Épisodes

  • Middle Managers Are Being Automated Out of the Org Chart

    Middle Managers Are Being Automated Out of the Org Chart
    Oct 22 2025
    This episode comes from the giving tree…. Rival just dropped a new 30/60/90 Day Onboarding Template built for teams that need new hires contributing fast—not spending their first month figuring out who to talk to or what success looks like. Get your template here. AI is no longer a future concept. It is actively restructuring the workforce and removing entire job layers inside organizations. Middle management is being eliminated. Entry-level roles are being automated before they can be posted. HR systems are moving away from dashboards and interfaces and shifting toward AI agents that employees interact with directly. Investment is flowing into platforms that show real traction and measurable outcomes, not slideware or hype. The money is following execution. This episode breaks down what is actually happening in HR tech and the job market. Not the marketing narrative, but the economic and technology signals that show where work is heading and why leadership teams need to prepare now. Why it matters: New hires who ramp fast and connect with the right people early don’t just adapt — they contribute. Key Takeaways ➡ AI isn’t coming—it’s here, eliminating entry-level roles and now middle managers at scale➡ Healthcare costs are projected to rise 8.4%, putting pressure on employers and reshaping benefits decisions➡ Less than 50% of employees know how to enroll in their own benefits, creating a retention and engagement blind spot➡ Investors are done with concept decks—traction and AI baked into platforms are now mandatory➡ M&A is being driven by immigration limits as companies acquire teams for access to talent they can’t hire directly➡ AI agents are becoming the surface layer of HR tech, replacing traditional system interfaces➡ Bias in AI hiring models is triggering new legal action, especially for disabled and minority candidates➡ Personalized AI recommendations are becoming the norm, raising serious privacy concerns inside the enterprise➡ The HR tech market is entering an aggressive consolidation phase to make room for AI-first disruptors➡ Posture and physical wellness are now tied directly to productivity metrics in enterprise HR planning Timestamps 00:00 – Middle managers are being eliminated from org charts02:37 – Sports meltdown and the psychology of losing (Eagles, Phillies)05:31 – AI’s direct impact on job layers and management roles08:31 – Bias in AI hiring practices and legal consequences11:36 – Do jobs reports even matter in modern HR?14:27 – HR Tech investment is up 60% YOY: why it matters17:30 – The rise of AI agents as the new HR interface20:41 – Why apps are dead and conversational AI is the new UI23:59 – Healthcare costs projected to rise 8.4%27:03 – Religious discrimination and hiring in global conflict environments28:35 – Meta to use chatbot data for ad personalization and privacy fallout31:35 – Workday acquires Sana to double down on AI agent strategy34:27 – Peer-to-peer learning as the new model for AI adoption in the workplace36:52 – Investors demand customer proof, not pitch decks38:27 – Stanford research tracking AI job loss by role, in real time40:05 – Less than half of employees understand their benefits41:32 – Posture and productivity: a corporate wellness shift43:06 – Funding news: PeopleGPT, Diana HR, Sonic Jobs and what they signal Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefinedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefinedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined #HRTech #FutureOfWork #AIinHR #JobAutomation #EmployeeBenefits #WorkplaceTrends #HRTalent #InvestmentTrends #BARFpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 min
  • AI Is Changing Job Interviews: In-Person Comeback, $400B HR Tech Boom, and Remote Work Incentives

