In this HR Special, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with friend and industry leader Lori Kleiman to talk about what it takes to level up from HR department-of-one to strategic business partner, without losing sight of day-to-day realities.


We cover how small to mid-size employers can decide when to hire fractional or in-house HR, why headcount matters more than revenue, and the rising complexity of multi-state compliance. We also unpack the hidden opportunity for HR to lead on healthcare and benefits strategy.

Chelsea explains renewal “stall” tactics, fiduciary responsibility on health plans, and practical steps HR can take to earn a seat at the table with data and action.

What you’ll learn:

• When a company truly needs fractional HR vs its first in-house generalist
• Why certifications like PHR and SHRM-CP help smaller employers hire confidently
• How tech can increase HR workload and employee questions, not reduce them
• A simple path to move from tactical HR to strategic HR that drives ROI
• The fiduciary duty HR has on health plans, what to ask from brokers, and how to escape the 60-day renewal crunch
• Practical ideas HR can implement now: communications, data access, compliance checklists, and off-cycle planning

Time Stamps
00:00 – Welcome to The Business of Benefits
01:08 – Meet Lori Kleiman
04:45 – Building an HR Business from the Basement
07:15 – When Small Businesses Really Need HR
10:02 – Technology’s Impact on HR Workloads
12:18 – Tactical vs. Strategic HR
15:26 – What to Look For When Hiring HR
18:41 – How Much HR Certifications Cost
21:10 – Using ExamEdge and Affordable Prep Options
23:20 – Moving from Tactical to Strategic HR
27:00 – Understanding Fiduciary Duty in Health Plans
30:36 – How HR Can Drive Benefits Strategy
33:22 – Why Benefit Renewals Feel Impossible
36:10 – Taking Back Control of Your Renewal
38:28 – Shaking Up Your Broker Relationship
40:12 – Giving Back to the HR Community
41:25 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Lori
 
Get more on our Guest at:
Website: https://www.hrtopics.com
YouTube: @lorikleimanhrtopics7385

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.businessofbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/
--------------------------------

In this episode of The Business of Benefits Podcast, Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth — physician, author of Reframing Healthcare and Beyond the Walls, and host of the Creating a New Healthcare podcast — for an unfiltered conversation about what’s really broken in America’s healthcare system and what employers can actually do to fix it.

From the hidden “healthcare tax” driving wage stagnation to how misaligned incentives have created a medical industrial complex, this episode dives deep into the uncomfortable truth: only 20 cents of every healthcare dollar reaches doctors, nurses, and clinicians. The rest? Lost in layers of middlemen, bureaucracy, and profit-driven waste.

Chelsea and Zeev explore how employer-sponsored healthcare became the backbone of American coverage, why primary care has been stripped of its purpose, and how direct primary care (DPC) and CEO engagement can completely change the game for employees and organizations alike. If you’re an executive, benefits advisor, or HR leader who knows there has to be a better way, this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about healthcare financing, delivery, and reform.

Listen to this episode if you want to:

• Understand how healthcare financing and delivery actually intersect
• Learn how direct primary care can lower costs and improve outcomes
• Hear real examples of CEOs transforming employee health and culture
• Be inspired to rethink your benefits strategy without the sales fluff

Time Stamps:
00:00 — Welcome to The Business of Benefits
02:15 — Dr. Zeev Neuwirth’s journey from clinician to system reformer
06:40 — The truth about the “medical industrial complex”
12:10 — Where your healthcare dollars really go
18:45 — The failure of traditional primary care
24:10 — Why CEOs are the missing link in healthcare transformation
30:40 — Lessons from the Rosen Hotels model
37:20 — Following the money: the employer’s power to change healthcare
43:30 — The caregiving crisis and what leaders often overlook
47:00 — Final thoughts and resources

Get more on our Guest at: Dr. Zeev Neuwirth
Author of Reframing Healthcare and Beyond the Walls
Podcast: Host of Creating a New Healthcare Podcast
Learn more: zevnewworthhealth.com

