Payroll Pivot

Nick Day is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and author ranked the number one Global Payroll Thought Leader in the world by Thinkers360. He was awarded the PayrollOrg Global Vision Award in 2024 and was named Reward Strategy Personality of the Year 2023.For 24 years he has worked at the intersection of payroll, leadership, and human performance. He founded JGA Recruitment Group in 2008 and has since placed more than 10,000 professionals globally. He also hosts The Payroll Podcast, The HR L&D Podcast, and Mindful Paths, where he has interviewed many of the leaders shaping the future of work.Nick is the creator of The Fear Equation™, a framework that helps professionals turn hesitation into decisive action, and of associated tools including The B.O.L.D.™ Protocol and The Payroll Fear Fingerprint™. These ideas sit at the heart of The Payroll Pivot: From Invisibility to Influence, his debut book and the case for payroll professionals claiming the strategic influence they have already earned.He is also co-author of Founders in Focus: Stories from 14 Entrepreneurs Who Built It Their Way.Nick holds an ILM Level 7 qualification in Executive Coaching, a CIM Level 7 in Professional Consulting, and a Master's degree in Theatre from the University of London. He is the founder of www.jgarecruitment.com, www.payrolljobsboard.com, and www.feartobold.com.  He also hosts three podcasts: The Payroll Podcast The HR L&D Podcast and the Mindful Paths Podcast. More at www.thepayrollpivot.com.

• Table of ContentsIntroduction: Embracing thePayroll Pivot .................................................. 7Chapter 1: Why Payroll is anIncreasingly Strategic Profession ................. 20Chapter 2: Seeing Yourself asan Influential Partner ................................. 35Chapter 3: ChampioningPayroll’s Importance in Your Organisation ........ 59Chapter 4: UncoveringStrategic Insights from Payroll Data ..................... 74Chapter 5: Automation, AI,and the Composer’s Evolution ........................ 93Chapter 6: Emerging Trendsfor the Global Payroll Architect ................... 114Chapter 7: The Leader asCompass .......................................................... 138Chapter 8: From Thermometerto Thermostat; Emotional Intelligence forChapter 9: The EnduranceCourse: Why the Finish Line Is Influence ...... 188Chapter 10: The Catalyst -Strategies for Becoming the Change Maker .... 209Chapter 11: Claiming YourPlace at the Strategic Table ............................ 228Conclusion: The Choice ThatChanges Everything ................................... 246Your Final B.O.L.D.™ Moment...................................................................................248

"Essential reading for anyone ready to elevate their role and expand their impact. Nick Day explains in a clear, practical, and insightful way how payroll professionals can build on their expertise to move to strategic leadership." — Anita Lettink, HR Tech & Payroll Advisor"Insight alone doesn't create influence. The Payroll Pivot shows how payroll leaders translate insight into conversations executives actually act on." — Joe Ranzau, Partner at Grant Thornton"The Payroll Pivot captures what so many payroll professionals feel but rarely articulate — that we are critical to business success, yet often overlooked. It's relatable, motivating, and grounded in real-world experience." — Carlyn Davis, CPP, Director of Payroll at CBRE Government & Defense Services"Nick gives a powerful voice to a profession that has quietly carried enormous responsibility for far too long. The Payroll Pivot is both an inspiring celebration of payroll and a thoughtful call to step into the role it has always deserved." — Kira Rubiano, Partner at Payrollminds"Nick challenges the traditional view of payroll, reframing it from operational excellence to true strategic impact in the algorithmic age." — Vickie Graham, Managing Director at Reward Strategy"The book this profession has long needed. The Fear Equation reframes what most of us have quietly experienced but never named — that the voice saying 'not yet' isn't wisdom, it's fear in disguise. Practical, personal, and long overdue." — Victoria Thatcher, Director, Product Strategy & Compliance at Remote"A valuable read for payroll professionals at any stage of their careers. Nick blends global perspectives with his own thoughtful commentary to deliver a clear message — payroll holds the key to unlocking its true value." — Max van der Klis-Busink, MCIPP, RPP, Global Payroll Consultant at Passion For Payroll"I really enjoyed Nick's storytelling style — setting up important concepts, providing the war stories that illustrate them, and providing the Monday Move to elicit action." — Danny Gillespie, General Manager, Global Payroll at Deel"A treasure trove of profound insights, offering invaluable guidance for anyone looking to turbocharge and elevate their payroll career. Learn the secrets to success from a true industry titan." — Maria Mason, Partner at BDO LLP"Punchy, inspiring, uplifting and packed with real-world insights and wisdom that will help leaders level up fast. Truly a gift to payroll professionals everywhere." — Sarah Chasney, CPP, North America Payroll Transformation Leader, Mars Veterinary Health"I couldn't put it down. I literally could hear his voice as I read. Truly exceptional and a must read for Business Leaders." — Wendy Muirhead, Founding Partner at WH People Limited"A cathartic, thought-provoking, and self-reflective journey. Not a guide on how we operate, but a roadmap showing how our actions affect ourselves, our organisations, and our colleagues. A definite must-read — not only for payroll professionals but for leaders at all stages of their careers." — Cari Breitinger, CPP, Director, HRIS and Payroll at BELFOR Property Restoration"An important read for anyone in payroll. Nick challenges you to look honestly at yourself, your leadership, and the value you bring — especially in a world where AI is questioning roles, not relevance. This book shows you how to be seen, heard, and indispensable." — Samantha Johnson, Payroll Partner at Dains Accountants