Totally Rewarding Chats

In this episode, Sean Luitjens and Paul Reiman sit down with Nicole Long, an experienced HR leader, to unpack her extensive background in compensation and human resources. They discuss the building blocks of successful compensation programs, the need for flexibility and stakeholder engagement, and the challenges tied to performance management systems. Nicole also shares insights from her work with the Atlanta Area Comp Association, offers perspectives on the growing role of technology in compensation, and brings humor to the conversation—including a light-hearted detour into lemoncello. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Nicole Long 04:18 Speed Round: Getting to Know Nicole 06:45 Key Elements of Successful Compensation Programs 09:14 Flexibility in Compensation Structures 11:37 The Importance of Stakeholder Engagement 12:54 Common Pitfalls in Compensation Programs 15:14 Building Relationships with Stakeholders 16:46 Communication Strategies in Hybrid Environments 18:38 Effective Communication in Compensation 19:42 Engaging Stakeholders Early 22:54 Diverse Approaches to Merit Processes 27:28 Evaluating Success in Compensation Strategies 32:16 Technology's Role in Compensation Management 35:14 Revolutionizing Performance Management Systems

In this episode, Sean Luitjens and Paul Reiman dive into the evolution of compensation practices and explore how technology and AI are reshaping the industry. Through personal anecdotes and sharp insights, they highlight the challenges compensation professionals face today—and the opportunities ahead. With a focus on innovation, diverse perspectives, and the future of comp tech, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for anyone navigating the world of rewards and pay. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Season Two 02:05 Paul Reiman's Background and Insights 06:04 Personal Preferences and Family Life 09:58 Goals and Perspectives on Compensation Conversations 14:00 Changes in the Comp Tech Landscape 18:03 What Hasn't Changed in Compensation Work 19:51 Reimagining Compensation Planning 25:03 The Role of Technology in Compensation 30:56 AI: A Tool or a Toy? 37:43 Future Perspectives in Compensation and HR

In this conversation, Sean Luitjens speaks with Rachel Gibbs from Merities Consulting about the critical topic of pay transparency and equity, especially in light of the upcoming European Pay Transparency Directive. They discuss the definitions of pay equity and transparency, the importance of job leveling, the consequences of non-compliance, and the role of technology in facilitating these processes. Rachel emphasizes the need for companies to start preparing now, the challenges of data collection, and the significance of effective communication strategies. The conversation concludes with advice for HR professionals on understanding business dynamics and the importance of being proactive in addressing pay equity issues.

Creating a culture of retention In this conversation, Sean Luitjens speaks with Laurie Glaude, President of Aurora Business Solutions, about her extensive experience in HR and the challenges faced by small and mid sized companies in managing total rewards and compensation. They discuss the importance of understanding market dynamics and the impact of company culture on employee retention, and the need for technology in HR practices. Laurie emphasizes the necessity of a mindset shift in business to adapt to modern workforce demands and the importance of measuring success through data and analytics. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

Mastering Sales Compensation: Best Practices for Driving Revenue and Engagement Sales compensation is one of the most dynamic and impactful aspects of organizational strategy, yet it often resides in its own silo, misunderstood or overlooked by those outside its orbit. In a compelling conversation with sales compensation expert Christopher Goff, we explored the intricacies of designing fair, effective, and business-aligned sales compensation strategies. From aligning incentives with organizational goals to addressing common misconceptions, Chris brought valuable insights into a field that directly influences revenue generation and team engagement. Chris shared key principles for structuring sales compensation programs, including the importance of aligning incentives to business strategy, maintaining affordability, and ensuring cultural congruence. He emphasized rewarding sales activities as close to the desired outcomes as possible to reinforce positive behaviors and sustain motivation. Additionally, he addressed common challenges, such as managing compensation for long sales cycles, balancing individual contributions with team dynamics, and preventing unintended consequences like stagnation among high-performing sales reps. Whether you're a compensation professional, HR leader, or sales executive, Chris’s insights are a valuable guide for navigating the complexities of sales comp and creating programs that truly work. Watch the full episode now.

