Episode 208

Why People-First Payroll Wins Every Time with Stuart Curtis

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

Payroll is more than process. It is the heartbeat of employee trust and business performance.


In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Stuart Curtis, an accountant turned payroll leader, to explore how passion, people, and purpose can transform payroll from a cost center into a strategic value driver.


Stuart shares how an accountant’s mindset can elevate payroll operations through people-first leadership, clear pricing, and productized services. You will hear how to position payroll advisory, use automation and AI as quality co-workers, turn data into persuasive stories for decision makers, and protect team wellbeing with simple, sustainable habits. We also dig into financial wellbeing trends, earned wage access, and the “trust triangle” that helps leaders build credibility with clients and stakeholders.


If you want to lead payroll with confidence, grow margins without burning out your team, and build a culture that clients love, this episode is for you.


Checkout LearnWorlds, the #1 AI-powered LMS built for course creators: https://www.learnworlds.com/


Stuart Curtis' LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/stuart-curtis-02a02ba

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!

About the Podcast

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The Payroll 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.