    AI Is Changing Job Interviews: In-Person Comeback, $400B HR Tech Boom, and Remote Work Incentives
    Sep 15 2025
    AI isn’t just automating hiring—it’s reshaping how job interviews even happen. In this episode of BARF, Ryan Leary and William Tincup break down why AI is pushing companies back toward in-person interviews, how payroll remains the backbone of a $400 billion HR tech boom, and why cities are offering cash to lure remote workers. In this episode we talk about the intersection of AI, recruitment, and workplace culture. From banned AI tools to workforce policies, Ryan and William cut through the noise to show leaders what matters now—and what will matter tomorrow. Executives and HR leaders will walk away with a sharper understanding of AI’s impact on hiring, payroll’s staying power, and the cultural factors driving business success or failure. Key Takeaways ➡ AI is driving companies back to in-person interviews to stop digital cheating. ➡ Payroll remains central, even in a $400B HR tech market. ➡ Workplace culture is a deciding factor in business outcomes. ➡ Cities are incentivizing remote workers to move and boost local economies. ➡ Companies need clear AI workforce policies to manage risks. ➡ Employees continue using banned AI tools despite policies. ➡ Industry acquisitions and funding news signal where HR tech is heading. Chapters: 00:00 – AI and In-Person Interviews 00:34 – Upcoming Events and Networking 02:18 – Payroll and HR Tech Insights 06:04 – Workplace Dynamics and Remote Work 12:40 – Job Market Challenges and AI’s Role 15:00 – Acquisitions and Industry Trends 25:01 – Final Thoughts on Industry Developments 25:09 – AI Tools in the Workplace 28:12 – Employee Use of Banned AI Tools 29:21 – AI Workforce Policies 30:46 – Recent Trends in AI Adoption 32:56 – Funding News in HR Tech #AI #JobInterviews #HRTech #RemoteWork #RyanLeary #WilliamTincup #TheBARFPodcast #BARF #WorkplaceDynamics #TechTrends #InPersonInterviews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 min
  • The EXCUSE Economy - AI, Layoffs and Gun Violence

    The EXCUSE Economy - AI, Layoffs and Gun Violence
    Aug 13 2025
    Gun violence, layoffs, and the shifting balance of workplace power—this episode covers it all. We break down the rise in corporate safety concerns, the hard truths behind layoff trends, and how AI is being used (and misused) in the conversation. We also explore the quirks of business travel, the slow grind toward gender equality, and why “quiet cracking” might be the new quiet quitting. Plus: acquisitions, funding news, and what’s next for workplace relationships. In this episode we talk about HR Tech, workplace safety, layoffs, AI, and employee satisfaction, connecting the dots between economic pressures and evolving workforce dynamics. From China’s demographic shifts to digital compliance tools, we explore how technology, policy, and culture intersect. The conversation also digs into business travel realities, relationship norms at work, and the latest funding news shaping the future of how we work. Key Takeaways ➡ Gun violence is increasingly seen as a corporate HR issue, pushing workplace safety to the forefront. ➡ Layoffs have spiked 140% year over year, signaling broader economic instability. ➡ AI is often used as a convenient scapegoat for layoffs, masking poor planning. ➡ China’s labor market is still feeling the demographic effects of past population policies. ➡ Digital signage is emerging as a fast, scalable tool for labor law compliance. ➡ Business travel is losing its luster, with many employees viewing it as a burden. ➡ “Quiet cracking” shows dissatisfaction without performance drop-offs—making it hard to detect. ➡ SAP’s acquisition of SmartRecruiters could reshape the talent acquisition tech stack. ➡ Workplace relationships remain common, impacting team dynamics and culture. ➡ Women’s representation in management is improving, but progress is slow and uneven. Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 min
  • This Is the New Normal: AI, Layoffs, and Workplace Shifts