Navigating total rewards in Brazil In this engaging conversation, Sean Luitjens hosts Emerson Costa and Carlos Silva, who share insights into the total rewards landscape in Brazil. They discuss their professional backgrounds, cultural nuances, and the current hot topics in compensation, including pay equity and transparency. The conversation also touches on personal preferences and experiences, providing a light-hearted yet informative exchange. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various themes related to HR practices in Brazil, including regulatory challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, the importance of transparency in pay equity, and the cultural differences in work-life balance between Brazil and the U.S. They also explore the evolution of HR technology in Brazil and the role of Forhma in bridging educational gaps in HR practices. The discussion highlights the need for improved communication and collaboration between HR and marketing to enhance employee experience and address compensation issues. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

Aligning HR with business needs Denise Liebetrau shares her extensive experience in compensation management and discusses best practices for organizations of all sizes. She emphasizes the importance of data governance, job architecture, and understanding business needs to create effective compensation strategies. She also highlights the value of both internal and external collaboration in developing compensation frameworks and the necessity of ongoing education to maintain data integrity. Denise and Sean discuss the critical intersection of HR, compensation planning, and business value. They emphasize the importance of understanding business needs, building relationships, and aligning HR metrics with organizational objectives. This conversation also highlights the challenges faced by HR departments in securing budgets and resources, the necessity of technology in streamlining processes, and the significance of employee recognition and value in driving engagement and productivity. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

Shifting mindsets: from inside-out to outside-in In this conversation, Sean Luitjens and Robert Mattson discuss the importance of effective communication in total rewards and HR. They emphasize the need for HR professionals to shift their mindset from inside-out to outside-in, focusing on the audience's perspective. They also highlight the significance of storytelling in communication and the power of transparency in building trust and engagement. The conversation explores the challenges of implementing effective communication strategies and offers insights on how to overcome them. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of clear and transparent communication in driving positive change and engagement in organizations. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

The future of pay equity and transparency In this conversation, Sean Luitjens and Jennifer Hassrick discuss the critical topics of pay equity and transparency in the workplace. They explore Jennifer's unique career path, the definitions of pay equity and transparency, and the best practices for implementing pay equity initiatives. The discussion also covers the challenges organizations face in addressing pay equity, strategies for remediation, and the importance of maintaining a compensation system. Jennifer emphasizes the need for open conversations about pay equity and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of fairness and transparency. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

In this engaging conversation, Sean Luitjens and Teri Zipper discuss the evolving landscape of HR technology, particularly in the wake of HR Tech 2025. They explore the shifting perceptions of AI in HR, the importance of data, and the need for HR to rebrand itself. Teri shares insights from her experiences at the conference, highlighting the growing excitement around AI and its practical applications in HR operations. The discussion also touches on the challenges of implementing AI, the intersection of compensation and technology, and the robust feedback from compensation professionals. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for HR to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:49 Insights from HR Tech 2025 05:42 AI in HR: Trends and Observations 08:54 The Role of AI in HR Operations 11:49 Challenges in Implementing AI 14:26 The Future of HR Technology 17:33 The Importance of Data in HR 20:29 The Intersection of Compensation and Technology 23:33 Feedback from Compensation Professionals 26:27 Rebranding HR for the Future

Unlocking the Power of People Data with Dave Weisbeck Dave Weisbeck, Chief Strategy Officer at Visier, dives into the transformative role of people analytics in today’s organizations. From decoding workforce trends to enabling data-driven decision-making, Dave shares how HR leaders and business executives can use analytics not just to react—but to proactively shape strategy. With real-world insights and a future-focused mindset, this conversation explores the intersection of technology, talent, and transformation.

