Logging Into UKG: A Chicago Users Group Production

In this short and fun episode, we’re talking implementations — the good, the bad, the unexpected, and the moments that make you stop and say, wait…what?

One of our co-hosts is deep in implementation mode, so we flipped the script and let her interview the rest of the crew. We talk real-life lessons, common pitfalls, getting buy-in, finding the right resources, using the right tools, and learning to adapt when the plan changes — because it always does.

We poke a little fun along the way, share some tips, tricks, and genuinely good nuggets, and yes…there’s a pretty entertaining word of the episode hiding in there too.

🎧 Give it a listen, then let us know: what’s happening in implementation land for you?

In this special live episode of Logging Into UKG, we joined the Chicago UKG User Group for a candid conversation about HR data governance—what it really means, why it matters, and what happens when no one is quite sure who owns the data.

We explored the real-world challenges behind inconsistent definitions, duplicate reports, unclear ownership, weak documentation, and competing versions of the truth across HR, Payroll, Workforce Management, IT, and Analytics. We also discussed practical ways organizations can strengthen governance through clearer accountability, documented standards, trusted data sources, and better cross-functional decision-making.

With live input from UKG users and HR technology professionals, this episode brings together strategy, practical lessons, and a few honest truths about the work required to build confidence in workforce data.

We sat down with Stephen Bevan, Sr. Director of Global Payroll, for a practical conversation rooted in what he calls “career payroll”—nearly 30 years of experience running payroll for global organizations across 30+ countries. Stephen walked through how payroll evolved during his career—from cash payments to direct deposit, and from manual processes to modern, electronic operations. He shared tips and tricks on how to go global, build payroll shared services, and scale and optimize payroll over time, along with candid takes on payroll systems and implementation approaches. We also discussed how COVID accelerated modernization, pushing organizations to move faster toward electronic payroll and digital processes.

No guests this time—just the hosts having a real conversation about work-related stress. We talk about how stress shows up even for the “cool, calm” admins, why everything starts to feel like a five-alarm fire, and how to separate what’s urgent from what’s important without burning out. We also get honest about common triggers—after-hours pressure, feeling devalued or talked around, constant firefighting, high personal standards, and the anxiety of taking time off and coming back to an email flood. Then we share what actually helps: setting boundaries, communicating timelines and priorities, addressing issues directly (or using a mediator when needed), getting outside and moving your body, choosing fun on purpose, and finding the right outlet so stress doesn’t spill onto everyone around you.

In this episode, we sit down with Bri Keenan, Lead UX Researcher, and Margaret Davey, Senior UX Researcher, from the UKG UX Research & Analytics Team for a candid look at how UX research shows up in the real world—especially at Aspire. We talk about the impact of the Aspire UX Research Room and why its Expo Hall placement boosted visibility but made deeper conversations harder, plus how the team debriefed afterward to evaluate what worked and what didn’t.

Bri and Margaret also break down how UX research spans the full product lifecycle—from early discovery to usability validation to post-release adoption insights—while sharing how frontline realities (financial pressure, scheduling challenges, transportation, childcare) are influencing UKG focus areas. We also touch on how AI is being explored with a practical goal: reducing tedious work and surfacing issues earlier. Finally, they share clear guidance on how customers can participate in UX research through their UKG representative.

We sat down with David Kermis, Sr. Director of Product Management for UKG Pro HCM—and yes, it was his first podcast (we politely popped his podcast cherry 😄). David shared what it means to build a career — and a product — with real longevity, reflecting on his journey from the Ultimate Software legacy to the new UKG and how that history shaped his perspective. We also talked about what’s coming next in the Pro HCM space, why strong product outcomes still come down to the fundamentals tech leaders can’t afford to ignore, and the practical considerations that go beyond the usual noise — and yes, it wasn’t an “AI episode.” He wrapped with a well-earned shoutout to his incredible team (the kind of appreciation you can’t fake). Fun, honest, and genuinely informative.

We’re closing out the year with a look back at an unforgettable 2025 — from winning a UKG award to launching some of our favorite conversations around strategy, HRIS, and workforce technology.

In this episode, we share:
🏆 Highlights from UKG Aspire and our award recognition
🎯 What we’re planning for 2026 — more interviews, more strategy, and even more HRIS tips, tricks, and tactics
🎄 And of course, a few holiday wishes for our listeners

With a year off from Aspire, you’ll be hearing more from us — and we can’t wait to keep the momentum going.

🎧 Tune in, celebrate with us, and get ready for what’s next.

#UKGPro #WFM #HRIS #HRTech #PodcastRecap #UKGAwards #HolidayEpisode #2026Planning #AspireBreak

Day 3 of UKG Aspire 2025 wrapped up with strong sessions, fresh insights, and a final dose of inspiration. In this closing recap, we looked back at the day’s standout moments, hot topics, and the conversations that kept people talking.

We shared our honest reactions to the content, the energy of the crowd, and what left a lasting impression as the conference came to a close.

🎧 Tune in for our final thoughts, favorite moments, and a look back at an incredible week of learning, connection, and a little bit of chaos.
We laughed. We learned. We survived. 😅

#UKGAspire2025 #AspireLive #UKGPro #WFM #HRTech #ConferenceRecap #PodcastDrop #Day3

Live from Aspire 2025 – A Candid Conversation with Two UKG Powerhouses

In this exclusive Day 2 episode, we sit down with Sarah Hodges, Chief Marketing Officer, and Bob DelPonte, EVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer at UKG.

Sarah shares her reflections on attending Aspire for the first time, the strategy behind UKG’s new brand direction, and what’s next after launching a bold new campaign.
Bob brings his 24-year perspective to the table, discussing the evolution of customer support, the role of transparency in leadership, and what the future holds for the customer experience at UKG.

We also get a glimpse of who they are beyond the titles — and yes, we asked about their “Monday after Aspire.”

🎧 Tune in for real conversations, leadership insight, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from two of UKG’s top voices.

#UKGAspire2025 #UKGPro #Leadership #CustomerExperience #MarketingStrategy #HRTech #WorkforceManagement #PodcastDrop #AspireLive

We’re live from Day 2 of UKG Aspire 2025, recording straight from the heart of the UKG Expo Hall — where the buzz is real, the swag is flying, and the conversations are deep.

In this episode:
🎤 Live reactions from the floor🧠 Session takeaways and trending topics🤝 What people are loving (and side-eyeing) in the Expo📌 Early thoughts on new tools, demos, and what UKG is spotlighting👀 Plus — what to watch for as Day 3 kicks off

If you couldn't make it to the expo, this is your backstage pass to what it feels like to be in the room.

🎧 Tune in now and walk the floor with us — no badge required. Look mom, we’re on camera! 🎥✨

#UKGAspire #UKGAspire2025 #UKGExpo #WFM #HRTech #UKGPro #AspireLive #PodcastRecap #HRIS