    This Is the New Normal: AI, Layoffs, and Workplace Shifts
    Aug 5 2025
    The workplace is shifting—fast. In this episode, Ryan Leary and William Tincup unpack Florida’s new take on non-compete clauses, the rapid invasion of AI into traditional jobs, and the rise of TikTok as an unlikely champion for trade careers. They tackle salary transparency, onboarding failure points, generational etiquette wars, and why Meta’s recruiting like it’s 1999. Real talk. Real stories. No fluff. In this episode we talk about non-compete legislation, AI in the workforce, salary transparency, layoffs, immigration anxiety, and TikTok’s surprising influence on trade jobs. From the economic ripple effects of Walmart's restructuring to Meta’s AI talent landgrab, we break down the trends shaping how, where, and why we work today. Key Takeaways ➡ Florida's challenge to non-compete agreements could reshape employee mobility nationwide. ➡ Goldman Sachs and Samsung are baking AI into core workflows—this isn't hype, it's deployment. ➡ Immigration-related anxiety is rising again in SF, with new ICE activity hitting local headlines. ➡ Meta’s hiring spree in AI isn’t about growth—it’s about defense. ➡ Job.com’s bankruptcy shows what happens when startup sizzle meets poor fundamentals. ➡ Google’s internal pay transparency experiment is sparking more questions than answers. ➡ Walmart layoffs are part of a bigger wave of restructuring under pressure. ➡ TikTok is unintentionally becoming a trade school recruiter for Gen Z. ➡ The restaurant industry is being crushed by rising labor costs and retention gaps. ➡ Salary transparency may increase equity—but it also triggers internal friction. ➡ Younger workers have a new idea of “professionalism”—and it’s clashing with legacy norms. ➡ Healthcare AI isn’t coming—it’s here, and Samsung is leading that charge. Chapters 04:57 AI in the Workforce: Goldman Sachs and Devin 07:55 Life with Ice: Immigration and Racial Profiling 10:56 Meta's Talent Acquisition Strategy 13:41 Job.com Bankruptcy: Lessons Learned 17:47 Google Employee Compensation Transparency 21:43 Walmart Layoffs and Corporate Restructuring 25:50 Samsung's AI for Digital Healthcare Services 26:41 The Future of Fitness Apps and AI Integration 27:44 Social Media's Role in Influencing Careers 30:19 The Impact of TikTok on Trade Skills 32:35 Rising Costs in the Restaurant Industry 34:57 Acquisitions in Workplace Finance and Technology 37:53 Onboarding Challenges for New Hires 40:36 Generational Differences in Workplace Etiquette 42:54 The Gig Economy and Job Stability 45:12 Gender Disparities in Remote Work 47:40 Funding Trends in Tech Startups Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ #FutureOfWork #AIJobs #SalaryTransparency #NonCompete #TikTokTrades #WRKdefinedPodcast #HRTech #WorkplaceTrends #RecruitingNews #Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 min
  • AI Bias, Cyber Threats, and Teen Unemployment: What HR’s Ignoring in Plain Sight

    AI Bias, Cyber Threats, and Teen Unemployment: What HR’s Ignoring in Plain Sight
    Jul 14 2025
    The world of work is weird right now—and we’re here for it. From SHRM’s bounce-back energy to teenagers being boxed out of the job market, everything's shifting. Companies are experimenting (Amazon’s making office workers volunteer?), while cybersecurity threats are literally coming from North Korea. In this episode, we talk about the collision of AI, hiring, and ethics, the controversy at Cheesecake Factory, and the real reason polyworking is gaining steam. Financial security, agentic AI, and a few big HR tech deals round it out. It’s a full rundown of the chaos in the world that we call work. Key Takeaways ➡ SHRM 2025 had solid engagement, pushing back against skepticism from past years ➡ Cybersecurity threats—including foreign infiltration—are forcing HR to rethink vendor vetting ➡ Teen unemployment is rising due to older workers taking entry-level jobs during economic uncertainty ➡ AI is absorbing low-level roles, forcing companies to redefine what “entry-level” even means ➡ Amazon’s employee volunteer initiative could be a clever long game for talent development ➡ Cheesecake Factory’s controversial hiring tactics stirred outrage and legal questions ➡ North Korean IT workers secretly embedding in U.S. companies is now a real hiring risk ➡ Work-life balance is being rebranded, but burnout and boundary-blurring are growing ➡ Polyworking isn’t a side hustle—it’s a lifestyle choice driven by economic and identity needs ➡ AI bias in hiring tools is becoming a legal and ethical landmine for CHROs ➡ Financial security is emerging as a core employee benefit, not just a nice-to-have ➡ HR tech funding is up again, especially in coaching, payroll, and intelligent finance Chapters 03:03 – Reflections on SHRM Conference 05:18 – Cybersecurity Concerns and Data Breaches 07:46 – Teen Unemployment Trends 10:38 – Corporate Volunteering and Understanding Business Operations 13:40 – Allegations Against Cheesecake Factory 16:34 – Government Contracts and Pricing Strategies 18:36 – North Korea's Cyber Infiltration Tactics 21:15 – The Business Case for RTO 22:14 – Work-Life Balance in the Current Labor Market 24:38 – Understanding Polyworking 29:53 – The Future of Agentic AI 32:07 – Mergers and Acquisitions in HR Tech 35:32 – Real-Time Learning and Feedback in Coaching 40:07 – AI's Role in Managerial Decision-Making 42:22 – Understanding AI Bias in Talent Acquisition 46:15 – Financial Security and Employee Well-being 49:53 – Innovations in HR Technology Funding 56:43 – The Future of Intelligent Finance and Payroll 01:01:27 – Upcoming Events Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 5 min
  • AI, Child Labor, and the Collapse of Workplace Wellness: What HR Isn’t Ready to Admit

