In this forward-looking conversation, Sean Luitjens, Bryan Briscoe, and Paul Reiman share their predictions for HR in 2026, exploring the growing impact of pay transparency, the evolving role of AI, and what these changes mean for leaders and employees alike. Drawing on real-world experience, they offer practical insights, candid reflections, and a few personal stories along the way. The episode wraps with a fun speed round, balancing thoughtful perspective with a lighter touch for HR leaders preparing for what’s next.

00:00 Welcome and Predictions for 20260

3:07 Brian's Journey into HR

05:54 The Importance of Communication in HR

08:52 Speed Round with Bryan

11:57 Industry Predictions for 2026

14:54 Tech Innovations in HR

17:47 Navigating Pay Transparency

20:41 The Future of HR Technology

23:53 The Future of Pay Transparency

27:11 Challenges in Achieving Pay Equity

29:50 The Impact of AI on Hiring Practices

35:59 Market Dynamics and Company Consolidation

46:36 Transforming HR into Strategic Business Partners

In this conversation, Sean Luitjens, Paul Reiman, and Pete Tiliakos delve into the complexities and evolving landscape of payroll and compensation. They discuss the importance of aligning payroll with compensation strategies, the impact of technology and data on payroll processes, and the challenges faced in global payroll management. The conversation highlights the critical role payroll plays in organizational agility and the need for payroll professionals to step into leadership roles. They also touch on the implications of AI in payroll and the necessity for better understanding and collaboration between payroll and compensation teams.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Payroll Insights

03:01 The Evolution of Payroll Practices

06:07 The Intersection of Payroll and Employee Experience

08:52 The Relationship Between Payroll and Compensation

11:58 Data-Driven Payroll Strategies

14:56 Global Payroll Challenges and Solutions

19:28 The Evolution of Payroll Technology

22:11 The Impact of Globalization on Payroll

25:30 The Future of Payroll and Compensation

30:09 The Challenges of Payroll Accuracy

34:09 The Role of Payroll in Organizational Strategy

37:47 Understanding Payroll's Value in Business

In this holiday-themed conversation, Sean and Paul discuss their personal holiday traditions, favorite festive moments, and the challenges of navigating holiday expectations in the workplace. They engage in a speed round of questions about Thanksgiving and Christmas, share their favorite holiday movies, and reflect on the importance of communication and transparency in compensation practices as they look ahead to 2026.

00:00 Holiday Spirit and Grumpiness

02:06 Speed Round Introduction

03:34 Thanksgiving and Christmas Traditions

10:13 Favorite Holiday Moments and Movies

16:39 Gifts and Expectations for 2026

20:05 Lump of Coal: Challenges Ahead

In this episode, Sean and Paul sit down with Warren Mueller to unpack the evolving world of market compliance in the professional services sector. Together, they explore the increasingly competitive landscape of talent acquisition, rising client expectations, and the growing pressure to stay ahead of market demands. The conversation also dives into the complexities of pay equity, including the legal challenges organizations may face when they fall behind.

00:00 Introduction and Light Banter

04:35 Warren's Background and Career Journey

12:08 Pay Equity and Transparency Discussion1

9:25 Navigating Pay Equity and Transparency

19:59 The Importance of Pay Explainability

21:21 Global Perspectives on Pay Practices

22:08 Communication Strategies in Compensation

29:40 Key Elements for Successful Compensation Programs

31:15 The Role of Communication in Pay Transparency

34:20 Embracing Change and Finding Grace

37:02 Rethinking Performance and Compensation

In this episode, Sean and Paul sit down with Mark Szypko to unpack why transparency and communication are the backbone of an effective compensation strategy. Mark breaks down the misconceptions that often hold organizations back and makes a compelling case for openly sharing salary ranges and pay practices to strengthen trust, confidence, and alignment across the workforce. Whether you’re refining your compensation philosophy or navigating growing transparency expectations, this conversation delivers practical insights you can put to work right away.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:35 Mark's Career Journey in Compensation

