Shari Simpson

Shari Simpson is a recognized HR thought leader, keynote speaker, and podcast host with more than two decades of experience transforming how organizations approach human capital strategy. In her role as Senior Manager of Thought Leadership at Paylocity, she curates and delivers impactful content—ranging from dynamic webinars to quarterly leadership forums—designed to empower HR professionals and business leaders alike. Shari notably contributed to the creation and planning of the Elevate Client Conference, an event uniting industry experts and executives to explore the latest trends shaping the future of work.

Shari’s expertise has led to prominent features in outlets such as HR Brew, Vantage HR, Horizon Point Consulting, and HR Daily Advisor, where she regularly shares forward-thinking insights on talent development, inclusive workplace cultures, and organizational innovation. Emphasizing her commitment to making HR both practical and engaging, she also authored an HR-themed coloring book series. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shari is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation from Purdue Global University.

Drawing daily inspiration from her family’s legacy of service—three sons who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Navy, and her husband of 26+ years, a Battalion Chief in the fire service—Shari is a proud dog mom and avid reader who channels her passion for personal development into mentoring rising HR professionals. From keynote stages to podcast platforms, her engaging presence, forward-thinking strategies, and unwavering commitment to people-first innovation continue to resonate with audiences—positioning her as a standout resource for organizations looking to thrive in an ever-evolving world of work.

Workshop Session 2-B: The Employee Experience Starts with Payroll

1:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Payroll isn’t just a transaction—it’s the first and most consistent trust-building moment in the employee experience. This session explores how key payroll touchpoints like first checks, retro pay, and garnishments influence engagement, retention, and even public reviews. We’ll also unpack innovative practices like real-time pay issue resolution, pay-on-demand, and proactive alerts that turn payroll into a strategic driver of culture and credibility.