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.businessofbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Tired of shiny pitches and vague promises? In this solo episode, we break down a practical, repeatable system for holding your benefits vendors accountable so your plan actually performs.  From rock-solid RFPs to airtight contracts and respectful escalation, you’ll learn how to set clear expectations, track outcomes, and course-correct fast.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to design an RFP that prevents surprises later
• What to demand in contracts: performance guarantees, termination language, fees, BAAs, data sharing, and fiduciary status
• The must-ask questions about integrations, cybersecurity, conflicts of interest, and compensation
• A simple cadence for accountability meetings that gets results, not excuses
• Real examples of catching hidden fees and fixing slow vendor response times
• How to build team culture so your staff holds vendors accountable the right way

Who this is for: 
Employers, HR leaders, CFOs, and anyone ready to transform a “set it and forget it” benefits program into a high-performing plan.If the truth is out there, are you ready to hear it?

Like, share, and subscribe for more no-BS guidance on benefits that serve your people and your P&L.

TimeStamps:

• 00:00 Intro and why accountability matters
• 02:10 Build a better RFP
• 07:35 Contract must-haves and red flags
• 13:25 Demo everything and verify claims
• 17:40 Meeting cadence and escalation that works
• 23:10 Real-world examples and fixes
• 28:30 Culture of accountability inside your team
• 32:10 Final takeaways and next steps

If this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs to hear it.  Tell us in the comments: What is the first change you will make to your benefits strategy?

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.businessofbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Welcome back to the No BS. No sales pitch. Just real solutions podcast.  This week our host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Justin Held, CEBS of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) to unpack what HR, CFOs, and CEOs need now: neutral education, fiduciary guardrails, and a practical path to future-proof employee benefits.


In this episode:

• What IFEBP is and how it helps plan sponsors with objective, non-lobbying education
• CEBS breakdown: curriculum, timelines, and why employers fund it
• Fiduciary duty basics after ERISA and why CAA 2021 put health plans under the spotlight
• The 2025–2026 benefits agenda: PBM contracts, data analysis, chronic conditions, GLP-1 coverage, mental and behavioral health, peer support models, and AI in plan administration
• How to run a strategic review of your plan: surveys, focus groups, utilization data, KPIs

Simple, high-impact changes most members won’t even notice, but your budget will.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:08 What IFEBP does and why it’s neutral
• 6:35 Conferences, toolkits, and daily benefits headlines
• 10:12 CEBS overview and chapter network
• 14:45 ERISA fiduciary duty in health and retirement
• 19:18 Trends: PBM contracts, GLP-1, mental health, AI, fraud prevention
• 28:40 Peer support models for mental health
• 33:10 How to future-proof benefits with data and KPIs

If you are an employer, CFO, or CEO who is tired of trend increases and status quo advice, this conversation will give you a path to real savings and better outcomes. 

If this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs to hear it.  Tell us in the comments: What is the first change you will make to your benefits strategy?

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with our guest today at: 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-held-cebs/
Website: https://www.ifebp.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/IFEBP
Listen to their podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-benefits/id1183535454

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.businessofbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

If you have ever been told “you can’t access your own portal” or “don’t worry, we’ve got great PPO discounts,” this episode is for you. Today host Chelsea unpacks real stories employers have shared with me and the costly myths behind them. Names and details are changed, the situations are real. Use this as a checklist to protect your plan, your data, and your people.


In this episode

• The red flag no one should ignore: being blocked from your own carrier portal
• No access to your ben-admin system and why that traps you from shopping the market
• Asking for compensation disclosures under CAA 2021 and getting a flat “no”
• Fear tactics about big carriers and how to verify before you trust
• Sticker shock: $125 PEPM broker fees and how to benchmark what is reasonable
• Perks over performance: NHL boxes, steak dinners, and fiduciary duty
• “Broker severance” and the myth of 250 years of benefits experience
• “Local” vs. “large” broker labels and what actually matters
• Being told you are a “small client” and why that is never an excuse
• Shiny value-adds vs. real cost and quality outcomes

Key takeaways

• It is your plan and your data. Own the logins, the reports, the invoices.
• Verify before you trust. Ask for proof, not talking points.
• Benchmark compensation and services against outcomes, not perks.
• Hold every vendor accountable to frequency and severity of claims, not swag.

