PODCAST · business
Totally Rewarding Chats
by WRKdefined Podcast Network
The Totally Rewarding Chats Series is brought to you by co-hosts Sean Luitjens, VP of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at WorldatWork, and Paul Reiman, Founder & Managing Partner of Novo Insights. They will be jamming on all things total rewards and compensation technology with category thought leaders.
Episodes
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AI Adoption in HR Without Losing Control
HR and compensation leaders get a practical look at bringing AI into their organizations without creating new risks. HR consultant Jodi Brandstetter joins Sean and Paul to cover where AI works best in HR, why governance has to come first, and how to decide between the AI already built into your…
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Rising Healthcare Costs and Employee Benefits Strategy
Healthcare costs keep rising, and employers have to decide who pays for it and what gets cut. This conversation looks at what is driving benefits costs right now, including specialty medications and GLP-1s. It covers how cost sharing affects the value of merit increases and why employees have...
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Lessons Learned From Changing Lanes
Sean and Paul bring in Jessica Pontious, a compensation leader who spent a decade inside one company. Jess explains what actually changed when she started advising organizations across industries, sizes, and countries. The conversation covers why she left a large in-house rewards role, the fears...
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Is Merit Dead?
Sean and Paul get together with Christina Watts, Consultant with Marsh, to debate whether the traditional annual pay increase cycle still earns its place, and what companies can do instead. You will hear the case that the yearly increase process is trying to solve too many problems at once, a...
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Building Job Architecture That Actually Works
Travicka Keaton, Senior Manager of Compensation with Monogram Foods, walks through what it actually takes to build a job architecture inside a company that grew fast without one. You will learn how long a real project takes, why salaried roles are usually sequenced before hourly and site-based...
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A Look at the Larger HR Tech Space
This episode explains why the HR technology market feels chaotic right now and what that means for the people who buy and build it. George LaRocque of WorkTech describes the market as an hourglass: established platforms at the top with time and options, AI-native newcomers at the bottom with…
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Season 3 Kickoff with Sean and Paul
This season-opening conversation covers what is shifting in compensation and total rewards heading into 2027, and what practitioners should watch. Sean shares some exciting news and explains why a career move from building compensation software into association and community work made sense after...
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End of Season 2
This episode explains why most compensation and HR teams are not getting real results from AI, and what to fix first. You will learn how to tell where your organization actually sits on the AI adoption curve, why inconsistent data fields like location and cost center quietly break AI analysis…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 49: Best Practices in HR and a New Age Employee
In this episode, Shayna Cooke from Dominion Payroll shares her journey from education to HR leadership, her approach to building effective programs, and how AI is transforming HR and payroll operations. Discover practical insights on change management, employee engagement, and leveraging…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 48: Wisdom from a leadership and performance coach
Paul and Sean sit down with Holly Benner to explore what sustainable high performance looks like and how aligning your values with your work can lead to greater impact. Holly shares insights from her experience at Merck Pharmaceuticals and MettaPerformance, including the importance of…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 47: Perspective of a new comp professional
Paul and Sean sit down with Dane Hickey to explore the evolving world of compensation and what it takes to build a successful career in the field. Dane shares lessons from his career journey, the value of resourcefulness and continuous learning, and why challenging traditional compensation...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 46: Managing a large global program
Paul and Sean sit down with Evren Yildirim to explore what it takes to successfully manage and scale HR programs across global organizations. Evren shares insights from his experience leading initiatives across diverse regions, including the importance of flexibility, cultural understanding, and...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 45: The TR Space from a Recruiters perspective
Paul and Sean sit down with Josh Mensinger to explore the current state of the HR and total rewards job market and what it takes to stand out in today's competitive hiring landscape. Josh shares insights on how remote work has reshaped recruiting, what employers are looking for in today's...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 44: UK Perspective on HR best Practices and EUPTD
Paul and Sean sit down with Kelly Light to explore how pay equity and pay transparency are evolving across the globe. Kelly shares insights into UK pay gap reporting, global pay equity legislation, and the growing importance of evaluating work of equal value. From navigating international...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 43: Annual Incentive plans
Paul and Sean sit down with Susan Malinowski to explore what makes short-term incentive programs successful and why thoughtful design matters just as much as the payout. Susan shares best practices for building incentive plans that drive the right behaviors, communicating programs effectively…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 42: Compensation best practices for small orgs
Paul and Sean sit down with Cassandra Vaughan to explore how small and mid-sized organizations can build effective HR and compensation programs without overcomplicating the process. Cassandra shares practical strategies for leveraging compensation data, technology, and smart HR practices to…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 41: Hanging with a technology anthropologist
