In the fast-paced arena of human capital management (HCM), James Saxton stands out as a transformative leader. As the Vice President of Product for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region at Dayforce, he is not only overseeing the company’s growth but also shaping the future of HCM solutions. Located in the vibrant city of Perth, Australia, Saxton has been deeply involved in strategy and innovation, realizing significant advancements since taking the helm over two years ago.
A Career Built on Vision and Responsibility
Saxton’s path to Dayforce began with an acquisition that expanded the company’s market presence. This strategic move was crucial in bringing together the right leadership to navigate new opportunities. Reflecting on his new role, Saxton recounts, “There was a need for a regional product head. I was asked to do the role, took a moment to think about it, and then jumped in with both feet.” His enthusiasm fuels a diverse range of responsibilities that require him to interact with various stakeholders from the executive team to product engineers.
Ensuring that Dayforce’s offerings are globally consistent yet locally relevant is a critical part of Saxton’s job. “We cover the whole Asia Pacific region, including all of the little islands in the Pacific,” he says, highlighting the complexity of the market and the diverse needs he addresses in his role.
Dayforce’s Commitment to Enhancing Work Life
Central to Saxton’s mission is Dayforce’s philosophy: “to make work life better.” As a leader in the HCM landscape, Dayforce offers a unified platform that caters to HR needs, payroll services, talent management, workforce management, and powerful analytics, all in one comprehensive system. Saxton emphasizes, “We’re one of the only platforms on the planet that does it that way,” showcasing the company’s unique value proposition.
Under his leadership, Dayforce has made significant strides in compliance, a critical focus for the APJ region given the diverse regulatory environment. “We’re known as being the number one for compliance,” Saxton notes, highlighting the company’s commitment to tackling difficult issues that competitors often overlook. This focus sets Dayforce apart, allowing it to thrive in varied market conditions across multiple countries.
Responsible AI Integration
One of Saxton’s most compelling initiatives is the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within Dayforce’s platform. Recognizing that AI is at the forefront of discussions in many sectors, he advocates for a balanced and careful approach to implementation. “We see AI not replacing but actually augmenting or helping employees,” Saxton explains, emphasizing that AI should serve to empower HR and payroll professionals instead of replacing them.
The strategic use of AI enhances Dayforce’s functionalities, enabling features that streamline operations and improve user experience. For instance, automated workflows and predictive analytics allow businesses to minimize mundane tasks and focus on strategic decision-making. “We believe you shouldn’t have to find data; data should find you,” he asserts. This vision manifests in practical tools that aim to enhance efficiency and simplify complexities for organizations.
A Customer-Centric Approach
Saxton’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in customer engagement. He prioritizes direct interaction with clients to understand their distinct challenges and needs. “We’re constantly interviewing customers and talking to customers,” he emphasizes.
One notable case was a collaboration with a New Zealand conglomerate that struggled with staff scheduling. By spending time on-site and listening to their concerns, Saxton’s team made meaningful adjustments that significantly improved the company’s operational effectiveness. Such success stories highlight Saxton’s belief that making a tangible difference is what ultimately drives progress. “When customers say they love Dayforce and then discuss issues, that’s what really makes you smile,” he reveals.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Under Saxton’s guidance, Dayforce’s presence in the APJ region has blossomed into a key area for growth, with the company moving from $1.2 billion to a projected $2 billion by next year. “I joined, we were a $1.2 billion organization. Today, we’re a $1.7 billion organization,” Saxton states, showcasing a remarkable trajectory in a competitive market.
Looking ahead, Saxton remains optimistic yet realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledges that “the world of work is changing,” especially in a post-COVID landscape. While challenges abound, he expresses confidence in Dayforce’s capability to navigate these changes effectively. “We want to be at the front of the kind of innovations around what the future workforce looks like. That’s what we’re here for—we’re here to make that better,” he articulates.
The Essence of Leadership in Tech
What truly distinguishes James Saxton is his unwavering passion for his work, team, and mission. “I love passionate people, and I’ve got a team full of them,” he affirms. His leadership style nurtures an environment where innovation flourishes and challenging the status quo is encouraged.
In an industry that thrives on adaptability and technological advancements, Saxton embodies the qualities of a forward-thinking leader. His commitment to bettering work life transcends corporate slogans, resonating as a personal mission that serves as a guiding principle across the APJ region.
James Saxton exemplifies the evolving landscape of human capital management, and his leadership at Dayforce sets a high bar for innovation and customer-centricity in the tech arena.
