Episode 218

How to Build High-Performing Payroll Teams with Wendy Uutala

This episode is sponsored by Deel

Hire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/

Payroll leadership is not about control, perfection, or staying invisible. It is about trust.

In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Wendy Uutala shares how the most successful payroll teams are built by removing fear, developing confidence, and leading people before systems. Drawing from decades of experience across domestic and global payroll, Wendy breaks down what it actually takes to create high-trust teams that perform under pressure.

The conversation explores mentorship as a leadership responsibility, why payroll professionals underestimate their expertise, and how confidence changes the way teams show up. Wendy also shares lessons from building global payroll operations, navigating compliance complexity, and leading across cultures without losing alignment.

This episode is a deep dive into what modern payroll leadership really looks like and why people-first leadership is no longer optional for payroll teams that want to scale, retain talent, and earn trust across the business.

If you work in payroll, HR, finance, or lead operational teams, this episode will change how you think about leadership inside payroll.



Wendy Uutala (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-uutala-6b97285a

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

(00:00) The Mindset Behind Great Payroll Leadership

(04:21) Wendy’s Origin Story and How Payroll Chose Her

(06:55) Owning Expertise and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

(09:52) Confidence as a Turning Point in Leadership

(12:57) The Three Pillars: Trust, Communication, Collaboration

(15:41) Why Trust Is the Currency of Payroll

(17:35) From Domestic to Global Payroll Leadership

(21:19) Navigating Culture, Compliance, and Global Complexity

(25:16) Building High-Trust Teams Without Fear

(31:03) Mentorship as a Leadership Responsibility

(49:13) Scaling Impact Through Mentoring and Speaking

(01:02:42) The Legacy Payroll Leaders Should Leave Behind


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About the Podcast

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About your host

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Nick Day

Nick Day is a globally recognised thought leader in the payroll and HR industry, with over 20 years of experience as the founder and CEO of JGA Recruitment.

As an ILM 7 qualified Executive Coach and Mentor, Nick has dedicated his career to guiding CHROs, entrepreneurs, and payroll industry leaders worldwide.
Nick received the PAYO Global Vision Award in 2024 and was also voted one of Thinkers360’s "Top Voices EMEA" the same year.

In 2023, Thinkers360 ranked Nick as the #1 Global "Thought Leader in Payroll” and #9 Global "Thought Leader in HR.” That same year, he received the Recruitment Leaders Leader Award (RDLC) and the Personality of the Year title at the Reward Strategy Leadership Awards.

Nick's deep knowledge of the payroll industry and his coaching expertise make him a sought-after speaker and mentor for payroll and HR leaders. His presentations are known for their interactive elements, real-world applications, and actionable takeaways, ensuring attendees leave with a clear path to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Nick Day has a rich history of delivering impactful presentations, keynote speeches and workshops at various industry conferences and events. His engaging speaking style and practical insights have earned him recognition as a leading voice in payroll leadership.