Shows / THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Designed for those who crave the inside scoop on everything from people to policy to profits, each THRIVE episode transforms complex business and HR topics into clear, actionable advice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring leader, this podcast is your go-to source for cutting through the noise and gaining a competitive advantage.
Episodes
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Credit Card Interest Caps, Workplace Flexibility, Inflation Moderate
As the deadline arrives this week for the credit card industry to implement White House demands to cap credit card interest rates, Gene Marks shares that there…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Employment Is Steady, Manufacturing is Contracting, Predictive Scheduling Issues
As 2025 closed, small business remained resilient with job growth showing very little variation throughout the year, while hourly wage growth finished close to…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
No Tax on Tips & Overtime Explained: What Business Owners Actually Need to Know
Think no tax on tips and overtime means taxes disappear from your employees’ paychecks? Think again. Host Gene Marks sits down with Paychex Senior Federal…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Mixed Reviews on Economy’s Direction in 2026, Phased Retirement
Some major analysts are throwing the sluggish job market on the backburner, saying the 2026 economy will rapidly grow. Goldman Sachs also said the expected tax…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
SBA 8(a) Loan Program, No Qualified Applicants, AI Executive Order
Lawsuits and subsequent internal audits have put the SBA’s highly successful Section 8(a) loan program in jeopardy. The program helps small businesses owned by…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Public Speaking Lessons for Business Owners: The Keynote Curators Founder Seth Dechtman
Nervous about speaking in front of your team or at industry events? Seth Dechtman, founder of The Keynote Curators, shares essential public speaking advice…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Hiring Increases and Wages Rise, Tariffs’ Impact, Cyber Monday Sales
Small businesses continue to experience stable job and hourly wage growth, according to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch. Gene Marks says this is…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
AI vs. People, Shopping Small This Holiday, Give Continued Recognition
An MIT study reveals that AI can do the tasks equal to 11.7% of the U.S. workforce, but Gene Marks says AI isn’t ready to replace jobs, so employers should be…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Small Business YouTube Marketing Strategies: Logical Position’s Karly Scott
Discover how AI tools are reshaping the marketing landscape and how businesses can leverage these innovations to grow their brand presence online. Karly Scott…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Businesses Optimism and Uncertainty, Manager Training Lags, AI Job Swap
Despite a dip on the Small Business Optimism Index, it’s the 12-point drop on the uncertainty index and a cooling of price hike intentions that has Gene Marks…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
5 Game-Changing California Laws Every Employer Must Know for 2026
California is rewriting the employment law playbook, and if you employ anyone in the Golden State, including remote workers, you need to pay attention. In this…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Shutdown Headaches, Jobs Consistent and Hours Worked Up, Bank Preferences
The government shutdown will leave lingering issues for businesses even after it ends. Gene Marks comments on the delayed payments from the government and slow…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Amazon Layoffs Not AI-Related, Reddit Health Insurance Advice, an Ad Lift from Louvre Heist
Large businesses are shedding workers, including 14,000 by Amazon. People are pointing at artificial intelligence and automation, but Gene Marks says it’s…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Stop Using AI Wrong: Constant Contact’s AI Director Louis Gutierrez
Is AI really living up to the hype, or just creating more work? Gene Marks sits down with Louis Gutierrez, director of AI at Constant Contact, for a…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Holiday Shopping Hope, AICPA Asks for No Tax Info, Accessibility Lawsuits
Many potential holiday shoppers and business owners who stand to benefit are showing preseason cheer, as they express their desire to buy gifts despite anxiety…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Shutdown Jeopardizes Tax Credits, Holiday Hiring, and Optimism
As Congress continues its staring contest over how to open the federal government, impacts of the shutdown are starting to threaten more than just furloughed…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Government Shutdown Impact, Tariffs and Tribulations, Harnessing AI in Business
On this week's episode of the Paychex THRIVE Week in Review, host Gene Marks dives into the ongoing government shutdown and its profound impact on small…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Resiliency of Small Businesses, Alternative Jobs Data, AI Not Taking Jobs
The economy has its cheerleaders and detractors, but one thing that is keeping it propped up is the small businesses of America. The Paychex Small Business…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Paychex Sr. VP Jason Rose: Building Teams, Brands, and Revenue
In this episode of THRIVE, Gene Marks sits down with Jason Rose, Senior Vice President of Digital Sales and Marketing at Paychex, to unpack what really drives…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
GDP, Consumer Spending, Conflicting Business Data, and TikTok Recruiting
The economy looks to have taken a turn in the right direction with Gross Domestic Product showing growth in the second quarter, while consumer spending also…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
No Tax on Tips: What Is Known and What Do We Still Need to Know?
