Workday Gold
Keith Bitikofer
Join Keith Bitikofer in this insightful podcast as he shares his vast experience in IT, operations, and Workday solutions. With over 30 years of expertise across industries such as Higher Education, Manufacturing, Consulting, and Nonprofits, Keith dives deep into the challenges and opportunities that come with managing and supporting Workday systems. As a former project manager and director at a large global non-profit, Keith led the successful rollout and supported Workday’s HCM, Financials, Extend, and the global rollout with 40+ partners.
Tune in to explore best practices, leadership insights, and career coaching tips for IT professionals and Workday users, and learn how to thrive in an ever-evolving software landscape. Each episode will cover a chapter of his latest book Workday Gold: Software Support Model Edition, in hopes of giving more context and starting a conversation about successfully supporting Workday at your company.
Keith is a partner and consultant at EMD. Keith also does business and life coaching, helping individuals navigate their personal growth journey.
Contact Keith to schedule a discovery call for one-on-one coaching sessions and unlock your full potential in Workday and beyond! Visit https://keithbitikofer.com/coaching-packages/
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Top 10 Workday Gold Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Workday Gold episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Workday Gold for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Workday Gold episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Governance and Standards for Workday Software
Workday Gold
03/07/25 • 46 min
In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss chapter 10 “Governance and Standards’ of Keith’s book and delve into the intricacies of governance and standards within Workday. They explore the importance of having a clear understanding of governance, the necessity of establishing an escalation path for decision-making, and the nuances of release management and deployment methodology.
The conversation emphasizes the balance between structure and flexibility in organizational processes, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of Workday support. They delve into the intricacies of change management within Workday, emphasizing the importance of structured testing and accountability. They discuss the critical role of naming conventions for calculated fields and reports, advocating for consistency to enhance clarity and efficiency. The conversation wraps up with a focus on governance and documentation best practices, highlighting how these elements can streamline processes and improve troubleshooting efforts in a small team environment.
Takeaways
- Governance is a defined process for organizational operations.
- Lack of governance can lead to chaos and inefficiency.
- Maturity in Workday support develops in a Workday customer support team over time.
- Establishing an escalation path is crucial for effective decision-making.
- Communication is key in managing stakeholder expectations.
- Release management involves moving changes from test to production environments.
- Engaging multiple stakeholders in decision-making fosters collaboration.
- A well-defined governance model can prevent crises during critical processes.
- Testing changes at the appropriate level is crucial.
- Accountability in change management helps prevent issues.
- Limiting the number of people making changes in production is beneficial.
- Consistency in naming conventions aids in clarity and efficiency.
- Documentation is key for troubleshooting and governance.
- Effective governance can save time and headaches in the long run.
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/
Keywords
Workday, governance, standards, escalation path, release management, deployment methodology, ITIL, organizational processes, software support, Workday Gold, Workday, change management, naming conventions, governance, documentation, calculated fields, integrations, report management
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Harnessing AI in Workday: A New Era
Workday Gold
03/28/25 • 47 min
In this episode of Workday Goal, Keith Bitikofer speaks with John Bruce about the integration of AI in Workday and the importance of early adopter programs. They discuss how AI is transforming the workplace, emphasizing its collaborative nature rather than being a replacement for jobs. John shares his journey with Workday, the benefits of participating in early adopter programs, and how these initiatives can enhance user experience and product development.
The conversation highlights the significance of leveraging technology to improve efficiency and foster collaboration in the workplace. In this conversation, Keith and John discuss the integration of AI within Workday, focusing on innovations that enhance user experience, streamline processes, and improve overall efficiency. They explore the importance of case deflection, the role of AI in job catalog management, and the integration of Workday with external platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack. The discussion also highlights the proactive approach of organizations in leading AI initiatives and the potential future developments in AI technology within the HR space.
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
Connect with John Bruce on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntbruce/
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My Favorite Workday Sayings (Part 1)
Workday Gold
04/11/25 • 32 min
In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid explore various sayings and concepts related to Workday software support. They discuss the importance of job profiles, the challenges of configuring Workday, and the value of community in problem-solving. The conversation also touches on metrics like turnover, the unknowns in Workday support, and the necessity of taking action despite uncertainties. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding real processes and the myth of Workday experts, concluding with a call to action for listeners to engage with the community.