Paul and Sean sit down with Lee Cage to explore how organizations can approach technology transformation with a clear understanding of their business needs, culture, and long-term goals. Lee shares lessons from leading large-scale HR technology initiatives, the importance of humility and…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 40: Hacking HR and what is HR working on
Sean and Paul sit down to discuss the latest trends shaping AI, HR, and workforce management. Drawing from recent industry events, customer conversations, and real-world observations, they explore how organizations are approaching AI adoption, what to watch for in the evolving HR technology...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | HR and Payroll 2.0 Special Episode
In this special episode Paul and Sean sit down with HR and Payroll 2.0 hosts Pete Tiliakos and Julie Fernandez. It is a lively conversation from the floor at WorldatWork Total Rewards '26 where they chat all things total rewards, AI, work flexibility and the changing expectations shaping the...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 38: The Debate over Geo Diffs
In this episode, Paul sits down with Laura Cashion to explore the challenges of geographic pay differentials in today’s evolving workforce. Laura shares how organizations define geographic labor markets, the complexities of applying location-based pay strategies, and how remote work continues to...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 37: What Pay Costs - The Science of Pay
Sean and Paul sit down with James Seechurn to explore why traditional pay-for-performance models may be doing more harm than good. James shares how incentive-driven cultures can stifle collaboration, limit innovation, and encourage unintended behaviors, while unpacking the psychology behind...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 36: Live from W@W San Antonio
Sean and Paul sit down with Sam Reeves on the WorldatWork floor to explore how AI and pay transparency are reshaping the future of compensation. Sam shares why data-driven job evaluation methods still matter, how organizations can prepare for growing transparency regulations, and where AI can...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 35: Live from San Antonio; Market Based Pay or Traditional Salary Structures
Sean sits down with Amanda Williamson and surprise guest Katie Stukowski to break down why job architecture is the backbone of effective compensation—and where most organizations miss the mark. Amanda shares how to build job frameworks that actually work in today’s market, from navigating pay...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 34: Lets talk about AI - the sessions at W@W and beyond
Paul and Sean sit down with Ryan on the WorldatWork Total Rewards '26 floor to explore how AI is reshaping work and rewards faster than most teams realize. Ryan shares how to use AI to amplify your skills, automate tedious tasks, and focus on what matters most. Learn how to build simple AI agents...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 33: Kawel's 2026 Conference Recap & Nashville 2027 Preview
Paul and Sean sit down with Kawel LauBech live from the WorldatWork Total Rewards ’26 floor for an engaging conversation on the future of HR. Kawel shares his extensive background in HR and leadership, dives into the evolving mission of WorldatWork, and offers insights into the future of HR,...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 32: Live from W@W Day 3!
Live from the WorldatWork Total Rewards Conference 2026 floor, this conversation explores how AI is reshaping the way we work, think, and create. Featuring insights from industry experts, it breaks down how evolving technologies are changing the skills that matter, elevating the role of soft...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 31: Day 1 Recap and Looking at Day 2
Sean and Paul sit down with Fernanda and Emerson live at WorldatWork to recap Day 1 of the conference and unpack the AI shifts reshaping HR and Total Rewards. From standout sessions to real talk on data quality and implementation, they share what's actually working—and what's not—straight from…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 30: Executive Compensation
Sean, Paul, and Liz break down the complexities of executive compensation, from navigating C-suite conversations to designing effective pay programs. Liz shares expert insights on compliance, performance metrics, financial literacy, and balancing shareholder expectations with executive rewards.…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 29: Best Practices in Selecting Technology
Sean and Paul sit down with Phil Strazzulla for an engaging conversation on how HR leaders can make smarter vendor decisions. Together, they break down best practices, strategies, and real-world insights for selecting the right HR software and partners. From building a strong business case to...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 28: AI in Comp from the Practitioner Lens
Sean and Paul sit down with Josh Lemon to break down how leading organizations design compensation and benefits across markets—while balancing local expectations, compliance, and consistency. From leveraging market data to using technology and employee feedback, this episode covers what it really...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 27: Pay Equity
In this episode, Sean and Paul sit down with legal expert Tom Hayes to unpack the evolving landscape of UK and EU pay transparency legislation. He explores the complexities of right-to-information policies, the growing tension with data privacy, and the strategic approaches organizations can take...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 26: Rewards from the CPO Seat - Roast Paul edition
In this episode, Paul and Sean sit down with Jesper Helt, a global HR leader, to rethink how rewards actually drive business impact. Jesper shares the moment he realized up to 80% of HR spend lives in rewards and how that changed the way he approaches every decision. The conversation covers why...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 25: Pay Equity Best Practices from the Market
In this engaging episode, Nancy Romanyshyn from Syndio shares insights on pay equity, transparency, and the evolving landscape of compensation management. Discover best practices, challenges, and future trends in pay transparency and how companies can navigate this complex space effectively....