A provision in the new tax law offers employees no tax on tips, so Gene Marks level sets what guidance has been provided — proposed job eligibility, the…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Wharton Economist Dr. Corinne Low: What Women Want in the Workplace
Think you know what female employees want? Think again! Wharton economist Dr. Corinne Low joins Gene Marks to shatter conventional wisdom with surprising…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Inflation Indicators, SBA Loans, Worker Safety, Pet Impact
The Producer Price Index is declining and the Purchasing Price Index has fallen a third time in 2025, all used to determine inflation, yet Gene Marks says the…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Jobs Update, Employees Seek Financial Guidance, Teaching Entrepreneurship
The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch reports job numbers remain flat, while national hourly earnings stay below 3% growth for a 10th straight month…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Employer IQ: How to Find Your HR Blind Spots with this Free Tool
Is your business secretly driving away top talent? This episode of THRIVE will tell you how to find out. Join host Gene Marks as he sits down with Paychex HR…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Legality of Tariffs, De Minimis Exemption Ends, and Quiet Cracking
Businesses earned a victory for the second time when an appeals court upheld a ruling that the administration’s tariffs are unconstitutional. However, Gene…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Tariff Exposure, Manufacturing Growth, Healthcare Costs, and AI Adoption
As news of tariffs comes and go, one recent study found that a majority of small businesses have had zero exposure to international supply chains and 45%…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Author Jillian Johnsrud: The Case for Mini-Retirement
Forget waiting until 65 to enjoy life — what if you could “retire” for a month every single year? In this episode of THRIVE, we dive into the concept of…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Inflation Indicator, SMB Optimism, and Retail Sales Are Up
The Producer Price Index, which is an indicator for the rate of inflation, rose to a point that is significantly higher than it has been recently. This means…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
SMB Sales Uptick, Employers Sued, RTO Mandates, Job Searches Drop
Small businesses are benefitting from the resiliency and a rise in consumer spending, but how much is really the impact of higher prices? Gene Marks shares the…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Attorney Barbara Weltman: Your Most-Asked 2025 Tax Bill Questions, Answered
Confused about how the 2025 Tax Bill impacts your business? This episode of THRIVE dives headfirst into real questions from real business owners, breaking down…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
GDP, Inflation, Tariffs, and Jobs Muddle Economic Outlook
This week, Gene Marks breaks down an economic outlook full of uncertainty. From strong GDP growth battling rising inflation to unexpected job market revisions…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Benefits Manager Tami Tillery on Navigating the Future of Employee Benefits
Gene Marks sits down with Senior Benefits Manager at Paychex, Tami Tillery, to answer the top questions from a recent webinar on the evolving landscape of…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Small Business Growth, Economic Rebound, AI Advantage, Business Buying and Selling
In this week's episode of the Paychex THRIVE Week in Review, host Gene Marks provides an analysis of current trends impacting small businesses. Highlighting…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Manufacturing Boost, Healthcare Cost Concerns, Voluntary Benefits, Ethics
The SBA continues to make changes to revitalize manufacturing in America, and small businesses could be the biggest beneficiary of new programs, loan access…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Over-employment, Remote Work Hours, Gen Z Finances, Auto-Renewals
Employers are getting wise to their over-employed employees – the ones working multiple jobs on the clock and dime of their main boss. Gene Marks says this…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Author Smiley Poswolsky: Leading Different Generations in the Workplace
Did you know there are now SIX generations in today’s workforce? From the Silent Generation to Gen Alpha, the workplace is a melting pot of perspectives…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Some Permanence in Tax and Spending Package Will Benefit Businesses
With the tax and spending bill now law, there is much the government needs to do to implement the changes that include many tax deduction carryovers made…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Live from Las Vegas: The Best of AICPA Engage 2025
Step onto the floor of the AICPA Engage 2025 conference in Las Vegas with THRIVE! On this special best-of episode, host Gene Marks chats with accounting’s…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Consumer Confidence Dips, Jobs Steady, Handbooks Hacked, AI Writing is Meh
As consumer confidence backslides in June, surprising analysts whose projections were more positive, businesses should plan for a potential pause in…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Interest Rate Holds, Big Companies Shed Workers, Get a Succession Plan
As the Federal Reserve holds steady on the key bank lending rate, host Gene Marks says businesses might take wind with the hint that the interest rate might be…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Inflation Fears Wane, Housing Market Improves, Workplace Safety Woes
Consumers are less pessimistic about inflation, down from its four-decade high last month. Experts say consumers have settled in after shock of tariffs. In…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
TV Personality and CEO Mauricio Umansky: The Dealmaker's Secrets to Motivation and Growth
What does it take to build a global real estate empire while staying true to your values? Mauricio Umansky, TV personality and CEO of The Agency, joins us with…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Small Business Surveys, HSAs Could Expand, SCORE Threatened
A handful of reports on small businesses shows an optimism toward expansion and AI tools, but that sentiment is guarded by flat job growth, declining hourly…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Tax & Spending Bill Deficits, No Degree Required, SBA Tool Connects U.S.
