#HRTechChat: David Edwards on the “Last Mile” from Data to Decisions

In this episode of #HRTechChat, Nicole Roberts (Senior Analyst & Advisor, 3Sixty Insights) is joined by David Edwards—strategic workforce planning practitioner, advisor, and author of The Strategic Workforce Planning Handbook—for a candid conversation about the gap between SWP theory and the messy reality of execution. David explains why strategic workforce planning still suffers from an identity crisis (too many definitions, too many expectations), and why organizations keep getting trapped in short-term thinking that freezes out long-term capability building. Together, they unpack why chasing “perfect data” can be just as risky as oversimplifying, and why the real skill leaders need—especially as AI accelerates planning inputs—is judgment: knowing what’s decision-grade, what matters most, and what to do next. The conversation also tackles the evolving role of managers, […]

#HRTechChat: Aman Kaur-Shaik on Why AI Adoption in HR Starts with Knowledge, Data, and Culture

In this episode of #HRTechChat, Dylan Teggart speaks with Aman Kaur-Shaik—HR Director at Nutrien, member of the 3SixtyInsights Global Executive Advisory Council, and a 2024 Global Top 100 HR Executive—about what it really takes for organizations to adopt AI successfully. Aman explains why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t the technology itself, but the environment organizations have built around it. From fragmented knowledge bases and outdated policies to inconsistent data and unclear guardrails, many HR teams are trying to layer advanced AI tools on top of systems that were never designed for them. Together, they explore why the hype around AI is beginning to settle, how HR leaders can move from experimentation to practical adoption, and why starting with strong knowledge management and data […]

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Research Agenda: Workforce Strategy, HR Enablement & HR Technology in an AI-Augmented World

Analyst Overview Nicole brings more than 20 years of senior HR leadership experience, including serving as Chief People Officer and the first HR executive at several high-growth, private-equity–backed, and multi-site organizations. She has built HR functions from the ground up, led organizations through Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and rapid scaling, and evaluated, selected, and implemented a wide range of HR technologies as a buyer. She specializes in helping HR leaders translate workforce data into clear, executive-ready narratives that resonate with CEOs, CFOs, and private-equity stakeholders. In addition to her executive experience, Nicole serves as faculty with the Human Capital Institute, where she teaches courses in strategic workforce planning, talent acquisition, HR business partnering, change management, and leadership development. This work provides deep insight into the […]

#HRTechChat: Do More With Less Is Breaking Managers (and What to Do About It) — with JD Dillon

In this episode of #HRTechChat, Dylan Teggart is joined by JD Dillon—advisor, speaker, and author of The Modern Learning Ecosystem—to unpack the “do more with less” reality shaping work in 2026 and why managers are taking the brunt of it. JD explains how constant change, unclear AI mandates, and shrinking labor budgets are pressing frontline and middle managers from both sides—corporate demands on one side, team needs on the other. Together, they explore why traditional leadership development isn’t meeting the moment, why “engagement” is losing meaning as a guiding metric, and what actually helps organizations adapt when disruption hits. JD makes the case that if you’re going to prioritize one investment in the employee experience, make it managers—by giving them time, clarity, and permission to […]

#HRTechChat: The Economics of HR – Speaking the Language of Business with Maria Scarangella

In this episode of #HRTechChat, Nicole Roberts is joined by Maria Scarangella to tackle one of the most persistent challenges facing HR today: proving business value in a climate defined by cost pressure, efficiency mandates, and heightened executive scrutiny. Drawing on her 37-year career at GEICO—including leadership of a $2.5B P&L—and her current work building Marstella, Maria explains why HR risks losing its strategic seat when it speaks only in HR metrics instead of business outcomes. Together, they explore how quantifying the true cost of hiring, onboarding, training, and turnover can fundamentally change executive decision-making—from smarter workforce planning to more targeted investments in technology and development. Maria outlines why “a lot” is not a number, how lifecycle cost visibility creates accountability across leaders, and why […]

#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, 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, […]

