Up Next @ Work, Episode 38 with Chris Harvey, Chief Research Officer at HR Technology Advice

On this episode of Up Next at Work, Kate Achille sits down with Chris Harvey, Chief Research Officer at HR Technology Advice, to unpack the changing HR tech landscape, the often-overlooked factors that determine technology success, and what founders can learn from the unconventional business strategies of pirates. The conversation explores the HR tech trends shaping 2026, including the growing importance of EOR solutions for global hiring and the challenges mid-market organizations face when evaluating HCM suites. Chris also reveals the story behind his book, Blackbeard’s Laws for Founders, and how the pirate offers surprisingly relevant lessons for today’s tech founders, from defining ICP to knowing when to walk away from a deal. Key highlights: Why feature functionality alone isn't enough when selecting HR technology The danger of choosing a technology vendor that's too complex (or not complex enough) for your organization Why founders shouldn't pursue “anyone who will buy from us” as their customer strategy To learn more about Chris' work, visit the HR Technology Advice website and connect with him on LinkedIn.