    AI, Child Labor, and the Collapse of Workplace Wellness: What HR Isn’t Ready to Admit
    Jun 29 2025
    In this episode, we talk about AI replacing intellectual labor, the collapse of employee wellness efforts, and why fast food chains are under fire for child labor violations. Tincup and Leary break down the contradictions in workplace AI messaging and call out the fatigue creeping in during summer months. The conversation hits everything from HR tech funding spikes to gender bias, dragging the hiring process, and the quiet evolution of transportation as a serious workplace benefit. Key Takeaways ➡ AI is replacing repetitive intellectual labor—this isn’t just a blue-collar story anymore. ➡ Workplace wellness fails when companies ignore what employees actually need. ➡ Over 100,000 fast food violations related to child labor sparked national scrutiny. ➡ Mixed AI messaging creates distrust—“assistive” tools feel more like surveillance. ➡ Summer productivity drops hard—most companies are ignoring the data. ➡ Culture is now inseparable from compensation. If you’re underpaying, don’t say “culture.” ➡ Hiring timelines are longer due to internal distrust, not technology problems. ➡ Passion is still perceived differently based on gender—especially in leadership roles. ➡ Glean raised $150 million, keeping HR tech’s funding wave alive. ➡ Transportation is becoming a legit workplace benefit, improving access and retention. Chapters 00:00 — What's happening this week? 03:20 — AI and Job Displacement 06:48 — Walmart's AI Innovations 09:07 — Workplace Wellness Challenges 11:39 — Child Labor Law Violations 13:26 — AI's Mixed Messages to Workers 15:33 — Summer Work Trends 16:26 — The Future of Work: Remote vs. Office 21:00 — AI in the Workplace: Opportunities and Challenges 23:23 — Acquisitions and Market Consolidation in HR Tech 23:53 — The Impact of AI on Creativity and Brainstorming 28:57 — Employee Wellbeing and AI: A Complex Relationship 30:57 — Hiring Challenges: Trust and Process Over Technology 33:44 — Gender Dynamics in Workplace Passion and Perception 36:22 — Funding Trends in Tech Startups 38:05 — AI in Job Recruitment 41:57 — Transportation as a Workplace Benefit 44:45 — AI Automation in Business Operations 47:28 — Innovations in HR Technology 51:04 — Military Collaboration and Operational Planning Connect with us William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 min
  • BARF: AI Surge, Gen Z Opt-Out, and the Leadership Meltdown in HR

