a sales-driven world

The importance of building a personal brand on LinkedIn

Real talk on burnout, balance, and leading with kindness

If you’re a payroll professional, HR leader, or just someone who values thoughtful leadership and industry disruption, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we hit pause to look back and talk through:

✅ What really stood out to us this season

✅ The challenges we navigated behind the scenes

✅ Powerful lessons learned along the way

✅ And most importantly—the amazing guests who brought their wisdom, energy, and heart to every conversation.

From compliance curves to pay transparency, global payroll trends to financial wellness tips, these seasons have been full of insights and impact. 🙌

Whether you're a payroll pro or just trying to better understand your paycheck, we’ve got something for you.

🎙️ Tune in to hear our takeaways, favorite moments, and what’s next for both shows.

👉 https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll, https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-your-paycheck, itsaboutpayroll.io, itsaboutyourpaycheck.com.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250623026106/en/Dallas-YMCA-Unleashes-Workforce-Efficiency-Saves-600-Hours-a-Year-with-AI-First-UKG-Suite

https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/2180/economics/economic-impact-of-war/

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, we’re joined by the brilliant Tiana Neal—a dynamic leader in global payroll and benefits operations, founder of Transcenders Consulting Group, and host of The Human Roll podcast. With deep expertise at the crossroads of compliance, care, and technology, Tiana brings a refreshing and insightful perspective to the evolving relationship between HR and Payroll.

Together, we dive into the essential (and sometimes messy) collaboration between HR and Payroll—from recruiting and onboarding to time tracking, benefits, compliance, and system integration.

Tiana unpacks the common pitfalls organizations face, shares strategies for aligning people, systems, and processes, and weighs in on the hotly debated question: Should Payroll report to HR, Finance… or stand alone?

In Episode 161 of It’s About Payroll, we dive deep into the growing conversation around cryptocurrency and fiat currency—and how both could shape the future of payroll.

We explore three major areas of debate: 🔹 Decentralization vs. Centralized Control 🔹 Inflation Resistance vs. Economic Flexibility 🔹 Transparency vs. Regulatory Protection

From the transparency and autonomy offered by blockchain, to the economic stability and legal safeguards built into the U.S. dollar system, this episode unpacks how each side stacks up when it comes to paying people fairly, securely, and sustainably.

As digital currencies continue to evolve, payroll professionals need to understand the opportunities and the risks. Could decentralized finance revolutionize how we pay employees? Or is the traditional system still the most reliable anchor in times of economic uncertainty?

Tune in for an insightful debate and practical payroll takeaways from both sides of the coin.

Links & References 

wrkdefined.com 

itsaboutpayroll.io 

https://youtu.be/loISEZr38UU 

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, we sit down with newly certified payroll pro Tasia Walker, CPP, as she shares her inspiring journey to passing the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exam. Tasia opens up about her study strategies, time management, the emotional rollercoaster of test prep, and what it truly takes to succeed. Whether you're thinking about getting certified or knee-deep in study guides, this episode is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and real talk from someone who’s been there.

Links

https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/itsaboutpayroll?selected=DIRED8105994544  
https://wrkdefined.com/

https://youtu.be/J_8OkD4ChhI

wrkdefined.com

In this gripping episode of It’s About Payroll, we dive into a real-life payroll fraud case straight out of Florida, where four Honduran nationals ran a years-long fake books and payroll scheme—laundering more than $100 million through shell companies and ghost employees. We walk through how the fraud worked, how they got caught, and what payroll professionals can learn from the case to better detect and prevent similar crimes in their own organizations.

Don’t miss this eye-opening installment of True Payroll Crime Stories—because payroll fraud isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet... it's a criminal enterprise.

Case Referenced - https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-honduran-nationals-indicted-florida-years-long-books-payroll-scheme

Brian's News Updates - https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250508582617/en/Tanium-AEM-for-ServiceNow-Accelerates-IT-Journey-for-Global-Human-Capital-Management-Leader-UKG

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250508762225/en/Gusto-Taps-Melio-to-Launch-Bill-Pay-and-Invoicing-Solution

Episode 157: Fraud, Forensics, and the Future of Payroll – with Brittany Furr

https://www.itsaboutpayroll.io/

https://youtu.be/UNW-D7rFNcs

In this episode of 'It's About Payroll,' hosts Brian and Walt have an in-depth discussion with Lisa King and Kristina Vartija, co-founders of the innovative payroll management system LNKT( pronounced Linked). The conversation covers the challenges and intricacies of payroll processes, the importance of proper documentation, and how LNKT aims to revolutionize the industry by offering a collaborative and streamlined approach to payroll management. They also dive into their personal career journeys, company values, and the potential impact of their tool on the payroll community. Tune in for insightful discussions, helpful tips, and learn how LNKT can help make payroll processes more efficient and reliable.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff

00:28 Hosts' Personal Updates and Payroll Bootcamp

02:40 Payroll Crime Stories

04:34 Welcoming New Listeners

05:45 Sponsor Message: Time TrakGO

06:50 Introducing the Guests: Founders of Linked Up

07:54 Guests' Backgrounds and Journey into Payroll

14:07 The Birth of Linked Up: Solving Payroll Challenges

27:46 Company Values and Vision

35:00 Debating Financial Literacy Responsibilities

35:53 Live Recording and Audience Engagement

36:33 Exploring Social Media and Community Interaction

39:00 Introducing Linked: A Payroll Management Tool

42:21 Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

47:55 Fun and Games: You or Them

55:04 Podcast Recommendations and Personal Interests

57:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Links & Resources

WWW.LNKTUP.COM - Be sure to go check out LNKT TODAY!

www.TimeTrakGO.com/IAP - 50% Off if you claim this special offer today!

www.itsaboutpayroll.io 

Walt’s News Update - https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/two-cpas-sentenced-billion-dollar-syndicated-conservation-easement-tax-scheme  

https://youtu.be/9f816kDlUW8