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/
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04/04/25 • 38 min
In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer shares his personal journey with AI tools and their potential impact on Workday and consulting. He discusses the evolution of his content creation process, the exploration of new AI technologies, and innovative uses of AI in learning and productivity. Keith emphasizes the importance of engaging with the AI tools and invites listeners to share their experiences and insights.
Here are a couple of tools that he mentions and that he has been experimenting with:
- Sesame.com: Go to the website and click “Demo.” Then, select Maya or Miles to have a life-like conversation with AI.
- Google’s NotebookLM:
Check out this 30-minute video of examples by Tiago Forte called
“NotebookLM will change the way you learn- Here’s Why!”
Pro Tip: If you aren’t using the paid versions of the chat tool of your choice, I encourage you to upgrade. In my testing, there is a huge difference!
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
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01/10/25 • 35 min
This week, Keith speaks with Christian Delcid about the first part of chapter 7 in Keith's new book, Workday Gold: Software Support Model Edition. The chapter is entitled “Building Capacity Within Your Existing Team.”
In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss strategies for building capacity within teams, particularly in the context of Workday software support. They explore the challenges of managing workloads, the importance of tracking time to understand projects versus daily support work and strategies for handling incoming requests. The conversation also touches on the potential of AI to enhance efficiency and the importance of asking for help when needed. The episode concludes with a reminder of the value of collaboration and support within the Workday ecosystem.
Takeaways
Looking for ways to leverage your existing team capacity better is essential for effective team management.
Firefighting mode is a common challenge in organizations.
Tracking team member’s time helps you better understand your true capacity.
Reducing incoming requests can alleviate team pressure.
AI can be leveraged to improve efficiency in support tasks.
Finding ways to delegate lower-level tasks can free up time for higher-level resources.
Asking for help can save time and lead to quicker solutions.
Setting realistic expectations is crucial for team morale.
Creating knowledge articles or job aids can reduce repetitive inquiries.
Keywords
Workday, team capacity, workload management, AI, efficiency, support, project management, burnout, time tracking, organizational challenges
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/
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Staffing for Workday
Workday Gold
01/03/25 • 43 min
In this episode of the Workday Gold podcast, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid discuss Chapter 6 of Keith’s book, Staffing for Workday, as well as the intersection of AI and Workday, focusing on the staffing challenges within the Workday ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes the need for creativity in sourcing talent and the significance of understanding both functional and technical aspects of Workday.
In this conversation, Christian Delcid and Keith Bitikofer explore the dynamics of HR and IT roles within Workday, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and adaptability in team members. They discuss the necessity of having backup plans for staff, the impact of competitive rates on employee retention, and the significance of understanding different personality types when building effective support teams. The conversation highlights strategic considerations for organizations in managing their Workday staff and ensuring long-term success.
Takeaways
AI is becoming increasingly accurate in providing Workday-related information.
There is a limited pool of experienced Workday professionals.
Internal candidates who understand the organization can be valuable hires.
Hiring from within can lead to better team dynamics and retention.
Career paths within companies are crucial for employee satisfaction.
Interns and college students can be great sources of talent.
The blend of HR knowledge and technical skills is essential for Workday roles.
Hiring decisions should consider passion for the role, not just technical skills.
Flexibility and creativity are key in the current talent market.
Having a backup plan for staff is crucial for risk management.
Competitive rates are necessary to retain talent in the Workday ecosystem.
Organizations must decide whether to be a training ground or retain top talent.
A blend of personality types is important for effective team dynamics.
Cross-training staff can mitigate risks associated with absences.
Understanding the needs of end users is vital for effective solutions.
Strategic planning is key to setting teams up for success.
Keywords
Workday, AI, staffing, HR, IT, talent acquisition, training, career paths, employee retention, Workday Gold, Workday, HR, IT, team dynamics, curiosity, risk management, personality types, support staff, competitive rates, employee retention
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/
Find the Corner Consultants Workday Salary Survey here: https://cornerofficeconsultants.com/workday-salary-survey/
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How AI is Transforming Workday Roles
Workday Gold
05/09/25 • 47 min
In this episode of Workday Gold, hosts Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid tackle the transformative impact of AI on Workday professionals. They share practical examples of how they're using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot to revolutionize their daily work, from meeting preparation to request categorization and document creation. Through candid discussion, they reveal how different AI platforms produce dramatically different results and why "AI first" thinking is essential for career survival in 2025.