    BARF: AI Surge, Gen Z Opt-Out, and the Leadership Meltdown in HR
    Jun 16 2025
    Workplace discrimination is rising. Gen Z’s ghosting leadership. And AI? It’s rewriting the rules before HR finishes onboarding. In this week’s BARF (Best Analysis, Real Facts), Ryan Leary, William Tincup, and Jay Arnold tear into the headlines shaping your workforce. In this episode we talk about workplace discrimination, AI in HR, Gen Z's shift away from leadership, the mental health toll of layoffs, the evolution of job platforms, green job challenges, and HR tech funding trends. Plus: UKG's frontline strategy, corporate M&A, and the college-to-trade school reset. Key Takeaways: ➡ EEOC funding cuts will likely lead to more unchecked workplace discrimination ➡ Poor layoff communication is wrecking employee mental health ➡ Green jobs face a massive execution gap—lack of skilled labor ➡ AI has shifted from “nice to have” to “don’t show up without it” ➡ The four-year college path is losing ground to trades and certs ➡ Gen Z doesn’t want to lead—they want balance and boundaries ➡ UKG’s betting big on verticals like oil, gas, and manufacturing ➡ CIOs still see HR as support, not strategy—and that’s a problem ➡ Acquisitions in HR tech are consolidating power and product bundles ➡ Funding is all-in on AI tools that improve productivity and reduce bloat ➡ Bundling is the new battleground—build or buy isn’t even a question anymore Chapters 00:00 – The News 02:56 – Podcast Insights and the HR Landscape 06:01 – Workplace Discrimination and Its Implications 08:59 – The Evolution of Job Platforms 11:53 – Mental Health and Layoffs in the Federal Sector 15:05 – The Green Jobs Dilemma 18:05 – AI's Role in the Future of Work 20:57 – The Changing Landscape of Education and Employment 23:54 – Corporate Acquisitions and Market Trends 28:20 – UKG's Commitment to Frontline Operations 31:28 – Cultural Shift Towards Trade Schools 36:44 – Gen Z's Leadership Aspirations 39:06 – The CHRO vs CIO Debate 42:58 – Funding Innovations in HR Tech Featured this week on the BARF: Jay Arnold, HR & Tech Strategist Connect with Us: William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ #HRNews #FutureOfWork #AIDisruption #GenZWorkforce #LeadershipCrisis #CHROvsCIO #GreenJobs #WorkplaceDiscrimination Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 min
  • Blue collar pride, AI efficiency, HR job wipes - The BARF

    Blue collar pride, AI efficiency, HR job wipes - The BARF
    May 26 2025
    42% of Gen Z are saying "hell no" to the desk job and going blue collar—and AI’s not just reading resumes anymore, it's writing your onboarding manual. From Starbucks' uniform protests to Klarna gig-ing complex work, this episode packs punchy insight into where work is actually going. Spoiler alert: It ain’t where your high school guidance counselor said it would. In this episode we break down the shifting job landscape—blue collar pride, AI efficiency, HR job wipes, and how immigrants are silently carrying 19.2% of the U.S. workforce. We keep it real on education myths, startup hype, and why your company meeting might be your biggest productivity killer. Add some legal AI bias spice, a dash of game-based learning, and boom—this one’s a beast. Key Takeaways: ➡ 42% of Gen Z are leaning into skilled trades and saying no to traditional 9–5s➡ AI has replaced hundreds of HR roles at IBM—yes, already➡ Klarna’s now outsourcing complex tasks to gig workers, not bots➡ Starbucks uniform policy caused an employee revolt➡ Meetings are the productivity killer nobody wants to admit➡ Immigrants make up 19.2% of the U.S. labor force—let that sink in➡ AI bias in hiring is now a courtroom issue➡ Education ≠ success—AI skills and self-awareness win long-term➡ Layoffs suck but they force critical self-reflection (you’re not layoff-proof)➡ Internships still matter—especially if school isn’t your jam➡ Disagreeable employees = truth tellers. Embrace the discomfort➡ Startups are breaking molds while market funding shifts below the radar Timestamps: 00:00 – Upcoming Events and Networking Opportunities01:01 – Memorial Day Travel and Preparations04:00 – Onboarding Innovations in the Workplace06:59 – The Importance of Skilled Trades10:02 – AI's Impact on HR and Job Markets12:54 – Starbucks Uniform Policy and Employee Strikes23:46 – Political Connections and Business Ethics27:27 – The Meeting Dilemma: Efficiency vs. Time30:22 – AI Bias and Legal Accountability35:17 – The Role of Immigrants in the Workforce38:19 – Education's Need for AI Integration44:05 – The Future of Work and Self-Directed Learning48:02 – Disagreeable Employees: The Truth-Tellers in the Workplace53:22 – Navigating Differences in Perspectives55:59 – The Importance of Reflective Thinking57:00 – Lessons from Unemployment59:48 – Understanding Layoff Realities01:00:59 – Unicorns in the HR Tech Space01:02:43 – Innovations in AI and Automation01:06:42 – The Future of Startups and Closures01:08:50 – Game-Based Learning and Development01:12:48 – Health Tech Innovations01:15:32 – The Rise of Earned Wage Access01:16:37 – AI Solutions for Deskless Workers Connect with Us (Social Links): William Tincup LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/⁠Ryan Leary LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Site: http://www.wrkdefined.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefinedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefinedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 19 min