
The HR Huddle
Welcome to the HR Huddle, the ultimate resource for all things HR. This podcast is comprised of two unique mini-shows where we will be: Spilling The Tea On HR Tech with Chief Research Officer and HR tech market influencer, Stacey Harris and Cliff Stevenson, Sapient Insights Group, Director of Research, AND breaking down the messy stories that everyone in human resources has in HR - HR We Have a Problem, with Teri Zipper - global HR consulting expert and Sapient Insights Group CEO featuring weekly industry co-hosts. Cause when the shit goes down. You've got to huddle up.
Latest episodes

May 9, 2024 • 31min
HR, We Have a Problem - In this episode, Teri and her guest, Christine Albert, talk about the complexity of defining the evolving role of a CXO in organizations today and the diverse business goals they are expected to achieve.
Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Sapient Insights Group CEO and Managing Partner Teri Zipper and guest Christine Albert, Founder of Adams Street Consulting and former Chief Experience Officer (CXO) at LCMC Health, discuss the collaboration between marketing and HR - exploring the nuances of bridging the gap between these two crucial functions. The conversation underscores that aligning marketing and HR strategies can enhance customer and employee experiences, ultimately driving business success.Key points covered include:↪️ The emerging CXO role is nascent and varies across organizations, necessitating a tailored approach to its implementation and execution.↪️ Aligning marketing and HR functions can enhance customer and employee experiences, driving business results.↪️ Implementing a cohesive brand strategy can unify disparate organizational identities, fostering clarity and consistency in messaging.↪️ Recruitment marketing and onboarding processes are vital in attracting and retaining talent, focusing on providing a seamless and engaging experience for candidates and new hires.↪️ The strategic integration of marketing and HR leads to impactful business results, including increased hiring and cost savings.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Christine AlbertLinkedInLCMC HealthLinkedIn

May 2, 2024 • 46min
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech: Cliff and Stacey weigh in from the conference circuit on industry top leadership moves, new partnerships, and intriguing AI tech roll-outs.
Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Sapient Insights Group Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner Stacey Harris and Sapients Insights Group Director of Research Cliff Stevenson discuss the latest AI developments in HR tech, particularly UKG's appointment of a new president and Paycor's utilization of Visier's AI technology for analytical insights. This episode also touches on Workday's approach to AI governance and the balance between risk and opportunity in HR applications. Key points covered include:↪️ Special announcements on the successful launch of Sapient’s new virtual cohort-based program on Building an HR Systems Strategy, along with key insights from their conference circuit travels.↪️ UKG names Rachel Barger as President of their go-to-market, signaling a strategic move towards enhancing their go-to-market strategies.↪️ Paycor’s rollout of Visier's AI technology for analytical insights and improved help tools to enhance data retrieval, including natural language processing.↪️ eQ8 introduces new AI-driven strategic workforce planning solutions, addressing non-standard models and organizations’ unique and broader data needs. ↪️ Workday's adoption of a "one data model" approach stresses its commitment to AI integration and differentiation in the market.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn

Apr 25, 2024 • 37min
HR, We Have a Problem - Stabilizing teams in high-change environments as a competitive advantage.
Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Sapient Insights Group CEO and Managing Partner Teri Zipper gets into the huddle with industry veteran and guest Carolyn Troyan, President and CEO of Leadership 360 — an HR consulting and leadership coaching firm specializing in customized support for individuals and organizations. This conversation tackles strategies for fostering team effectiveness, common characteristics of high-performing teams, and the role of leadership in promoting collaboration and trust.Key points covered include:↪️ High-performing teams often display vulnerability-based trust, engage in productive conflict, and demonstrate commitment to shared goals.↪️ Autonomy and accountability are key attributes of effective teams, fostering creativity, trust, and shared responsibility.↪️ Encouraging vulnerability and sharing experiences can cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration within teams.↪️ Leaders play a crucial role in modeling vulnerability, facilitating open dialogue, and empowering team members to take ownership of team effectiveness.↪️ The importance of constructive conflict resolution can lead to more innovative ideas and stronger team dynamics, provided it is handled respectfully and with a focus on problem-solving.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Carolyn TroyanLinkedIn Leadership 360LinkedIn