Beyond just tool recommendations, Keith and Christian explore the deeper implications for Workday analysts' career paths, including the crucial "translator" role between technology and business needs. They address the concept of the "super worker" and why waiting for formal training or company directives is a dangerous career strategy. The episode concludes with Christian's powerful reframing of AI adoption: not as a threat, but as an opportunity to focus on "doing the things that only I can do" for organizations.
Resources Mentioned:
- Josh Bershyn's research on "The Rise of the Super Worker"
https://joshbersin.com/ - Mando (Workday documentation AI tool) - Check out Christian's separate podcast episode on this!
https://www.mando.work/ - Major AI platforms: ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/
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Managing Your Workday Team Well
Workday Gold
01/24/25 • 32 min
In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and co-host Christian Delcid discuss key themes from chapter 8 “Managing Your Workday Team Well,” in Keith's book, Workday Gold Support Model Edition. They discuss effective team management and employee engagement within the Workday ecosystem. They explore the importance of providing authentic feedback, stepping out of comfort zones, and the significance of intentional leadership. The conversation also highlights creative ways to celebrate progress and foster a positive work environment, especially in a remote setting.
Takeaways
Providing feedback can be nerve-wracking but is essential for growth.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for career development.
Intentional leadership involves understanding team members' unique motivations.
Employee engagement can be fostered through creative celebrations.
Networking is vital for career advancement and opportunities.
Work-life balance is important for employee satisfaction.
Celebrating progress can enhance team morale and motivation.
Remote work presents unique challenges for team engagement.
Building relationships is key to retaining talent in competitive markets.
Encouraging team members to share ideas can lead to innovative solutions.
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/
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02/07/25 • 30 min
In this episode, Keith Bitikofer interviews Demetrio Wazar-Santana, a Workday Solutions architect, about the capabilities and applications of Workday Extend. They discuss Demetrio's journey with Extend, its features, development processes, real-world applications, and the new 'Built on Workday' initiative. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and leveraging technology to create effective solutions within the Workday ecosystem.
Takeaways
- Workday Extend allows for the creation of custom applications within the Workday ecosystem.
- Demetrio's journey with Extend began with a focus on automation and problem-solving.
- Extend provides a user-friendly interface for building applications without extensive coding knowledge.
- Real-world applications of Extend can significantly improve user experience and operational efficiency.
- The 'Built on Workday' initiative allows for broader access to applications without needing a Workday Extend subscription.
- Workday is evolving into a platform company.
- Understanding employee pain points is crucial for developing effective solutions with Extend.
- The growth of the number of Workday Extend Apps and events like DevCon highlights the increasing interest in Extend.
- Collaboration with solution partners can lead to innovative applications that address specific organizational needs.
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
To connect with Demetrio Wazar-Santana, follow and reach out to him on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwazar/
Keywords
Workday, Extend, digital transformation, HR technology, application development, platform company, custom solutions, user experience, integration, Built on Workday
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My Favorite Workday Sayings (Part 2)
Workday Gold
04/18/25 • 30 min
In this episode of Workday Gold, Keith Bitikofer and Christian Delcid explore various sayings and phrases that resonate within the Workday ecosystem. They discuss the importance of focusing on manageable steps, the challenges of user expectations, and the significance of data integrity. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, collaboration across departments, and the necessity of clear documentation in business processes. Through their insights, they offer valuable takeaways for both Workday administrators and users.
For information on all of Keith's books and his coaching services, visit KeithBitikofer.com and https://books2read.com/keith-bitikofer
Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bitikofer/
To connect with Christian Delcid, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiandelcid/
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FAQ
How many episodes does Workday Gold have?
Workday Gold currently has 30 episodes available.
What topics does Workday Gold cover?
The podcast is about Management, Podcasts, Technology and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Workday Gold?
The episode title 'Harnessing AI in Workday: A New Era' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Workday Gold?
The average episode length on Workday Gold is 40 minutes.
How often are episodes of Workday Gold released?
Episodes of Workday Gold are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Workday Gold?
The first episode of Workday Gold was released on Sep 12, 2024.
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