05:21 Networking and Community Building in Compensation

07:54 Insights on Compensation Practices10:33Personal Insights and Experiences

12:47 The Journey of a Compensation Expert

14:00 Key Elements of a Successful Compensation Program

17:02 The Importance of Communication in Compensation

19:39 The Evolving Role of Compensation Professionals

23:04 The Impact of Technology on Compensation

27:21 Modernizing Compensation Practices

In this episode, Sean, Paul, and Holly dive into the playful—but surprisingly effective—ways teams influence leadership, from decorating the comp leader’s office to deploying well-timed snack diplomacy. Through humor and a bit of “friendly bribery,” they reveal how unconventional tactics can spark alignment, strengthen relationships, and get everyone working toward the same goals. The message: leadership influence often thrives on creativity, connection, and a well-timed laugh.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

07:27 The Importance of Data in Talent Acquisition

19:06 Building Trust and Relationships in HR

22:09 Challenges in the Partnership Between TA and Rewards

23:49 Understanding Job Architecture and Compensation

26:31 The Importance of Collaboration in HR

29:10 Navigating Leadership Dynamics

32:09 The Role of Technology in HR

34:57 Empowering Decision-Making through Technology

39:37 The Impact of Pay Transparency

42:49 The Need for Integrated HR Partnerships

In this episode, Sean Luitjens, KC Weinraub, and Paul Reiman dive into the intricate world of sales compensation — where every decision creates a ripple effect. Together, they unpack why even the best-intentioned changes can lead to unexpected challenges and explore the real-world hurdles consultants face when guiding organizations through change. Through candid insights and practical examples, they reveal why understanding the “why” behind past decisions is essential to building smarter, more sustainable strategies for the future.

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Sales Compensation Challenges

06:00 Building Trust and Collaboration

09:00 Role of Technology in Sales

12:00 Personal Anecdotes and Insights

15:00 Consistency and Business Strategy

18:00 Experimentation and Piloting

In this episode, Sean and Paul chat with Cary Sparrow, CEO of Wagescape. They discuss the evolution of labor market data, the importance of transparency in pay, and the integration of various data sources for better insights in HR and recruiting. Cary emphasizes the need for HR to treat talent as a strategic asset and the role of AI in shaping future data analysis. The discussion also touches on the challenges of integrating advertised pay data with traditional survey data and the importance of accountability in HR practices.

00:00 Introduction and Background of Cary Sparrow

08:22 Understanding Labor Market Data

20:39 Evolution of Data Sources and Their Impact

28:43 Integrating Data for Better Insights

38:47 The Role of AI in Data Analysis

46:57 HR as a Strategic Asset

In this conversation, Sean Luitjens, Paul Reiman, and Morgan Crosby unpack the evolving world of global mobility — from compensation structures and cost-of-living adjustments to the growing role of technology and strategic communication. They highlight why cross-team collaboration between compensation and mobility leaders is essential to build fair, flexible, and future-ready relocation programs.

00:00 Introduction to Global Mobility and Personal Connections

07:29 Understanding Mobility Programs and Their Structures

17:56 Designing Successful Mobility Programs

20:27 The Personalization of Mobility Packages

20:57 Understanding Cultural Context in Global Mobility

23:58 Duty of Care in Employee Relocation

27:45 Evolving Relocation Packages and Flexibility

33:19 Cost of Living Adjustments and Communication Strategies

38:10 Key Considerations in Global Mobility

42:01 The Future of HR Technology

In this episode, Sean Luitjens and Paul Reiman speak with Alan Miegel, CEO of BetterComp, about his extensive experience in compensation management and the evolution of the industry. Alan shares insights from his journey building and funding BetterComp, offering a candid look at the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s compensation landscape. The discussion explores the critical role of data management, the growing readiness for automation among customers, and how AI and data integration are redefining the future of compensation management.

00:00 Introduction to Alan Miegel and BetterComp

02:09 Fundraising Journey and Series A Insights

06:41 Speed Round: Personal Preferences and Insights

11:07 Focus on Compensation Management

18:56 Customer Readiness for Automation

25:52 Data Challenges in Compensation Management

27:52 Impact of Better Data on Processes

30:59 Future Trends in Compensation Management