Episodes

  • The New Rules of Strategic Workforce Planning: Why Work Tech is Finally Growing Up

    The New Rules of Strategic Workforce Planning: Why Work Tech is Finally Growing Up
    Mar 3 2026
    In this episode, George LaRocque breaks down why 2026 marks a turning point for Work Tech, driven by architectural rigor, agentic AI, and a shift away from generic wrappers toward real business value. He explores the evolution of strategic workforce planning, the rise of autonomous agents as part of workforce capacity, and the escalating risks tied to agent complexity. George also outlines the four categories of high‑conviction innovation WorkTech is actively seeking from founders and investors. In this episode we look at workforce planning, agentic AI, HR Tech innovation, WorkTech trends, skills intelligence, autonomous agents, and the future of work. Key Takeaways Strategic workforce planning is shifting from aspiration to execution, powered by agentic AI and predictive workforce intelligence. Autonomous agents are now part of workforce capacity, requiring new models for skills, tasks, and output planning. Architectural rigor is the new market standard, replacing the experimental AI phase with measurable business value. Agent complexity introduces new risks, especially one‑to‑many agent connections that create compliance and security liabilities. Investors are demanding verticalized agentic models, business connective tissue, voice agent innovation, and global payroll infrastructure. The flight to quality is accelerating, rewarding founders who solve well‑defined problems with clear ICPs and scalable architectures. Get more insights on these topics and more at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 mins
  • Up Next @ WorkTech: Reverse Recruiting, Risky Agents, and the Rise of AI Native HR Tech

    Up Next @ WorkTech: Reverse Recruiting, Risky Agents, and the Rise of AI Native HR Tech
    Feb 27 2026
    A fast-moving conversation on AI‑driven promotions, frontline automation, agent security risks, reverse recruiting, and the funding wave reshaping HR Tech in 2026. In this episode, George and Kate unpack how AI is reshaping work—from Accenture tying promotions to AI usage (“use of our key tools will be a visible input to talent discussions.”) to Burger King’s voice agent Patty tracking upsells and friendliness scores. They explore Google’s internal AI push, the security risks of OpenClaw (“30,000 compromised installations”), and the rise of “AI native” as 2026’s dominant narrative. The conversation closes with reverse recruiting, new funding rounds, and emerging HR Tech trends. In this episode, George and Kate look at AI adoption, HR technology, agentic AI, workforce automation, recruiting technology, future of work trends, HR Tech funding. Key Takeaways: AI‑Driven Performance Management: Accenture’s plan to tie promotions to AI usage raises questions about leadership, culture, and the future of performance metrics. Frontline Automation Expands: Burger King’s “Patty” agent shows how voice‑based AI is entering hourly work, tracking upsells, sentiment, and shift performance. AI Ethics & Internal Adoption: Google’s internal AI mandates highlight ongoing tensions between innovation, employee trust, and past AI ethics controversies. Agent Security Risks Grow: OpenClaw’s rapid adoption led to “30,000 compromised installations,” exposing how vulnerable agent ecosystems and marketplaces remain. Reverse Recruiting Surges: Candidates paying for job‑hunting help reveals market vulnerability and the rise of predatory AI‑driven services. HR Tech Funding Accelerates: New capital flows to AI native platforms, cognitive assessments, integrations, and hyper‑local job boards signal where Work Tech innovation is heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Vibe Coding, Agentic AI, and the HR Tech Risk No One Sees Coming

    Vibe Coding, Agentic AI, and the HR Tech Risk No One Sees Coming
    Feb 11 2026
    In this episode, George LaRocque unpacks new data from the 2025 Global WorkTech Report, revealing why investment capital continues to rise even as deal volume declines. He explains the “squeezed middle” dynamic affecting growth‑stage vendors, the surge in early‑stage AI innovation, and the strategic bets shaping the market. George also breaks down the hype and hidden risks of vibe coding and warns HR leaders about the escalating legal exposure tied to AI explainability and transparency. In this episode we look at workforce intelligence, agentic AI, HR technology, WorkTech investment trends, CHRO strategy, AI governance, future of work. Key Takeaways Global WorkTech investment rose to $6.24B in 2025, even as deal volume fell 16%, signaling a shift toward high‑conviction, AI‑forward bets. Early‑stage innovation is surging, with 136 pre‑seed, seed, and Series A deals capturing $1.1B in capital. The “squeezed middle” is real, as growth‑stage vendors struggle to raise amid investor discipline and platform consolidation. Agentic AI and workforce intelligence are top acquisition targets, replacing standalone tools with infrastructure‑level capabilities. Vibe coding creates false confidence, delivering prototypes but failing to meet enterprise‑grade HR tech requirements at scale. AI explainability is now a legal tail risk, with black‑box systems threatening vendor valuations, enterprise adoption, and regulatory compliance. Get the report and "Vibe Coding vs the CHRO" at 1worktech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • AI Turbulence, Workday Shakeups, Vibe Coding Hype, and the Future of HR Tech

    AI Turbulence, Workday Shakeups, Vibe Coding Hype, and the Future of HR Tech
    Feb 10 2026
    In this episode, George and Kate unpack a turbulent week across Work Tech, starting with Workday’s CEO transition and workforce reductions, which arrive just ahead of its earnings call . They explore the hype and hazards of vibe coding, including security breaches and enterprise‑scale limitations . The conversation shifts to DEI transparency as Fortune 500 participation in the Corporate Equality Index drops sharply, raising concerns for employees navigating unclear policies . Key Takeaways: Workday’s CEO transition signals deeper strategic and market pressures, including stock performance concerns and upcoming earnings uncertainty . Vibe coding is accelerating but remains risky, lacking compliance, scalability, and security—highlighted by real‑world agentic breaches and enterprise pushback . AI adoption is shifting from “build” to “buy,” with enterprises rapidly increasing investment in secure, scalable HR Tech and Work Tech platforms . DEI transparency is declining, as Fortune 500 participation in the Corporate Equality Index drops 65%, creating uncertainty for employees seeking clarity on inclusion policies . HR’s role is transforming, requiring new skills to manage AI agents, troubleshoot automated workflows, and orchestrate hybrid human‑machine teams . Early‑stage HR Tech funding remains active, while mid‑stage companies face pressure, leading to acquisitions like Wellfound’s purchase of Higherfly . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • AI on Trial: Lawsuits, Labor Power, and HR Tech’s Reckoning