If this episode helped, share it with a fellow employer, like the video, and subscribe for practical playbooks that put you back in control.

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast, your no BS, no sales guide to real solutions in employee benefits.

Today, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Nelson Griswold of Next Gen Benefits to unpack the so-called “big lie” in healthcare and show employers how to take control of cost and quality. Nelson Griswold is a leading voice in employer-sponsored healthcare reform and author of Healthcare’s C-Suite Solution, Fixing American Healthcare, and Life and Death Decisions in the C-Suite. He helps CEOs and CFOs manage healthcare like a supply chain and turn overspend into free cash flow.  Nelson explains why claims are not all the same, how incentives in the current system work against employers, and what it looks like to build a plan that puts your people first.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why the 80/20 ACA rule can push premiums up, and what that means for your plan
• How to move from reactive renewals to a strategic, employer-controlled model
• The difference between fully insured and self funded, and why risk is often misunderstood
• How nurse navigation and quality data reduce complications and total spend
• Practical first steps to align incentives with an advisor who works for you
• When to use bundled, direct contracting, international pharmacy, and reference based pricing
• Why better quality often equals lower cost, and how to steer members to it

If you are an employer, CFO, or CEO who is tired of trend increases and status quo advice, this conversation will give you a path to real savings and better outcomes. 

If this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs to hear it.  Tell us in the comments: What is the first change you will make to your benefits strategy?

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with our guest today at: https://www.nextgenbenefits.com/

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.businessofbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast – your no-BS, no-sales guide to real solutions in employee benefits.

In this solo episode, host Chelsea breaks down what it really means to have a multi-year healthcare strategy for your company. Instead of reacting to renewals at the last minute and hearing the same excuses year after year, Chelsea shows you how to treat your benefits program like a true business plan—with long-term goals, measurable KPIs, and strategies that actually deliver results.

You’ll hear a real client case study that has achieved five straight years of decreases by following a step-by-step benefits roadmap.

Chelsea also shares:
✅ What isn’t a multi-year healthcare strategy (the reactive renewal game)
✅ How to build a business plan for your benefits, just like any other department
✅ Why data access and employee trust are the foundation for long-term success
✅ The difference between a slow, steady approach and a “shock-and-awe” strategy
✅ Real savings examples—millions of dollars saved while improving employee experience

If you’re an employer tired of rising costs, empty promises, and lack of control, this episode will show you a better way to run your healthcare plan.

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:

Website: www.businessofbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

In this powerful episode, Donovan Ryckis sits down with Jay Gepfert, President of The Culpepper Group, to unpack what employers don't know—and what it’s costing them. With decades of experience on both the retirement and healthcare side of the fiduciary table, Jay brings the receipts on how hidden broker compensation, lack of transparency, and outdated fee structures are draining company resources and exposing employers to serious risk. 

You’ll hear:

• Why healthcare benefits need the same due diligence as retirement plans
• How compensation models drive broker behavior—and what to demand instead
• A real case study showing 46% savings in broker fees
• Why the current healthcare system is broken—and how litigation and legislation are forcing change
• What you need to start doing now to protect your plan, your budget, and your people

If you're an HR leader, CFO, or CEO who’s ready to ask the tough questions and rethink your benefits strategy—this episode is your playbook.

Learn more about Jay's work: https://www.coulpepperrfp.com
Connect with Jay Young on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-gepfert-rfps-for-retirement-health-and-welfare-plans-a418027/

Subscribe now and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. Because if the truth is out there... are you ready to hear it?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to subscribe for more no-BS insights.

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.businessofnbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast! In Part 2 of our deep dive with Danielle Young of ClaimDoc, we shift focus from theory to reality — what actually happens when employees engage with a reference-based pricing (RBP) plan?