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Council Guest Post: HR Transformation – Developing Talent and Skills for the Future

Preparing the Workforce for Future Challenges and Opportunities Introduction In today’s rapidly evolving world, organizations must continually adapt to stay competitive. To do this successfully, they need to focus on developing talent and skills that will prepare their workforce for future challenges and opportunities. In my experience transforming HR, I have seen firsthand the importance of a strategic approach to talent development and skill building. Let’s explore on how organizations can achieve this goal. Understanding the Future of Work To effectively develop talent and skills for the future, it is essential to understand the changing nature of work. Technological advancements, globalization, and demographic shifts are reshaping the workforce landscape. Jobs that once required manual labor are now being automated, and new roles are emerging that […]

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GTM Innovators: The GEO Playbook – How Partner Marketing Fuels AI Discoverability with Michael Cole

In this episode of GTM Innovators, host Kyle James sits down with Michael Cole, SVP of Marketing at Everflow, to explore how Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is redefining the rules of search and discoverability. As AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become the new front doors to information, long-tail SEO is giving way to a world driven by citations, partnerships, and authentic content. Michael shares how leading brands are adapting—building relationships with publishers, rethinking affiliate strategies, and creating human-led content that fuels visibility across AI-powered ecosystems. If you’ve ever wondered what replaces SEO in the age of AI, this conversation is your new playbook.  Subscript to GMT Innovators Series on the following platforms: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/research-859405782 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsoV6fwX4cpGR2Hg98rc1e1k2-cOqCbhb Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gvDzcl0jxpPIfu9WYu6U4 iHeartReadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/258127960/ Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/gtm-innovators/PC:1001097038 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gtm-innovators/id1790738579 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1b000615-31cc-49dd-a5d8-f80d5098bf2d/gtm-innovators […]

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Council Guest Post: HR Transformation – Data-Driven HR Decisions

Utilizing Analytics to Inform and Drive HR Transformational Initiatives Introduction In the dynamic landscape of human resources, the role of data and analytics has evolved from a mere supportive function to a central pillar in shaping HR strategies and decisions. The contemporary HR environment demands a data-driven approach to enhance decision-making processes, optimize workforce management, and ensure organizational growth. This article delves into the critical aspects of data-driven HR decisions and how analytics can be harnessed to revolutionize HR practices. The Importance of Data-Driven HR Decisions Data-driven HR decisions involve the use of data analytics to inform and guide HR strategies. This methodology shifts HR from being intuition-based to evidence-based, ensuring that decisions are backed by empirical data and insights. The importance of this approach […]

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3Sixty Insights’ Nicole Roberts to Facilitate HCI’s Strategic Workforce Planning Certification

Sixty Insights is happy to share that Nicole Roberts, Analyst with 3Sixty Insights, will serve as a facilitator for the Human Capital Institute’s (HCI) Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) Certification program. The SWP Certification is one of HCI’s flagship offerings, designed to help HR and business leaders build a forward-looking approach to workforce planning. Participants learn how to align talent strategies with organizational goals, identify and close skill gaps, and create actionable plans that drive measurable impact. Nicole brings her extensive expertise in HR strategy, organizational effectiveness, and people-centric leadership to the classroom. As a facilitator, she will guide participants through HCI’s evidence-based SWP framework, interactive exercises, and practical toolkits that can be applied immediately to real-world challenges. This collaboration underscores 3Sixty Insights’ commitment to advancing […]

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Case Study: Hosparus Health Gains Efficiency, Elevates Employee Experience Through Dayforce

Founded over 40 years ago by volunteers to provide hospice and palliative care to children, adults, and veterans in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, Hosparus Health is a nonprofit provider of holistic care, veteran care, lung care management, and pet therapy. Its programs allow older patients to stay in the homes they know and love while receiving care, and younger patients are kept comfortable and free of pain while their families receive much-needed counseling and support. Hosparus Health cannot afford to miss its own mission-driven moments by dealing with time-consuming tasks such as processing payments for its nearly 750 employees across the organization’s nine locations. Lacking the budget of larger for-profit organizations, Hosparus Health sought to invest in an affordable yet capable human resources management solution. […]

