Kim Pollok's journey from a December 31 layoff to CEO of SWBC Payroll & HR offers a blueprint for navigating today's most pressing human resources challenges. In Episode 79 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, titled "Kim Pollok | From Layoff to CEO," Pollok discusses hybrid work, multigenerational teams, and the integration of artificial intelligence into HR and payroll systems. The episode, hosted by Bryan Eisenberg and published June 23, 2026, arrives as employers grapple with these shifts in a post-pandemic landscape.
Pollok, who rose through the ranks without a college degree, emphasizes the power of mentorship. She credits SWBC Mortgage CEO Susan Stewart with teaching her a critical lesson: "Stop letting people give you dead birds. Don't allow people to just give you their problem and then you are taking on everybody's problem without some solutions, because you're collecting everyone's dead birds and you can't do anything with it." Now, Pollok uses this framing with her team, alongside a second mandate: "You have a seat at the table, you've earned a seat at the table, use your voice."
The conversation also delves into the practicalities of managing a multigenerational workforce, from baby boomers to Gen Z. Pollok stresses the importance of fairness and adaptability, noting that SWBC Payroll & HR serves a diverse client base across 42 states, including hospitals, construction firms, and pig farms. The company, privately held by Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley, provides over 70 specialists to small and mid-sized businesses, typically with 40 to 300 employees.
Perhaps most timely is Pollok's discussion of AI. SWBC has implemented a secure, private AI system for research and workflows, ensuring client and financial data remain protected. This move reflects a broader industry trend where AI is reshaping everything from payroll processing to compliance monitoring. Pollok's approach prioritizes data security while leveraging AI for efficiency, a balance many HR leaders are striving to achieve.
Pollok's own career trajectory underscores the value of saying "yes" to unfamiliar opportunities. She joined SWBC after her previous employer, a call center with over 2,000 workers, gave staff the choice to relocate or be laid off. SWBC ran the closing job fair and offered her an entry-level benefits coordinator role at a $10,000 pay cut. She accepted that afternoon. Later, during the SWBC PEO acquisition, she volunteered despite knowing nothing about professional employer organizations. That willingness to learn propelled her to the CEO role.
The podcast also highlights SWBC's community involvement, including sponsorship of the Round Rock Chamber's Women Who Mean Business event featuring Olympian Cat Osterman. For leaders facing today's HR challenges, Pollok's story offers practical lessons in resilience, mentorship, and embracing change.
