In this episode of Commerce Conversations, Vivek Krishnamurthy, partner at Commerce Ventures, interviews Kirti Shenoy, co-founder and CEO of Zeal. Kirti explains how Zeal began as a gig company and evolved into a payroll platform addressing the complexities of W2 labor, especially for hourly and gig workers. Traditional systems like ADP were insufficient, leading Zeal to create a more flexible, automated payroll solution. She envisions a future where large companies have fully integrated payroll systems that allow for real-time payments and personalized financial management. Kirti emphasizes building "painkiller" products—essential tools that businesses rely on, like payroll. She advises entrepreneurs to trust their instincts, focus on solving real problems, and find satisfaction in creating meaningful work. The episode also touches on Zeal's innovations, such as white-labeled apps for fast worker onboarding and payroll processing, helping companies stay competitive by offering faster payments.