Apr 19, 2024 • 46min
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Future proofing HR: Navigating vendor acquisitions, skill prioritization, and AI impact on workforce dynamics.
Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Sapient Insights Group Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner, Stacey Harris, and Sapients Insights Group Director of Research, Cliff Stevenson, talk about the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the workforce and innovation. They also address the evolving conversation around human capital metrics and employee well-being.Key points covered include:↪️ Vendor acquisitions, such as Deel's acquisition of Zavvy, underscore the shifting priorities of HR technology vendors towards catering to the varied requirements of modern workforces.↪️ Insights from the World Economic Forum’s and PwC’s report on prioritizing skills development and lifelong learning in the workforce.↪️ The importance of human capital metrics is gaining recognition, with organizations realizing the value of prioritizing employee wellbeing alongside financial returns.↪️ Repercussions of vendor dynamics on HR operations, considering the effects of vendor shutdowns and disruptions on employee benefits and recognition programs.↪️ Growing concerns about AI's impact on job security, citing anecdotal evidence of shifting perceptions and the need for proactive discussions to address workforce implications.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn

Apr 11, 2024 • 41min
HR, We Have a Problem - The pivotal role of HR technologists in navigating technological advancements, building communities, and solving complex problems in HR.
Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Sapient Insights Group CEO and Managing Partner, Teri Zipper speaks with guest Dr. Dennis Hill, Chairman of the Board and CEO at the International Association For Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM), a global leader in advancing HR technology since 1980. Their conversation touches on the history and evolution of HR technology, exploring its growth, development, and the challenges HR professionals face today. Key points covered include:↪️ HR technology has evolved from its early days of personnel management to a strategic focus on people, driving the need for organizations like IHRIM to bridge the gap between HR and IT.↪️ The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology, prompting HR departments to rethink their people strategies and embrace new technologies like remote work solutions and data-driven analytics.↪️ HR technologists are crucial in solving contemporary challenges such as wellness programs, remote work accommodations, and integrating emerging technologies like AI and collaborative robotics into HR practices.↪️ CHROs and HR leaders must recognize the strategic importance of HR technology and foster collaboration between HR and IT teams to drive innovation and effectively address evolving workforce needs.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Dr. Dennis HillLinkedIn IHRIMTwitter | LinkedIn

Apr 4, 2024 • 30min
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - The long view of balancing AR/VR technological advancements with a human-centric approach in HR.
Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Sapient Insights Group Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner, Stacey Harris, and Sapients Insights Group Director of Research, Cliff Stevenson, explore recent news in HR technology partnerships and innovation. They tackle the implications of strategic partnerships between industry giants Workday and Insperity, the rise of AI-driven HR solutions, and the growing skills gap in AI talent.Key points covered include:↪️ Workday's collaboration with Insperity marks a strategic shift towards targeting small and mid-sized businesses, signaling potential changes in HR technology dynamics.↪️ The acquisition of Talespin by Cornerstone highlights the growing importance of immersive learning technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), in enhancing workforce training and development.↪️ Borderless AI's launch from stealth with a $27 million investment signals a new frontier in AI-powered HR assistance.↪️ The skills gap in AI talent, especially in regions like India, poses challenges and opportunities for organizations seeking to leverage AI-driven HR solutions.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn

Mar 28, 2024 • 43min
HR, We Have a Problem - The stakes have never been higher for HR…fostering meaningful change, building C-suite level trust, and bridging the gaps.
Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Sapient Insights Group CEO and Managing Partner, Teri Zipper along with Sapient Insights Group, Chief Research Officer & Managing Partner Stacey Harris welcomes guest Malika Jacobs, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Myriad — a daily technology platform that assists HR leaders in strategizing, planning, and communicating with executive stakeholders. This discussion explores the challenges faced by HR professionals, the dynamics between HR and executive leadership, and the need for innovative solutions to support HR functions.Key points covered include:↪️ Increasing demands on HR leaders to navigate crisis situations and support remote workforce engagement.↪️ Lack of alignment and trust between HR and the C-suite underscores the need for strategies to bridge this gap and enhance collaboration.↪️ Importance of fostering curiosity and innovation within HR, advocating for solutions that simplify complex processes and support the evolving needs of the organization.↪️ Addressing pain points such as disparate systems and lack of standardization allows HR leaders to drive meaningful change and elevate the strategic impact of their function.↪️ The necessity for HR to align its initiatives with broader business objectives, emphasizing the importance of adopting a strategic mindset and facilitating meaningful discussions around organizational goals.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Stacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInMalika JacobsLinkedIn MyriadLinkedIn