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 24: The Story of Levels.fyi and Creating a Great Data Source
In this episode of Totally Rewarding Chats, Paul and Sean sit down with Zuhayeer Musa, co-founder of Levels.fyi, to discuss the rise of compensation transparency in tech. Zuyaheer shares how Levels.fyi evolved from mapping job levels across companies to becoming a leading salary transparency...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 23: Whats Up with W@W and This Years Conference
In this episode, Sean and Paul chat with Courtney about her journey from kindergarten teacher to leading event programming and affiliate engagement at WorldatWork. She shares what inspired the shift and what she’s learned along the way. They also preview the upcoming WorldatWork conference,...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep 22: Discussion around AI in Comp
In this engaging conversation, Sean, Paul, and Giac delve into the evolving landscape of compensation consulting, the impact of AI on the industry, and the journey of transitioning to solopreneurship. Giac shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep 21: Pay Equity and Transparency
In this conversation, Sean, Paul, and Anita Lettink discuss the critical issues surrounding pay equity and transparency in the workplace. Anita shares her extensive background in HR and payroll, emphasizing the importance of starting early in compliance with upcoming legislation. The discussion...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 20: Global TR leader for Campari
In this episode of Totally Rewarding Chats, Sean and Paul sit down with Patricia Pinies of Campari to explore her global career in compensation and rewards. Patricia shares how her journey from Venezuela to roles across Latin America and Asia shaped her approach to managing rewards in diverse...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep.19: History and Future of Compa with Charlie Franklin
In this episode, Paul Reiman and Sean Luitjens sit down with Charlie Franklin, co-founder and CEO of Compa, to unpack his path into compensation, the launch of Compa during the height of the pandemic, and how AI is reshaping the future of pay. The conversation covers why real-time compensation…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 18: LATAM comp and Ben
In this episode, Sean and Paul sit down with Alberto Mondelli, Senior Director at Willis Towers Watson, for a deep dive into compensation and benefits across Latin America. Drawing on decades of consulting experience, Alberto breaks down what multinational organizations often get wrong when...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 17: Tackling Global Pay Equity - a Euro View
In this episode, Paul and Sean sit down with Ben Frost to discuss the realities of EU pay transparency and what organizations need to do to prepare. They explore the employee right to information, the importance of strong governance and data analysis, and why clear communication is critical to...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 16: The New Year Predictions Show
In this forward-looking conversation, Sean Luitjens, Bryan Briscoe, and Paul Reiman share their predictions for HR in 2026, exploring the growing impact of pay transparency, the evolving role of AI, and what these changes mean for leaders and employees alike. Drawing on real-world experience…
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Totally Rewarding Chats: Ep. 15: Payroll and Rewards
In this conversation, Sean Luitjens, Paul Reiman, and Pete Tiliakos delve into the complexities and evolving landscape of payroll and compensation. They discuss the importance of aligning payroll with compensation strategies, the impact of technology and data on payroll processes, and the...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Holiday Hang
In this holiday-themed conversation, Sean and Paul discuss their personal holiday traditions, favorite festive moments, and the challenges of navigating holiday expectations in the workplace. They engage in a speed round of questions about Thanksgiving and Christmas, share their favorite holiday...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 13: Working to Global Pay Equity
In this episode, Sean and Paul sit down with Warren Mueller to unpack the evolving world of market compliance in the professional services sector. Together, they explore the increasingly competitive landscape of talent acquisition, rising client expectations, and the growing pressure to stay…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 12: You're a Legend, What Have You Seen
In this episode, Sean and Paul sit down with Mark Szypko to unpack why transparency and communication are the backbone of an effective compensation strategy. Mark breaks down the misconceptions that often hold organizations back and makes a compelling case for openly sharing salary ranges and pay...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 11: Rewards and TA Partnership
In this episode, Sean, Paul, and Holly dive into the playful—but surprisingly effective—ways teams influence leadership, from decorating the comp leader’s office to deploying well-timed snack diplomacy. Through humor and a bit of “friendly bribery,” they reveal how unconventional tactics can…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 10: Building a Successful Comp Program in a Sales Driven Org
In this episode, Sean Luitjens, KC Weinraub, and Paul Reiman dive into the intricate world of sales compensation — where every decision creates a ripple effect. Together, they unpack why even the best-intentioned changes can lead to unexpected challenges and explore the real-world hurdles...
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 9: Alternative Data Sources Pros and Cons
In this episode, Sean and Paul chat with Cary Sparrow, CEO of Wagescape. They discuss the evolution of labor market data, the importance of transparency in pay, and the integration of various data sources for better insights in HR and recruiting. Cary emphasizes the need for HR to treat talent as…
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Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 8: The World of Global Mobility
In this conversation, Sean Luitjens, Paul Reiman, and Morgan Crosby unpack the evolving world of global mobility — from compensation structures and cost-of-living adjustments to the growing role of technology and strategic communication. They highlight why cross-team collaboration between...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Totally Rewarding Chats Series is brought to you by co-hosts Sean Luitjens, VP of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at WorldatWork, and Paul Reiman, Founder & Managing Partner of Novo Insights. They will be jamming on all things total rewards and compensation technology with category thought leaders.
HOSTED BY
WRKdefined Podcast Network
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Totally Rewarding Chats have?
Totally Rewarding Chats currently has 84 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Totally Rewarding Chats about?
The Totally Rewarding Chats Series is brought to you by co-hosts Sean Luitjens, VP of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at WorldatWork, and Paul Reiman, Founder & Managing Partner of Novo Insights. They will be jamming on all things total rewards and compensation technology with...
How often does Totally Rewarding Chats release new episodes?
Totally Rewarding Chats has 84 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Totally Rewarding Chats?
You can listen to Totally Rewarding Chats on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Totally Rewarding Chats?
Totally Rewarding Chats is created and hosted by WRKdefined Podcast Network.
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