So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:     

• Why the S?       
• How Grayson got involved in the insurance world       
• Social Media advertising     
• Top 3 Mistakes people make when it comes to insurance     
• How to identify the coverage gaps
• How do you win the benefits?

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Listeners are encouraged to apply the lessons from this podcast directly to their businesses, incorporating actionable tactics to drive growth and foster long-term success. By harnessing the power of effective communication and strategic planning, entrepreneurs can unlock new opportunities and cultivate lasting relationships with clients. Additionally, the podcast addresses the prevalence of toxic behavior within the industry, providing strategies for handling such challenges with professionalism and integrity. Through fostering a culture of respect and accountability, businesses can mitigate the harmful effects of toxic behavior, ensuring a positive and productive work environment for all stakeholders.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• The Salesperson’s Guide to Growing a Business
• How to apply this book to your business
• The value of revisiting material
• Toxic behavior within the industry and how to handle it

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In this engaging podcast episode, we delve into the dynamic world of family businesses through the lens of Luke and Tim Davis's journey. Luke shares his unique perspective on what it's like working alongside his father, Tim, discussing the blend of personal and professional dynamics

that shape their daily interactions. Luke outlines how forward-thinking strategies can enhance efficiency and competitiveness in a family-run business. Together, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a community-driven ethos within their company, fostering strong relationships and a supportive environment among their team members.

Transitioning from the insurance industry to public service, Tim shares his remarkable journey from corporate life to becoming the Mayor of Temple, Texas. He reflects on the pivotal moments and challenges that propelled him towards civic leadership. Tim's experiences underscore the power of perseverance and adaptability, offering listeners valuable insights into navigating career shifts and making meaningful contributions to their communities.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• What it’s like working with your father/son
• How Luke implemented new technology and ideas in the workplace
• Keeping the company community driven
• Cold calling connections
• How Tim went from being in the insurance world to becoming Mayor of Temple, Tx

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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, the spotlight shines on the art of voicing opinions that have the potential to spark social discourse, navigating the delicate balance between authenticity and social repercussions. Drawing from his best-selling book "Wounds" and his role as the host of "Unlocking Greatness with Ryan Miller," Ryan leads a compelling discussion on the power and impact of authentic expression in today's society. Listeners are guided through strategies for handling the challenges of conflicting opinions, offering valuable insights into maintaining resilience and integrity in the face of societal pressures.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• Voicing your opinions that may cause social discourse
• Wounds – Ryan's Best-selling book and host of Unlocking Greatness wtih Ryan Miller
• How to deal with being outcast for your views
• How to handle conflicting opinions and how it can affect your workspace
• Being your own worst enemy
• Wound analysis framework

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In this podcast episode, Alex shares the inspiring journey of Beam, from its inception to its status as an innovator in the ancillary benefits industry. He discusses Beam's groundbreaking approach to ancillary benefits, highlighting both its successes and the challenges faced along the way. Emphasizing a customer-first philosophy, Alex explores how Beam prioritizes client needs to drive innovation and excellence. Looking ahead, he provides insight into Beam's future direction and the role of AI in enhancing risk assessment, ensuring its continued leadership in the industry.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

 Episode Highlights:

• How Beam came to be
• How Beam is innovating ancillary benefits world
• Struggles along the way
• A customer first approach
• Where is Beam headed?
• How AI helps risk assessment

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On this episode of #RockstarsRocking, listeners are introduced to Lindsay Clarke Youngwerth, a distinguished finalist for the Top 5 Advisor of the Year by BenefitsPro Magazine. Lindsay shares her journey into the insurance world, offering insights into the pivotal moments and motivations that sparked her passion for the industry. Lindsay provides valuable guidance on connecting with clients, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and empathy in building strong, lasting relationships. Through anecdotes and practical advice, she illuminates strategies for fostering genuine connections that transcend mere transactions, enriching both the client-advisor dynamic and the overall business landscape.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• Lindsay’s nomination: Top 5 Advisor of the Year finalists for BenefitsPro Magazine
• How Lindsay got involved in the insurance world
• How to connect with clients
• Strategies to fostering business relationships

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In this episode, Chris opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome in the competitive industry, sharing practical tips for boosting confidence, and being a top 5 finalist for the BenefitsPro Advisor of the Year award. He also previews his upcoming national documentary, "It's not Personal, It's Healthcare," which promises an insightful look into healthcare complexities. Additionally, Chris discusses his comic book, "Voyage of the Contrarian," highlighting how storytelling intersects with advocacy in benefit issues.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• Chris’ nomination: Top 5 Advisor of the Year finalists for BenefitsPro Magazine
• How to deal with imposter syndrome in the industry
• Chris’ upcoming national documentary It’s not Personal, It’s Healthcare
• Upcoming release of Chris’ comic book: Voyage of the Contrarian
• Consolidated Appropriations Act

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In this episode, Larry shares his journey into insurance and self-funding, offering firsthand insights into his career motivations and experiences. He discusses the benefits of self-funding, emphasizing cost savings, flexibility, and control for both employers and employees. Additionally, Larry provides a comprehensive framework for understanding self-funding and navigating its complexities, touching on stop-loss insurance and risk management strategies. He also adds a personal touch by reminiscing about his time as a bat boy for the New York Yankees, showcasing the diverse experiences that have shaped his perspective.