The U.S. Senate might have a battle to get all president’s requests in tax and spending cut bill as opposition forms in the GOP over the massive deficit it…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
CEO Joe Woodard: Moving CPAs from Routine Tasks to Trusted Business Advisors
Searching for fresh ways to grow your accounting practice or wondering how your CPA could better support your business? Don’t miss Gene’s conversation with one…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Bonus Depreciation, Pass-Through and R&D Deductions Could Help SMBs
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the tax and spending bill by one vote, but small businesses could gain a few positives if some of the provisions…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Tax and Spending Bill, Small Businesses Less Optimistic, Klarna Goes Human
This episode was recorded prior to the House passing the Big Beautiful Tax Bill on May 22, 2025. Gene Marks shares insights on the Big Beautiful Tax Bill and…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
U.S.-China Tariffs, DOL Independent Contractor Rule, Student Loan Repayment
The U.S. and China begin the tariff walk-back dance that will last for 90 days, giving businesses time to make alternative plans. Gene Marks says those doing…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Food52 CEO Erika Ayers Badan: Building Brands, Leading Teams, and Changing Work Culture
What do Barstool Sports and Food52 have in common? Visionary leadership, incredible growth, and today’s podcast guest, Erika Ayers Badan. After nearly a decade…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
China Tariff Conundrum, Credit Lines and Interest Rates, Best Cities for Business
As the president begins to walk back on some of the tariffs with China, Gene Marks says what will remain after negotiations are still significantly high…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Tariff Concerns Hit Major Industries, Quiet Cracking Expands, Slow Roll the AI
Tariffs are a major concern for some major industries and confidence is waning, with 40% of contractors worried about slowdowns to profit margins and auto…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Immigration Attorney John Fay: I9 Compliance Essentials for Employers
Immigration compliance is a hot topic that businesses simply can’t afford to ignore. With increasing scrutiny from government agencies and hefty fines on the…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Tariffs Today and Tomorrow, Corporate Bankruptcies Up, AI and Hiring
As the on-again, off-again, and then partial pause on tariffs dominate the news, Gene Marks level sets which ones are in effect and what businesses need to…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Labor Market Steady, Pay Raises Iffy, SBA Changing Loan Program
U.S. Labor Department data shows job starts exceeding expectation in March, while the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch indicates job levels are…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
FutureThink's CEO Lisa Bodell: How Simplicity Drives Business Success
Is complexity holding your team back? On this episode of THRIVE, Gene Marks chats with Lisa Bodell, keynote speaker, author of Why Simple Wins, and CEO of…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Small Business Concerns: Economic Stability, Cybersecurity, Inflation, and Succession Planning
On this week's episode of the Paychex THRIVE Week in Review, host Gene Marks talks about key news items affecting small businesses. Recent surveys from…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Optimism Drops, Amazon Boycotts Hit Small Businesses, Botox Discrimination
Despite being at historic high levels, small businesses optimism dropped last month and recorded its second-lowest reading for uncertainty in the history of…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Fed Talks Inflation and Uncertainty, Job Growth Moderate, OT Rule Appealed
The chair of the Federal Reserve said that Americans should expect economic fluctuation and inflation while adjusting to the implementation of new policies…
- THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Author Jason Dorsey: Generational Clashes at Work — How to Bridge the Divide
Do you know which generation is most frustrated with Gen Z? Or why millennials seem to get such a bad reputation? Join Gene Marks as he chats with Jason…