Comp and Coffee

Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale, and Philip Watson, Chief Financial Officer at Payscale, delve into the synergy between HR and finance. They discuss how compensation can be a powerful business lever rather than a mere budget item. The conversation highlights strategies for effective collaboration, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the value of healthy friction within teams. Insights on navigating budget discussions and aligning compensation with business goals offer practical takeaways for professionals in both fields.

Join Rebecca Toman, an executive compensation expert from Pearl Meyer, and Sara Hillenmeyer, Director of Data Science at Payscale, as they dive into the future of compensation. They discuss how AI and trusted data can revolutionize pay strategies for organizations. Tune in to learn about the strategic shift in executive compensation and its link to business growth. The conversation also covers the balance between data-driven decisions and discretion in executive pay, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in a changing economic landscape.

Paul Wolfe, a champion of human-first leadership and former CHRO, joins Lexi Clark, Chief People Officer at Payscale, to tackle the pressing issues surrounding compensation strategies. They discuss how pay transparency laws and shifting employee expectations are challenging HR professionals. The conversation highlights the impact of effective communication on trust and retention, the struggle to maintain fairness amid financial pressures, and the crucial need for manager training in pay discussions. Tune in for insights on navigating the complexities of compensation in today's workforce!

Ashley Tamala leads the U.S.-based compensation consulting team at Hub International, while Sarah Hillenmeyer serves as Senior Director of Data Science at Payscale. They discuss the evolution of compensation practices, from handwritten ledgers to AI-driven insights. Listeners will learn about the shift towards market-based pay structures and the role of data in modern compensation strategies. They dive into the future of compensation management, highlighting innovations in AI and the importance of human judgment in making nuanced pay decisions.

Amy Stewart, Principal Content Strategist at Payscale, dives into the crucial findings from the 2025 Gender Pay Gap Report. She discusses the distinction between controlled and uncontrolled pay gaps, revealing that women currently earn 83 cents for every dollar men make. The impacts of pay transparency legislation across states are highlighted, alongside systemic issues affecting women, particularly women of color. Stewart also emphasizes the 'motherhood penalty' and provides actionable recommendations for organizations aiming to close these persistent pay disparities.

In this discussion, Sarah Hillenmayer, a lead in AI and data insights at Payscale with over 15 years in HR tech, delves into refining compensation data strategies. She highlights that having multiple data sources isn't always beneficial unless used strategically. The conversation covers the necessity of data transparency and monitoring biases. Additionally, Sarah explores the transformative role of AI in compensation practices and provides insights on crafting effective pay ranges, especially for budget-conscious organizations.

Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale, and Kate Peter, Chief Customer Officer, join the conversation to tackle the gender pay gap and women's leadership challenges. They discuss the role of pay transparency and systemic issues stalling progress since 2022. Personal anecdotes reveal the impact of motherhood on career paths and emphasize the significance of authentic leadership. The need for a personal board of directors is highlighted, showcasing the importance of mentorship and genuine support for women aiming for C-suite positions.

In a compelling discussion, Amy Stewart, Principal of Research and Insights, Sara Hillenmeyer, Senior Director of Data Science, and Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Employment Counsel at Payscale, analyze the evolving landscape of compensation. They dive into the 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report, highlighting trends in pay transparency and AI's growing role in HR. The trio emphasizes the need for organizations to foster clear communication about compensation practices while also addressing the challenges of pay equity and legislative impacts on compensation strategies.

Cliff Stevenson, Director of Research at Sapient Insights Group and an expert in HR technology, dives into the dynamic world of compensation tech. He highlights AI's transformative role, emphasizing its shift from theory to practical solutions for HR professionals. The conversation reveals the importance of real-time data for compensation strategies and how HR anchor systems improve employee experiences. Stevenson also discusses future trends, including the integration of contingent labor markets and user satisfaction in compensation tools.

Lulu Seikaly, a senior corporate attorney and pay transparency expert at Payscale, joins the discussion to shed light on the evolving landscape of pay transparency. She reveals the latest developments in pay legislation across the U.S. and Europe, debunking common misconceptions for organizations. Lulu emphasizes the significance of internal pay equity checks and offers best practices for fostering trust through transparency. As employees demand greater visibility into compensation, she discusses emerging trends that organizations must navigate for a fair future.