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Council Guest Post: HR Transformation – Leveraging Technology for HR Efficiency

Utilizing HR Tech Such as AI and Analytics for Streamlined Processes Introduction In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of Human Resources (HR) has transcended traditional boundaries. The integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and analytics is revolutionizing HR functions, enabling organizations to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and improve overall efficiency. This article delves into the transformative impact of HR tech, specifically AI and analytics, and how they are reshaping the way HR operates. Rapid Innovations in HR Technology The advent of digital transformation has paved the way for HR technology to become an indispensable part of modern organizations. HR tech encompasses a wide range of tools and solutions designed to automate and optimize various HR functions, from recruitment and onboarding […]

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Video: When Cost-Cutting Kills Customer Experience

In this video, Nicholas Biron of 3Sixty Insights draws a sharp contrast between the in-store experience of legacy retailers and the seamless efficiency of online shopping. What starts as a simple school shopping trip quickly becomes a lesson in why brick-and-mortar continues to lose ground to Amazon. Nicholas recounts disorganized stores, locked fitting rooms, low inventory, and disengaged employees at Target and Old Navy—problems that echo the decline of Sears. These failures highlight a deeper truth: retail isn’t losing because of Amazon’s prices alone. It’s losing because the customer experience has collapsed.

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Video: Why Independent Research Creates Defendable Customer Stories

In this video, Nicholas Biron underscores the real power of independent, third-party research in marketing. While vendors often publish their own case studies, these pieces rarely carry the depth or credibility needed to influence buyers—or withstand scrutiny. Nicholas explains how 3Sixty Insights approaches customer interviews differently: by probing deeper into decision drivers, evaluation processes, and real outcomes. The result is richer, more authentic stories that buyers and participants themselves use to validate choices, showcase investments, and even elevate their personal profiles.

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Council Guest Post: 15 Characteristics of Thought Leadership in HR / Talent Acquisition Technology Marketing

In 10 Ways to Improve the Way You Market Your HR-Talent Acquisition-Learning Technology, I talked about how the phrases “thought leadership” and “branding” content have wandered off to mean just about anything. Now let’s look at 15 potential characteristics of what might be called thought leadership. It’s not necessary for your marketing to include every one of them for it to be “thought leadership,” but they are attributes you may find in thought leadership. Feel free to add your own. Challenges the status quo authentically, not for the sake of drawing attention or causing a phony controversy Backs up the point with examples or data, possibly from your own technology Disagrees with what you’ve said prior and admits you changed your own mind Avoids excessive […]

#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. Learn more about how Unit4 can help your organization here: Unit4 HCM software for payroll […]

GTM Trust Through Analyst Relations with Chris Manfredi

GTM Innovators: Building GTM Trust Through Analyst Relations with Chris Manfredi

In this episode of GTM Innovators, Kyle James sits down with Chris Manfredi, Global Director of Analyst Relations at Sprout Social, to explore the power of analyst relations as a trust-building force in go-to-market strategy. With over a decade of experience navigating firms like Gartner, Forrester, and IDC, Chris shares how AR serves as a strategic connective tissue across product, marketing, sales, and the C-suite. From managing 1,500+ analyst touchpoints a year to synthesizing insights for executive decisions, Chris offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes AR truly impactful, especially in today’s AI-driven, insight-saturated landscape. Whether you’re new to AR or looking to take your program to the next level, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, human-centric perspective, and bold ideas for the future. […]

#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 podcast hosted by Mark Feffer, featuring Samrat Krishna of Darwinbox. 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 […]

#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. Our #HRTechChat Series is also available as a podcast on the following platforms: WRKdefined: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/3sixty-insights-hrtechchat Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3sixty-insights/id1555291436?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hXSgrFWXwvJqPbnKunztv SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-965220588 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6aDtrRPYoCIrnkeOYZRpAQ/ iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-3sixty-insights-78293678/ Amazon Music […]