Advertise on podcast: THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

With banks making money and reporting solid consumer spending and stable credit while several manufacturing reports indicate renewed momentum in the industry, there is a positive glow on the U.S. economy. However, host Gene Marks says that as much as this news is good, there is a growing voice around risk associated with energy prices, inflation, and credit balances, not to mention tariffs and unpredictable policy shifts that could bring it all to a halt. In AI news, Google touts its AI ad tools as a way for its customers to improve sales and help campaigns but others are wary. Listen to the podcast.  Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:18 – Bank Earnings and Economy 02:34 – Manufacturing Optimism 06:07 – Google Says AI Ad Tools Boost Sales 08:22 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Artificial intelligence is working for and against Gen Z, hindering their first job searches while also enabling them to manage workloads as they engage in polywork. Gene Marks looks at the latest trend of the new generation of workers, as well as what this eventually could mean for the labor market. In other news, cybercrime is costly – nearly $22 billion in losses in 2025, according to an FBI report. Gene suggests training and other precautionary steps for businesses. Plus, a Microsoft mea culpa. Its Copilot AI terms of service state it is not reliable and should not be used for important decisions, but the tech giant claimed those were out of date. Do your due diligence. Listen to the podcast.  Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:18 – Gen Z, AI, and Polywork 02:28 – Cyber Crime Financial Costs 05:55 – Microsoft’s Copilot “mistake” 08:35 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Cybersecurity Plan: https://bit.ly/cybersecurity-plan DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Think org charts are just boxes and lines? Think again. Gene Marks sits down with OrgChart CEO Tom McCarty to explore how a living, data-connected org chart can transform workforce planning, boost company valuation, support AI-readiness, and give employees a clear path forward. From 30-person shops to enterprise teams, this conversation will make you rethink how you manage your most valuable asset. Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Check out OrgChart and more trusted partners in the Paychex Marketplace: https://bit.ly/41uO9zk Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:18 – Why org charts matter beyond spreadsheets 03:48 – Org charts as career paths and transparency tools 05:16 – Succession planning, exits, and M&A 07:08 – Org charts as the foundation for HR 10:01 – What OrgChart does 14:07 – Why not just use ChatGPT for org charts? 17:30 – Using your org chart for strategic decisions 21:24 – OrgChart pricing, wrap up, and thank you #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeartSummit #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Job growth and wage growth have cooled, according to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch and even Homebase, but the overarching theme is that small businesses continue to be resilient in an ever-changing landscape. Gene Marks points out that businesses are being more selective when hiring and cutting costs rather than jobs. In other news, lawsuits around accessibility – mainly concerning websites – under the Americans with Disabilities Act have risen 37%, and Gene offers some tips for owners. Businesses continue to adopt artificial intelligence at a rapid rate, but among users there is a diminished trust in the accuracy of AI’s output.  Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Jobs and Wages 03:00 – ADA Accessibility Lawsuits 05:20 – AI Accuracy and Trust 07:55 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

With the many challenges small business owners face on a regular basis, add forgoing pay for themselves. A survey by Bluevine found that 3 in 10 have invoice problems that cause cashflow issues that result in them not paying themselves. Host Gene Marks offers four tips on how to address the problem. In the tech startup world, funding might get a little easier with Congress voting to free up billions in grants. Speaking of easier, Anthropic’s tools, Claude Code and Claude Cowork, are performing tasks such as paying invoices and purchasing inventory with limited human prompting. Listen to the podcast to find out more about the next layer of agentic AI.       Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:18 – Invoicing and Cashflow Issues 04:14 – Potential Tech Industry Funding 07:14 – Agentic AI and Small Businesses 10:18 – Episode Wrap-up  Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Learn About Invoice Factoring: https://bit.ly/invoice-factoring-types DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Small business owners are feeling cautiously hopeful, but far from settled. In this episode of THRIVE, host Gene Marks sits down with Holly Wade and Peter Hansen from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) to break down what their three signature indexes — Optimism, Uncertainty, and Employment — are really telling us about small business in 2026. From interest rates to federal policy shifts, find out why confidence is up, but small business owners are still holding their breath. Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:18 – Peter’s background and NFIB podcast overview 04:06 – Holly’s background and NFIB Research Center history 05:25 – NFIB Indexes: Optimism, Uncertainty & Employment 10:24 – Dealing with Bias: Optimism, politics & perspective 14:50 – NFIB survey demographics 21:41 – New NFIB Employment Index: What and why 25:21 – Reconciling NFIB data and survey challenges 29:47 – Current read on optimism and uncertainty 33:03 – Wrap up and thank you #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeartSummit #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

A new Mercer survey finds that only 54% of U.S. employers are ready to comply with pay transparency regulations, while host Gene Marks says it’s a smart business practice, whether or not your state requires it. A 1-800Accountant survey reveals that 57% of small business owners admit to questionable tax deductions, with complexity, not intent, being the real culprit. And while a Goldman Sachs study shows most small businesses are using AI, only 14% have truly integrated it into core operations. Listen to the podcast. Topics: 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Pay Transparency 03:44 - Questionable Tax Deductions 06:32 - Small Businesses and AI 09:27 - Episode Wrap Up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Article on AI for small business: https://bit.ly/4uVEhvW DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