We break down:

• The truth about provider access
• How ClaimDoc achieves a 96%+ acceptance rate
• Fear-based tactics vs real-world outcomes
• How to handle balance bills — and prevent them
• Why communication before open enrollment is key
• The co-fiduciary model that protects employees and employers
• What brokers should be doing (and what to look out for)
• Building a proactive communication strategy that WORKS

This episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, CFOs, and employers ready to take control of their healthcare strategy and rethink everything they thought they knew about RBP.

If you're tired of being sold to and want to make smart, transparent decisions for your people — you're in the right place.

Learn more about ClaimDoc: https://claim-doc.com
Connect with Danielle Young on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-young-rbp/

Subscribe now and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. Because if the truth is out there... are you ready to hear it?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to subscribe for more no-BS insights.

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.businessofnbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Welcome to The Business of Benefits Podcast — the no BS, no sales guide to transforming your health benefits. In this explosive Part 1 of our two-part series, Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Danielle Young of ClaimDoc and host of Claim Talk to unpack one of the most misunderstood and feared concepts in healthcare: reference-based pricing (RBP). What is RBP? How does it really work?

And is it as scary as traditional brokers and carriers make it seem? Danielle breaks it down with real-world examples, industry insights, and straight talk on what’s broken in the system and how employers can take back control. From inflated hospital bills to unfair renewal hikes, this conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders, CFOs, and any employer ready to challenge the status quo.

Tune in now to learn:

• What reference-based pricing actually is (in plain English)
• How RBP can save employers 25–30% in year one
• Why fully insured employers are getting screwed too
• How to prepare your team and employees for a successful RBP rollout
• Why the right advisor makes all the difference

Don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into the employee experience and debunk the fear tactics around RBP.

Subscribe now and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. Because if the truth is out there... are you ready to hear it?

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Today’s episode of The Business of Benefits is a masterclass in bold HR leadership. Meet Stephanie Koch, Director of HR at Hendry Marine, who shares how she went from sitting silently in renewal meetings to transforming her company’s healthcare strategy — saving nearly $24 million in the process.

Host Chelsea Ryckis and Stephanie dive deep into:

• Why most companies are stuck in “spreadsheet” healthcare
• What reference-based pricing really means (and how it changed everything)
• How Stephanie turned HR into a profit center
• The truth behind working with legacy brokers
• Why data access, transparency, and courage are key to real change
• The ROI of onsite primary care clinics — and the lives it’s saving

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

In this no-nonsense episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis dives into the critical but often misunderstood world of Third Party Administrators (TPAs) with industry veteran Eugene Starks. This episode offers employers and consultants a candid breakdown of why the TPA is arguably the most important player in a health plan—acting as the “quarterback” responsible for claims processing, eligibility management, vendor coordination, and plan integrity.

Eugene brings over two decades of insider expertise to the table, explaining:

• The core functions of a TPA—including paying claims, managing eligibility, and building plan logic
• What questions employers should ask when selecting a TPA (e.g., claim turnaround time, fee transparency, ownership structure, and scalability)
• Red flags to look for in TPA contracts—like hidden fees, clawback charges, or outsourced claim processing
• How TPAs interact with other key components like PBMs, stop-loss providers, and networks
• The importance of employee communication and education in plan success, especially when using point solutions or reference-based pricing

They also tackle a hot debate: should the consultant or the TPA be the “true quarterback”? The takeaway—collaboration is key. Success lies in choosing the right consultant who partners effectively with the right TPA, ensuring strategic alignment, smart cost-containment, and a great member experience.

Don’t be distracted by lower admin fees—value, transparency, and execution matter more. If you're ready to rethink how benefits should actually work, this episode is your playbook. 

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

This week's episode dives deep into real-world strategies for transforming health plans—rooted in fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and measurable outcomes. 

In this powerful episode, the team sits down with Bryan Orr, CEO of Kalos Services, live from the 2025 Florida Health Care Alliance conference. Bryan shares how he radically redesigned his company’s health plan—cutting costs by 42% below national benchmarks while slashing employee cost share by more than half.

