Episodes

  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 31 with Robert Mattson of Intrigue Communications and Coaching

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 31 with Robert Mattson of Intrigue Communications and Coaching
    Jan 6 2026
    As we start the New Year, Jeanne Achille welcomes guest Robert Mattson of Intrigue Communications and Coaching to Up Next @ Work. Mattson helps us understand the importance of storytelling on a corporate level, leaning into the tried-and-true three-act structure: the introduction, the conflict, and persuasive conclusion. He discusses the curse of knowledge and why storytelling from the inside out doesn’t produce optimal results. Robert also gives us some gems from his workshops that can help all of us create the emotional connections with our target audiences through better storytelling. Bonus feature: We discuss favorite movies – the ultimate expression of storytelling – and why AI only makes you sound like everyone else. Learn more about Robert's work and follow him on LinkedIn.
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    34 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 30 with Tracee Bowles, Advisory Practice Leader at The Hackett Group

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 30 with Tracee Bowles, Advisory Practice Leader at The Hackett Group
    Dec 15 2025
    In this episode of Up Next @ Work, Jeanne Achille speaks with Tracee Bowles, CPP, SHRM-SCP, Global Payroll & Workforce Management Advisory Practice Leader at The Hackett Group (R). Tracee’s expertise in payroll is unprecedented – whether discussing geo-fencing, mobile-based workforces, job costing in the construction industry or certified payrolls – she understands what’s complicating the inherent complexities of payroll and how to sort through them. Her career started as a practitioner, leading a team of 30 HR, payroll admin and ops, UE, IT, recordkeeping and reception professionals across 10 locations. With that strong foundation in place, she took her knowledge of how to streamline this business-critical function from lots of moving parts across shared services, PEO, direct, and partnership models. Oh, and did we mention she is also a tax and wage garnishment expert? Take a listen and learn about one of the toughest challenges faced by employers: paying their workforces accurately and on time. Learn more about Tracee's work at The Hackett Group and connect with her on LinkedIn.
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    26 mins
  • Up Next @ WorkTech! The New HR Frontier: From AI Agents to Regulation Battles

    Up Next @ WorkTech! The New HR Frontier: From AI Agents to Regulation Battles
    Dec 8 2025
    In episode five of Up Next @ Work Tech, Katie Achille and George LaRocque talk through the turbulence defining today's labor market. From conflicting signals and the rise of AI-driven HR roles to the urgent need for thoughtful regulation, Katie and George consider how to navigate this liminal moment. Key Takeaways Gartner's predictions for the HR roles of the future The disconnect between layoffs and stock market highs What ServiceNow's acquisition of Veza represents The importance of Findem's partnership with AnitaB.org And of course, the SHRM lawsuit as it unfolded
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    37 mins
  • Up Next @ WorkTech! Workday’s PipeDream, Payroll Pitfalls, and HR’s Strategic Crossroads

    Up Next @ WorkTech! Workday’s PipeDream, Payroll Pitfalls, and HR’s Strategic Crossroads
    Nov 26 2025
    In this installment, Katie Achille and George LaRocque dissect the paradox of HR Tech funding, Workday’s Pipedream acquisition, payroll automation failures, workplace safety concerns, and The Economist’s claim that HR has “taken over the world.” Key Takeaways Despite $4.9B invested in 2025, early-stage founders face unprecedented challenges in raising capital. Workday’s acquisition of Pipedream positions it as a leading enterprise AI agent platform for HR and finance. AI-driven payroll failures highlight the need for human oversight and off-cycle payment safeguards. The Amber Czech tragedy underscores the importance of escalation processes, psychological safety, and frontline worker protection. The Economist’s claim that HR has “taken over the world” sparks debate on strategy, DEI, and AI disruption. Content Warning: There is a discussion of workplace violence in this episode.
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    34 mins
  • Up Next @ WorkTech! Funding, Fumbles, and the Future of Work