A report finds that entrepreneurs are optimistic about business prospects but nearly one-third want to sell. Gene Marks says take the positivity with a grain of salt from the sellers, plus take advantage of buying a business that already exists. Employers struggling to find labor aren’t shy about paying more for what they can find, according to a report by the National federation of Independent Businesses, with nearly 50% increasing compensation to lure candidates. And speaking of money, KPMG is offering cold, hard cash to employees who start innovating with AI tools.  Topics: 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Entrepreneurs Planning Exits 03:42 - Small Business Wages and Labor Market 06:11 - Incentivizing AI Innovation (KPMG's Case) 08:01 - Episode Wrap Up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeart #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

What happens when a Hallmark star meets a business podcast? Actress and Lioness executive producer Jill Wagner joins Gene Marks to reveal the business savvy behind her 20-year career. From cold-calling Taylor Sheridan to building a real estate portfolio, Jill treats her career like a CEO treats a company. She opens up about handling rejection, knowing your worth, managing money, and finding structure in the chaos of Hollywood. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or just hustling toward your next big break, Jill’s candid advice will leave you ready to pick up the phone. Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 02:03 – Why acting is a business 04:46 – How Jill’s “business” is structured 06:12 – Creating your own opportunities 11:00 – The perspective of experience 13:05 – How to handle rejection 16:01 – Taking work that isn’t perfectly aligned 18:45 – Reframing competition and success 22:29 – The reality of balancing career and motherhood 25:57 – Jill’s approach to money management and legal protection 30:01 – Time management in a multi-hat career 32:34 – Jill’s outlook on her future 35:03 – Wrap up and thank you #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeartSummit #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

With the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the legality of some tariffs and another court ruling that refunds must be paid, host Gene Marks offers business owners several tips on how to set themselves up to get their piece of billions of dollars returned. The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch paints a more stable picture of job growth than the federal government, which announced a loss of 92,000 jobs in February. A new weekly feature highlighting artificial intelligence shows that people who lost jobs in customer service to AI are being rehired, and the reason why will surprise you.  Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew Tariffs and refund article: https://bit.ly/tariffs-and-refunds DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

A quarterly check-in with the National Federation of Independent Businesses finds optimism in many industry sectors, led by Manufacturing. Host Gene Marks says he’s hearing the same things when he speaks at association events. On the not-so-rosy side, almost 70% of HR leaders expressed concern over a lack of data to make effective decisions on raises and promotions – citing fragmented systems and manual entry. OpenAI ready to release another gadget: a smart speaker with a speaker that could change the way we make purchases. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Host Gene Marks takes us through a whirlwind few days regarding tariffs, including the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a majority of the president’s tariffs as unconstitutional. He’ll explain what might happen next with tariffs, why no one should expect a refund without litigation, and what businesses can do moving forward with a new set of tariffs in place. Listen to the podcast.   Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch for January reveals that job growth and hourly wage growth remain steady to start 2026, but host Gene Marks expresses some concern that wage growth is hovers around the inflation percentage. A survey from the Philadelphia Business Journal highlights a burnout concern by Millennials and Gen Z workers who continue to fear taking time off and push themselves toward professional burnout. Gene says it is indicative for owners to support employees for the good of the company and individual. Plus, despite daunting economic headwinds, many small business owners are emphasizing growth through marketing expenditures. Listen to the podcast.     Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew Article on employee burnout: https://bit.ly/burnout-prevention-strategies DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Forget pizza parties and pep talks — best-selling author and Front Row Seat podcast host Ken Coleman reveals why traditional motivation tactics fail and what actually drives employee engagement. Discover the three human needs that transform retention, productivity, and profitability, plus the two simple questions every leader should ask their team. Ken explains why your job isn’t to motivate anyone and shares his proven framework for helping employees find work they’re “wired to do.” Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:03 – “Wired” for work: The three wires 03:58 – Diagnosing misalignment in current role 08:18 – Escaping the “miserable but safe” job 13:27 – Why change fails 17:18 – Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation 18:26 – What to do if you’re not a natural motivator 22:02 – Real-world example: CEO in a cubicle 24:08 – Ken’s personal work fit 27:23 – What really keeps talent: Three human needs 30:22 – Recruiting strategy: You can’t teach hunger 32:48 – Wrap up and thank you DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The Small Business Administration had a busy past few weeks in the news and for their communications department. An article reported on the agency’s reported record growth in 2025, including nearly $100 billion through the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. U.S. manufacturing gained millions in support from the Working Capital Pilot program. A bill in the U.S. Senate aims at providing free AI training and guidance nationwide, and the agency is implementing a program to provide a workaround for permit delays during federal disaster declarations. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Funding sources: https://bit.ly/funding-for-businesses DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.