With 10 kids and a 400-person team, Bryan had every reason to care deeply about healthcare outcomes. His story is a masterclass in bold leadership, data-driven decisions, and building trust from the top down. Listeners will hear how Kalos implemented direct primary care, reference-based pricing, pharmacy cost control, and transparent network replacements—all while maintaining employee satisfaction and dramatically improving access to care.

From free baby deliveries to $80,000 skin grafts reduced to $2,000, this episode proves what’s possible when employers stop playing defense and start demanding better.

If you're an employer, HR leader, or benefit advisor tired of double-digit premium increases and vague justifications, this episode is your wake-up call—and a roadmap for action.

Key Topics:

• Fiduciary-driven health plan design
• Transparent pricing and plan accountability
• Direct primary care and local care access
• Employee communication and leadership trust
• Real-world savings and improved outcomes

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

In this high-impact episode of  The Business of Benefits Podcast, we're cutting through the legal jargon and post-lunch drowsiness to bring you the most engaging conversation you’ll ever hear on fiduciary compliance. Hosts Chelsea and Donovan Ryckis pull back the curtain on what it really means to be a fiduciary under ERISA, especially in today’s healthcare landscape, where misaligned incentives are costing employers and employees big.

Chelsea shares her personal journey from NCAA athlete to healthcare advocate after a traumatic brain injury exposed the broken realities of the American health system. Donovan breaks down the parallels between fiduciary standards in financial services and the gaping lack of those same protections in health benefits—until now.

From health plan lawsuits and PBM fraud to RxDC reporting and compensation disclosure, this episode arms employers with the truth, the data, and the questions you must start asking.

You’ll learn:

• What fiduciary duty actually looks like in practice (and in court)
• Why the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 is a game-changer for employer-sponsored plans
• How to identify and eliminate conflicts of interest across your benefit ecosystem
• What brokers aren’t telling you—and why that matters
• Practical steps you can take today to realign incentives and protect your people

Stick around for the debut of special guest Bryan Orr, whose real-world results show what’s possible when employers take back control.

If you’re ready to rethink your role, reclaim your data, and radically improve your health plan decisions, this one’s for you.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

If you've ever felt confused or frankly, duped by your pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), this episode is your wake-up call. Chelsea Ryckis sits down with the “PBM Princess” herself, Rachel Strauss, a 20+ year industry veteran and fierce advocate for transparency, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood (and most expensive) parts of your health plan.

You’ll learn:
- The origin story of PBMs and how it all went sideways  
- The real story behind rebates and why “pass-through” doesn’t always mean what you think  
- How vertical integration and offshore contracts allow PBMs to hide profits in plain sight  
- 40 ways PBMs make money (and how to spot the red flags in your contract)  
- Actionable strategies like international sourcing, manufacturer assistance, and 340B pricing that can drastically reduce costs without impacting employee experience  

Whether you’re a CFO, HR leader, or CEO, this episode is packed with no-BS insights to help you finally take control of your pharmacy spend. Plus, don’t miss Rachel’s exclusive giveaway: the top 10 questions to ask your broker if you're serious about cutting costs.


Connect with Rachel:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmstrauss/

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Are you ready to finally break free from the traditional HR rut and discover the game-changing strategies shaping the future of human resources? In this special episode we are joined by Andy Najjar, COO of FutureSolve and host of The Strategic HR Show.


From redefining the path from HR manager to CHRO, to exploring innovative perks like Uber credits and unlimited PTO, this episode dives deep into what makes HR strategic, and how modern HR leaders can earn and keep their seat at the executive table. Andy shares real-world stories about saving millions on benefits, leveraging automation and AI for HR efficiency, and the untapped power of creative total rewards programs. Plus, the team tackles pressing topics like HR fatigue, upskilling, M&A people-risk, and the critical role of aligning culture beyond the written handbook.


Tune in to learn how to think like a CHRO, benchmark your current programs, use technology to lighten your load, and create a workplace where people truly thrive. This episode is your no-nonsense guide to elevating HR from compliance taskmaster to strategic business driver so you and your people can win, together.

Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andynajjar

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis 
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Could your company be blindsided by an ERISA lawsuit? Join us as we sit down with Jen Berman from MCQ Consulting, who gives us the scoop on a groundbreaking case involving JP Morgan. Unlike previous lawsuits that focused on HR and finance executives, this one takes aim at the board of directors, setting a precedent that could reverberate through companies big and small. Jen unpacks why this case carries more weight and how it impacts employers, particularly those with fewer than 10,000 employees. Her expert insights offer a roadmap for safeguarding your organization against such legal headaches.

The episode navigates the complicated world of fiduciary duty and ERISA compliance, especially within the healthcare industry. We chat about the essentials of proving harm and the indispensable role that documenting decision-making processes plays in shielding your company from legal trouble. Jen dispels myths surrounding fiduciary responsibilities, asserting that ERISA principles are more than just legal requirements—they're best practices for any organization. Don't miss out on these valuable perspectives that could arm you against the mounting challenges in benefits compliance.

Connect with Jennifer:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-spiegel-berman-b834b15/

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/

Are you tired of skyrocketing healthcare costs and feeling like there’s nothing you can do about it? In this special episode of The Business of Benefits Podcast, we flip the script on traditional benefits planning. CEO of Ethos Benefits, Don Minrakis, sits down with Bryan Orr, President of Kalos Services and host of the HVAC School Podcast, to dive deep into how Kalos transformed its healthcare strategy—saving money while improving employee benefits.  

From slashing insurance premiums by 40% to eliminating unnecessary costs and navigating a broken system, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies and eye-opening insights. If you're an employer looking for practical ways to cut costs without cutting care, this episode is a must-listen.  

We also break down the hidden truths behind insurance pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, and hospital billing practices—exposing how businesses are often overcharged without even realizing it. Learn how Kalos Services leveraged transparency, direct primary care, and strategic cost controls to take back control of their healthcare expenses while enhancing coverage for their employees.  

Tune in now to learn how to take control of your healthcare plan, empower your employees, and break free from the insurance trap!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts!

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-whalley-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs
Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis dives into a crucial topic for HR professionals, CFOs, and employers—how to indemnify the risk of your fiduciary committee. If you're involved in employee benefits decisions, you’re likely acting as a fiduciary under ERISA, which means you have a legal and ethical responsibility to act in the best interest of your employees.  

Joining Chelsea is professional liability expert Paul Hacker, who breaks down the essential insurances every fiduciary committee should have, including fiduciary insurance, directors & officers coverage, cyber insurance, errors & omissions, and fidelity bonds. With recent lawsuits personally naming HR executives and financial officers, it’s never been more critical to ensure you and your team are protected.  

Tune in as we unpack what these policies cover, how they’re priced, and why even fully insured plans aren’t exempt from fiduciary liability. Don’t leave yourself exposed—get the insights you need to safeguard your role and your company.  

Listen now and make sure your fiduciary committee is covered!

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-whalley-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

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Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs
Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

This episode is not just another dialogue; it's an exposé of the often hidden truths within the benefits system. As a registered nurse, Debb sheds light on the intricacies of medical management and its profound impact on healthcare delivery and financing.

Listeners will be captivated by personal anecdotes and insights into the tumultuous journey toward healthcare transparency, challenging the status quo one employer decision at a time. From dissecting the roles of medical management in both fully insured and self-funded plans to unveiling the truth behind automated prior authorizations and claim denials, this episode leaves no stone unturned.

Debb emphasizes the pivotal role employers play in reshaping the healthcare landscape, urging them to see beyond the traditional confines set by large carriers. With her direct and passionate approach, she shares innovative ways to integrate medical management, ensuring quality care while efficiently managing costs. Listeners will walk away not only inspired but also empowered with the knowledge and tools necessary to initiate change within their organization. This episode promises to shift your perspective and potentially save your business significant expenses—all while ensuring the well-being of your most valuable asset: your people.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-whalley-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

Podcast #Healthcare #Finance #Insurance #BusinessOfBenefits