Totally Rewarding Chats | Ep. 2: Keys to Creating a Great Comp Program

In this episode, Sean Luitjens and Paul Reiman sit down with Nicole Long, an experienced HR leader, to unpack her extensive background in compensation and human resources. They discuss the building blocks of successful compensation programs, the need for flexibility and stakeholder engagement, and the challenges tied to performance management systems. Nicole also shares insights from her work with the Atlanta Area Comp Association, offers perspectives on the growing role of technology in compensation, and brings humor to the conversation—including a light-hearted detour into lemoncello. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Nicole Long 04:18 Speed Round: Getting to Know Nicole 06:45 Key Elements of Successful Compensation Programs 09:14 Flexibility in Compensation Structures 11:37 The Importance of Stakeholder Engagement 12:54 Common Pitfalls in Compensation Programs 15:14 Building Relationships with Stakeholders 16:46 Communication Strategies in Hybrid Environments 18:38 Effective Communication in Compensation 19:42 Engaging Stakeholders Early 22:54 Diverse Approaches to Merit Processes 27:28 Evaluating Success in Compensation Strategies 32:16 Technology's Role in Compensation Management 35:14 Revolutionizing Performance Management Systems