    Up Next @ WorkTech! Funding, Fumbles, and the Future of Work
    Nov 11 2025
    In this episode, George LaRocque and Katie Achille dig into another whirlwind week in HR and Work Tech, from massive valuations and new funds to geographic exits and the morass of missing data. Key Takeaways Demand and the impact on valuation The ethics and economics of AI training How durable skills are influencing a shift toward "boring jobs" The need for alternative data sources Clever marketing reminds us to use that PTO
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    27 mins
  • Up Next @ WorkTech! AI is Everywhere

    Up Next @ WorkTech! AI is Everywhere
    Oct 28 2025
    Katie Achille and George LaRocque are back with another episode of Up Next @ WorkTech, and this time, they're talking about everything from the latest M&A wave to hit HR Tech to Microsoft's introduction of "Mico," the so-called Clippy of the modern era. Key Takeaways Humanly, Jack & Jill, Findem and FairNow were out there making moves. Is AI augmenting our work or coming for our jobs? Seems like the jury's still out as Amazon, Meta, and the like lean into layoffs. Reddit is suing everyone, particularly Perplexity —what does that mean? Women leave the workforce in droves in 2025. And the rise of vibe working brings us new AI "assistants" to keep us company.
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    38 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 29 with Philip Wilson, Labor Relations Expert, Author & CEO of LRI Consulting Services

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 29 with Philip Wilson, Labor Relations Expert, Author & CEO of LRI Consulting Services
    Oct 27 2025
    In this episode of Up Next @ Work, Jeanne Achille talks to Phillip B. Wilson, labor lawyer turned leadership consultant and CEO of LRI Consulting Services. While there’s no shortage of leadership advice out there, it’s rare to find a proven framework that sticks. Drawing from his Amazon No. 1 bestseller, The Leader-Shift Playbook, Phil shares what he believes drives meaningful change in the workplace: approachable leadership. Phil also opens up about his own professional journey, including what’s worked, what failed, and how listeners can learn from it. Episode highlights include: Your impact matters—every time. Leaders leave every interaction either better or worse. There’s no neutral. Real relationships are a leadership superpower. It’s not about perks or policies—it’s about trust, vulnerability, and genuine interest in people’s lives. Feedback is a gift. Phil shares a candid moment when a team member told him, “I told your dad I’d never work for you.” That feedback became the turning point in his leadership evolution. Whether you're a rising manager, seasoned executive, or someone passionate about organizational culture, this conversation will leave you with tangible strategies to build a more human-centered, high-performing workplace. Connect with Phil on LinkedIn.
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    32 mins
  • Up Next @ Work, Episode 28 with Beth White, Founder & CEO of MeBeBot

    Up Next @ Work, Episode 28 with Beth White, Founder & CEO of MeBeBot
    Oct 20 2025
    In this must-listen episode, host Jeanne Achille sits down with Beth White, the dynamic founder of MeBeBot, to explore how AI is transforming the employee experience—and why HR professionals must take the lead in this shift. Beth shares her fascinating journey from decades in HR to leading enterprise retail tech sales, where she learned firsthand how consumer experience principles can and should be applied to the workplace. Episode highlights include: AI isn’t new—but it is different now. Beth reminds us that AI has been around for decades. What’s new is the accessibility and mainstream application of tools like ChatGPT, which demands broader organizational understanding. The power trio: HR, IT, and Finance must collaborate to build AI strategy. HR should not be sidelined—if you’re not invited to the table, invite yourself. Responsible AI matters. With regulation catching up (EU AI Act, U.S. executive orders, state-by-state laws), HR leaders must be proactive in understanding AI governance, fairness, and vendor accountability. Jeanne and Beth also unpack the ethical, operational, and emotional challenges of AI adoption, from the organizational silos stifling innovation to the unexpected grief employees and leaders may experience as work evolves. This episode is packed with wisdom on change management, cross-functional collaboration, and governance frameworks that can help companies implement AI responsibly—and effectively. Follow Beth on LinkedIn.
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    29 mins