    AI on Trial: Lawsuits, Labor Power, and HR Tech’s Reckoning
    Jan 29 2026
    2026 kicks off with a jolt as George and Kate unpack a wave of developments reshaping HR tech. They dive into the new class action lawsuit against Eightfold, exploring what it signals for AI transparency, compliance, and vendor accountability. The conversation widens to worker power, including Microsoft’s landmark agreement with Australian unions, and the heated rhetoric coming out of Davos about AI and jobs. They also break down Apple and Google’s unexpected AI partnership and the first acquisitions of the year. A fast‑moving, insight‑rich episode for anyone tracking the future of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Workday’s PipeDream, Payroll Pitfalls, and HR’s Strategic Crossroads

    Workday’s PipeDream, Payroll Pitfalls, and HR’s Strategic Crossroads
    Nov 28 2025
    Exploring venture capital paradoxes, Workday’s agent ambitions, payroll automation risks, workplace safety, and HR’s evolving role in the future of work. George and Kate 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.” This episode blends market intelligence, AI agent trends, and human resources strategy for the future of work. In this episode we look at HR Tech, Work Tech, AI agents, Human Resources strategy, Future of Work, payroll automation, and venture capital trends. These high-volume keywords frame the conversation around funding paradoxes, workplace safety, and the evolving role of HR leaders in technology-driven organizations. Key Takeaways HR Tech funding paradox: Despite $4.9B invested in 2025, early-stage founders face unprecedented challenges in raising capital. AI agents in Work Tech: Workday’s PipeDream acquisition positions it as a leading enterprise AI agent platform for HR and finance. Payroll automation risks: AI-driven payroll failures highlight the need for human oversight and off-cycle payment safeguards. Workplace safety in HR Tech: The Amber Check tragedy underscores the importance of escalation processes, psychological safety, and frontline worker protection. HR’s evolving role: The Economist’s claim that HR has “taken over the world” sparks debate on strategy, DEI, and AI disruption. Future of Work trends: Integration platforms, AI-enabled SaaS, and HR acuity tools redefine how organizations manage people, culture, and compliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Inside Workday’s Acquisition of Paradox: Conversational AI Meets Enterprise Scale with CEO Adam Godson

    Inside Workday’s Acquisition of Paradox: Conversational AI Meets Enterprise Scale with CEO Adam Godson
    Nov 17 2025
    Workday’s acquisition of Paradox marks a pivotal moment in HR Tech, combining enterprise scale with conversational AI to transform recruiting workflows. CEO Adam Godson joins George LaRocque to unpack the deal’s strategic rationale, market impact, and future of hiring across ecosystems and industries. In this episode, we look at: HR Tech innovation, M&A strategy, conversational AI, frontline hiring, recruiting automation, platform consolidation, and the Future of Work. Key Takeaways Deal Rationale: Workday’s acquisition of Paradox was driven by a shared mission to reduce hiring friction and serve the full market, including the SAP and Oracle ecosystems. Market Impact: Paradox schedules 32M+ interviews annually, representing 1 in 10 U.S. interviews, dramatically accelerating time-to-hire across industries. Frontline Focus: The deal strengthens Workday’s position in high-volume, frontline hiring across the retail, restaurant, and franchise sectors, where traditional HCM platforms have struggled. Client Continuity: Paradox will continue to operate as a standalone platform, supporting integrations with non-Workday systems and maintaining innovation velocity. Agentic Architecture: The future lies in agentic workflows, combining Paradox’s conversational AI with HiredScore’s matching intelligence for seamless candidate experiences. Buyer Sentiment: Customers praise Paradox’s scheduling capabilities and real-world impact, with hiring managers reporting improved staffing and job satisfaction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Up Next @WorkTech: Funding, Fumbles, and the Future of Work

    Up Next @WorkTech: Funding, Fumbles, and the Future of Work
    Nov 12 2025
    Mapping durable skills, decoding labor data, and chasing sun with unused PTO. In this crosspod episode, George and Kate unpack a week of seismic shifts across the HR and Work Tech landscape. UKG launches a venture fund, Personio exits the U.S. with layoffs in tow, and Mercor’s $10B valuation sparks debate about the ethics and economics of AI training. They spotlight Plum’s Durable Skills Index, explore Gen Z’s pivot toward “boring” jobs, and navigate the fog of missing labor data with alternative sources. Plus, a clever Florida tourism campaign reminds us to use that PTO before year-end. Pit and peak reflections round out the episode with personal and policy-driven insights. Topics in this episode: UKG launches venture fund, backing early-stage HR tech innovation. Personio exits U.S. market after limited traction and layoffs. Mercor’s $10B valuation raises concerns about AI training labor. Plum’s Durable Skills Index maps soft skills by city and role. Gen Z embraces “boring jobs” for AI-resistant career paths. HR leaders turn to private data amid missing jobs report. St. Pete offers PTO incentive for end-of-year beach travel. Subscribe to catch new episodes of Up Next at WorkTech every other week, where we cut through the noise and surface what matters most in HR and Work Tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins