3Sixty Insights HRTechChat

#HRTechChat: Jeff Smith of 15Five on Building Better Managers in the Age of AI

In this episode of #HRTechChat, Nicole Roberts sits down with Jeff Smith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsmithphd/], COO of 15Five, to unpack what it really takes to build better managers in an era of AI, constant change, and overflowing HR to-do lists. A psychologist by training with deep R&D and product experience, Jeff brings a rare lens on how organizations can redesign systems, expectations, and technology to truly support people leaders—not just measure them. They dig into the mounting pressure on HR and managers, the shift from “HR owns all people issues” to shared accountability, and why management has to be treated as a daily practice, not a one-time promotion. Jeff explains how tools like 15Five and Kona AI can turn everyday one-on-ones into continuous performance data, simplify review cycles, and give leaders real-time coaching—while still honoring privacy, governance, and the realities of legal and IT risk. Along the way, they explore common failure modes: promoting star ICs into roles they aren’t equipped for, burying managers in 20-question reviews, and ignoring the signals that your best people no longer want to step into leadership. If you still think “being a good manager” is something people just figure out on their own, this conversation will change your mind.

#HRTechChat: Heike Wiesner and Alastair Pride on Payroll Trends and Innovation at Unit4

In this episode of #HRTechChat, Dylan Teggart sits down with Heike Wiesner, Global Sales Growth Director HCM, and Alastair Pride, Managing Principal Consultant, of Unit4 to explore the evolving role of payroll as a strategic business driver. They discuss how cloud migration, integrated ERP systems, and innovations like Unit4’s Payroll Navigator are transforming payroll from a back-office function into a core asset for workforce planning, compliance, and employee trust. From real-time visibility to faster, smarter deployments, Heike and Alastair share how Unit4 is helping organizations simplify complexity, boost efficiency, and adapt to shifting workforce demands. If you think payroll is just about getting people paid, it’s time to think bigger.

#HRTechChat: Darwinbox’s Samrat Krishna on Killing the Toggle Tax and Unleashing AI Agents at Work

AI is changing the game—but not in the way you think. In this episode of #HRTechChat, we’re sharing a special swapcast from the PeopleTech [https://workforceai.substack.com/] podcast hosted by Mark Feffer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfeffer/], featuring Samrat Krishna [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samratkrishna/] of Darwinbox [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedarwinbox/]. Samrat unpacks how AI agents are killing the “toggle tax” and rethinking enterprise software altogether. Instead of juggling dozens of systems and interfaces, agents now act on your behalf—fetching info, taking action, and streamlining workflows across platforms. They dig into the mechanics of MCP (Modular Component Protocol), how Darwinbox is building for agent-first environments, and what HR leaders should automate today to unlock strategic headspace tomorrow. If you think AI is about replacing people, you’re asking the wrong question. Tune in to learn how to shift from assistance to agency—and why that shift changes everything.

#HRTechChat: Meredith Reilly on Building Your Advisory Village and Scaling HR Strategically

Small businesses face growing complexity in HR, payroll, and benefits—but too often, leaders carry the burden alone. In this episode of #HRTechChat, Dylan Teggart talks with Meredith Reilly, Chief Sales Officer at isolved, about why it’s time to stop going solo. Meredith shares how modern HR demands strategic partnerships—not just tools—and how activating an “advisory village” can help leaders scale smarter. From tech fluency to cultural alignment, they break down what today’s HR advisors must bring to the table. If you’re still treating vendors as service providers, you’re missing the point. Tune in to learn how synergy, not solo effort, drives results.

GTM Innovators: Vetting the Future with John Baldino - Trust, AI, and the Human Touch

In this episode of GTM Innovators, host Kyle James sits down with John Baldino [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbaldinohr/], President of Humareso [https://humareso.com/] and co-host of the But First Coffee Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfMk3uQkX4hejR0iXXDqXhJfIR1-eAUS], for a candid conversation on the future of AI in the workplace. This discussion explores how organizations must balance innovation with responsibility when adopting AI technologies. John shares his insights on building trust, maintaining ethical standards, and preserving the human element as AI continues to reshape the way we work. From recruitment to performance management, this episode offers practical advice for leaders navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and talent.