Transformation sweeps through the payroll industry. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and other technological developments streamline processes, enabling payroll professionals to take on a more strategic role. Far from merely a back-office function, payroll stands poised to drive business growth.

Payroll professionals need to be ready to become strategic partners to the C-Suite, capable of making their case as powerfully as any other department. Thankfully, award-winning motivational speakers Pegine; Courtney Anderson Broadhead, JD, M.S., M.B.A., B.A.; Kelly Swanson, CSP, CPAE; and Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE, taught attendees how to give their presentations that extra, powerful touch during the Leadership Excellence Series at the 42nd Annual Payroll Congress.

PayrollOrg members concur. “I give presentations all the time. I have a conference next month I have to speak at. I need to win some hearts and minds,” said attendee Lisa Panagos.

Nakeisha Hatfield, CPP, added “I deal with leadership a lot in this new role I am in. Presentations are part of that…I have to convey my thoughts in a way that influences them to buy into what I am doing.”

The track began on Tuesday with Fripp’s Advanced Career-Building Presentation Skills. It continued on Wednesday with Pegine teaching attendees how to Communicate Your V.A.L.U.E., Fripp covering Selling Yourself and Your Ideas, and Anderson Broadhead wrapping up with Pragmatic Payroll Career Strategies!. Thursday brought Pegine’s The Great Integrations: Embrace, Engage, Enroll, and Thrive and Anderson Broadhead presenting Meeting Magic!. The series ended earlier today with Swanson leading her audience through The Persuasion Principle Part II: Make a Greater Impact on Your Team and Business.

“Be powerful, be you,” were fan favorite Pegine’s words of wisdom to attendees. The quartet of inspiring speakers covered inspirational communication concepts and skills, helping their audience reimagine themselves as not just payroll leaders, but as leaders for their entire organizations. “My two programs are not about payroll related subjects,” said Fripp, “Both are very much about how to succeed and accelerate your success in your payroll career.” It was a message that resonated with those in attendance.

Attendee Lynnell Machernis, CPP, said "The subject matter is important. I can definitely take [their] advice back home. It makes sense to meet the fundamental needs of people. You can see how it makes people more engaged."

“[They make] you want to get home and get on the phone with the team,” said Alicia Schmidt, FPC. “We can make changes that are positive."

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Sean Tait Bircher is the Editorial Assistant of Member Publications for PayrollOrg.