Mar 21, 2024 • 46min
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - Hot week! Notable acquisitions, spotlighting women in leadership, and why cohort-based learning is on fire.
Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Sapient Insights Group Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner, Stacey Harris, and Sapients Insights Group Director of Research, Cliff Stevenson, get into the huddle to discuss recent acquisitions, employment law updates, and other emerging HR trends. In celebration of International Women's Day, this episode also explores recent stories highlighting women in leadership roles, analyzing broader industry trends, and the ongoing debate over all-in-one talent solutions.Key points covered include:↪️ Workday's acquisition of HiredScore signals a strategic move beyond Human Resource Management Software (HRMS) solutions into talent acquisition technology.↪️ isolved expands its leadership with strategic hires, signaling potential shifts towards upmarket expansion.↪️ Culture Amp's appointment of global workplace thought leader Esther Perel as an advisor suggests a strategic focus on enhancing organizational culture and employee engagement.↪️ Deel's expansion into payroll services reflects a trend of HR tech companies broadening their offerings to meet evolving customer needs.↪️ Legislative changes, such as New York's social media law, underscore the need for HR professionals to stay updated on compliance issues and adapt accordingly.↪️ The concept behind Sapient’s launch of a brand new immersive cohort-based program on Building an HR Systems Strategy That WorksDon’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn

Mar 14, 2024 • 38min
HR, We Have a Problem - Connecting data governance and data privacy in HR to shape a seamless employee experience.
Send us a textIn this episode of HR, We Have a Problem, Sapient Insights Group CEO and Managing Partner Teri Zipper talks with guest Danielle Bushen, Global Head of People Analytics, Data Governance, and Stewardship at Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical and healthcare company. Their conversation touches on the strategy behind data privacy and governance, data-driven decision-making, and end-to-end process integrations.Key takeaways from this episode include:↪️ Prioritizing data governance as a strategic imperative informs HR’s decision-making and organizational effectiveness.↪️ By integrating data governance principles into all processes ensures seamless operations and elevated employee experiences.↪️ Embracing AI’s potential means HR must prioritize data quality and hygiene to mitigate risks associated with biased or inaccurate predictions.↪️ Establishing data governance councils and fostering cross-functional collaboration is essential to ensure alignment, accountability, and effective data management across the organization.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts and companies mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInTeri ZipperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Danielle BushenTwitter | LinkedInSanofiTwitter | LinkedIn

Mar 7, 2024 • 43min
Spilling the Tea on HR Tech - The national spotlight on AI safety, transparency and organizational trust turns to Washington + new developments in acquisitions in payroll and talent management solutions.
Send us a textIn this episode of Spilling the Tea on HR Tech, Sapient Insights Group Chief Research Officer and Managing Partner, Stacey Harris, and Sapients Insights Group Director of Research, Cliff Stevenson, discuss crucial topics surrounding AI and its implications for HR, platform enhancements, and upcoming industry events. Their conversation turns to broader AI safety concerns addressed by the current administration, highlighting the significance of transparency and trust in leadership.Key points covered include:↪️ Recent shifts within OpenAI and Great Place to Work highlight the importance of trust and transparency in organizational leadership.↪️ Claro's AI-powered labor market reports offer valuable external data for workforce planning, presenting complex data in a user-friendly format to assist decision-making processes.↪️ The establishment of the AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC) signifies a significant step towards ensuring AI safety and ethics in various sectors, including HR.↪️ Updates regarding platform enhancements and new payroll rollouts showcase efforts towards enhancing user experience and functionality, as seen in Ramco and HiBob.↪️ AI's role in streamlining content creation and distribution challenges traditional journalism standards, raising concerns about the potential compromise of journalistic integrity.Don’t miss this exciting thought leader conversation! Follow the hosts mentioned below:Sapient Insights GroupDownload the 2023-24 HR Systems Survey White PaperInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInStacey HarrisInstagram | Twitter | LinkedInCliff StevensonTwitter | LinkedIn