Leveraging recognition, storytelling, and technology in total rewards Sean Luitjens and John Baldino discuss various topics related to total rewards programs and HR. They cover the importance of recognition and storytelling in total rewards, the need for competency development, common mistakes in data analysis and communication, and the role of technology in total rewards. They also touch on the significance of pay equity and the challenges of vulnerability and communication in HR. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic and strategic approach to total rewards and HR. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

Understanding pay equity, transparency, and the raw pay gap In this conversation, Sean Luitjens and Gail Greenfield discuss pay equity and transparency in the workplace. Gail explains the difference between pay equity and the raw pay gap, highlighting the importance of addressing both the explained and unexplained parts of the pay gap. She also defines transparency as the mandatory and discretionary sharing of compensation information by organizations. Another key insight brought up from this conversation is the need for companies to consider pay equity and transparency as strategic decisions, and to be proactive in addressing these issues. One best practice for companies to get started with pay equity is to conduct a proactive pay equity analysis to understand the current state of pay equity in the organization and remediate any issues. Sean and Gail recommend organizations seek advice and guidance from experts, whether through consultants, technology solutions, or available resources. They also discuss ways to analyze pay to ensure internal equity, the cadence of remediation, the importance of monitoring pay equity progress between remediation cycles, and the challenges of remediation. The importance of monitoring pay equity progress between remediation cycles, and the challenges of remediation. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

The role of technology in addressing compensation challenges In this conversation, Sean Luitjens interviews Rekha Gurnani Chowdhury, an expert in compensation and people analytics. They discuss the biggest challenges facing compensation teams, including capacity, capability, and the tension between standardization and personalization. They also delve into the hurdles of performance management and the importance of effective communication. The conversation highlights the role of technology in addressing these challenges and the need for transparency and compliance in compensation practices. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

HR and compensation challenges small businesses face Alison Stevens, Senior Director of HR Services at Paychex, discusses the challenges that small businesses face in managing HR and compensation. Small businesses often have limited resources and struggle to attract and retain talent. They may lack knowledge of compensation standards and struggle to navigate the regulatory environment. Stevens emphasizes the importance of developing a compensation philosophy and strategic plan that aligns with the organization's goals and values. She also highlights the need for access to benchmarking data and analytics to make informed decisions. Technology plays a crucial role in providing small businesses with the tools and data they need to manage compensation and total rewards effectively. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

What's next for recruiting practices, upskilling, and internal mobility? In this episode, Sean and Gerry explore the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, including how leaders are rethinking internal movement, the importance of strategic workforce planning, and the value of leveraging data-driven insights to improve hiring outcomes. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

Tying people analytics to business goals is critical In this episode, Sean and Teri discuss evolving challenges companies face, from the need for innovative retention approaches to balancing short-term mental wellness and long-term financial wellness. They discuss the importance of aligning people analytics with business goals, and how HR professionals can use storytelling as a method to effectively demonstrate the value, impact, and outcomes of HR strategies on business outcomes. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

Tying people analytics to business goals is critical In this conversation, Laura Gale, a compensation consultant, and host Sean Lutjens, General Manager of Compensation Benchmarks at Visier, discuss the concept of Compensation as a Service and its growing demand. They discuss different engagement models, including project-based work, resource gap-filling, and ongoing support. They emphasize the importance of having a defined pay philosophy, how it guides organizations in making pay and reward decisions, and the role of technology in compensation services. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

Tying people analytics to business goals is critical Sean Luitjens and Paul Reiman discuss the need for modernizing compensation management which hasn't changed much in decades. They advocate for flexible, transparent compensation strategies that align with both business objectives and employee needs. The discussion underscores the importance of moving towards more dynamic, performance-based adjustments, supported by technology for fairness and responsiveness. This approach is essential for attracting talent and ensuring organizational sustainability in today's business climate. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com

It's time to think holistically about total rewards Kim Seals and Sean Luitjens discuss the evolution of total rewards and the importance of linking it to the employee value proposition. She emphasizes the need to think about total rewards holistically, beyond just compensation and benefits, and to consider factors such as career opportunities and work-life balance. Kim also highlights the importance of customizing total rewards for different generations and tailoring communication strategies to meet the needs of diverse employee groups. She and Sean explore the role of technology in total rewards. By leveraging data analytics, organizations can optimize total rewards spending, ensuring it aligns with unique employee needs. This targeted approach can lead to increased employee satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately strengthening an organization's competitive edge. About Visier Visier helps your business win by adapting to change faster. We give you a Workforce AI Edge: the set of AI-powered capabilities every leader needs to confidently navigate an exponentially more challenging business environment. For more information please visit visier.com