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.

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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