Episode 206

What It Really Takes to Become a Payroll Leader in 2025 with Carlyn Davis

This episode is sponsored by Deel

Managing a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. 

See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickday

What does it take to turn a payroll job into a leadership career? In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Carlyn Davis, CPP – Director of Payroll at CBRE Government & Defense Services, 2024 Texas Payroll Professional of the Year, and President of the Alamo Chapter of Payroll Professionals.

After spending 18 years in payroll before pursuing her CPP certification, Carlyn’s career transformed. Today, she’s a respected leader, speaker, and advocate for payroll professionals everywhere.


If you’ve ever wondered how to grow from processing paychecks to becoming a true payroll leader, this episode will inspire you to take action.


Carly Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlyn-davis-cpp-35988485/

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


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


Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!



(00:00) Preview

(03:25) Carlyn’s Start in Payroll  

(09:04) Winning Texas Payroll Professional of the Year  

(12:44) Leading the Alamo Chapter  

(15:57) Overcoming Overwhelm

(17:18) Finding Balance in Payroll Leadership  

(22:12) The Power of Reliable Payroll  

(27:32) AI in Payroll

(29:12) The Biggest Obstacle Holding Payroll Back

(33:52) Payroll’s Collaborative Community 

(35:37) The Dream of Global Payroll Consistency  

(38:38) Carlyn’s Timeless Advice for Payroll Professional 

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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.