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In this episode, listeners are treated to an enlightening discussion with Ryan Lavarnway about his MLB career and his acclaimed book "Baseball and Belonging," offering profound insights into the intersection of sports, identity, and community. Ryan shares anecdotes from his experiences in Major League Baseball (MLB), international leagues, and the minor leagues, providing a firsthand account of the challenges and triumphs within the realm of professional sports. The conversation delves into the complexities of imposter syndrome, as Ryan explores the psychological hurdles faced by athletes striving for success at the highest level.

We then delve into strategies for leveraging cognitive diversity and optimizing team efficiency, as well as practical approaches for fostering innovation and. He also addresses critical issues surrounding mental health and players' access to healthcare, shedding light on the importance of comprehensive support systems in safeguarding the well-being of athletes. Ryan concludes the episode with invaluable advice for aspiring professional athletes, offering invaluable insights and guidance for navigating the multifaceted challenges inherent in pursuing a career in sports.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Ryans book “Baseball and Belonging”

-       Ryans’ life experience in the MLB as well as international and minor leagues

-       Imposter syndrome

-       Leveraging Cognitive Diversity and organizing efficiency for your team

-       Mental health and players health insurance

-       Advice for aspiring professional athletes navigating career challenges

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In this episode, we delve into the DPC model of healthcare and where it stands in the insurance world today. We discuss the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing the healthcare industry and key insights are shared on the ways AI is reshaping patient care, diagnostics, and overall healthcare management.

The episode further explores the evolution of stop-loss insurance, providing a nuanced perspective on how this crucial aspect of risk management has adapted to the changing landscape of the self-funded world. Spencer, an expert in the self-funded realm, shares valuable insights from his career, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the intricacies of navigating this dynamic space. The episode concludes with an exploration of ParetoHealth, providing a deeper understanding of its role and significance within the broader context of healthcare and self-funded models.  

Episode Highlights:

• What the DPC model is and where it is heading
• How AI is revolutionizing the healthcare industry
• How stop-loss insurance has evolved
• Spencer's career in the self-funded world
• ParetoHealth

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In this episode, we uncover the driving force behind Bryan’s journey into the health field and the organic evolution that led to the formation of Percentric. Tune in to explore how Percentric is reshaping healthcare accessibility through direct texting with doctors, offering a middle ground between a simple Google search and the traditional in-person doctor's office visit.

Our conversation delves deeper into the innovative approach of having a doctor on staff and its transformative impact on company culture and talent retention. Discover how Percentric's unique model goes beyond conventional healthcare benefits, fostering a healthier and more engaged workplace. Additionally, we explore the relevance of HIPAA in the context of direct texting with doctors the need for space to innovate. Join us for this insightful discussion at the crossroads of healthcare, technology, and workplace dynamics with the visionary founder of Percentric.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• How he got into the health field and organically ended up forming Percentric
• Innovating access to healthcare through direct texting with doctors
• Being the halfway point between a google search and going to the doctor’s office.
• How having a doctor on staff can help with company culture and talent retention
• The relevance of HIPAA with directly texting a doctor

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We dive right into our interview with Dan taking us on a journey from the spark of inspiration for his book while working in the benefits industry, to his decision to return to grad school for a deep dive into organizational leadership. We explore the diverse organizational styles within Major League Baseball teams, unraveling how these distinctions shape the experiences of players and fans.

The second half of our podcast delves into the paramount importance of "psychological safety" in crafting a thriving organizational culture. Drawing on real-world examples, he sheds light on how fostering an environment of trust and openness can profoundly impact team success. Wrapping up, Dan shares practical insights into how successful companies build and sustain positive cultures.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How he got the idea for his Amazon Bestselling book, Seeds of Culture

-       Going back to grad school to study organizational leadership

-       How organizational style differences of MLB teams lead to very different experiences for players and fans

-       Why “psychological safety” is so important to culture

How companies built good cultures

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We dive right into our conversation, talking about how and why she created her own agency after leaving a large “everything in house” company where competing priorities kept her from giving the service she wanted. We discuss how she fights to get employees and employers better coverage and better costs by cutting out some of the middlemen who take a piece of commissions but don’t really know their products and/or client needs. We wrap up with Erin telling us about her book club which is designed to help industry insiders, employers, and employees read and understand helpful benefit focused books that are changing the industry.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Leaving a large firm that handled everything in house to start her own agency, to focus on providing the best employee benefit solutions for her clients

-       Cutting down the number of “hands in the pot” to help her clients get affordable, quality coverage.

-       Knowing your clients & product vs. selling a slide-deck

-       Fighting imposter syndrome when opening her own agency

-       Starting a book club for benefits industry books & resources

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We dive right into our interview with Stephanie talking about how she came to be the Editor-In-Chief of Employee Benefit News and why it’s the best job in journalism. We then discuss company culture, navigating the remote vs return to office debate, the new focus on mental health in the workplace, and how Employee Benefits can help all of those. We finish up with a sneak peek into the upcoming BENEFITS AT WORK conference, and what folks can expect to see, hear, and experience there.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

• Becoming Editor In Chief at Employee Benefit News and why it’s the best job in journalism.
• The importance of company culture and doing the best for your employees no matter your budget
• Navigating the remote vs. in office work changes and what that means for recruiting and retention
• The explosion of mental health discussions in the workplace and wanting to offer support through employee benefits
• Women in the workplace and their changing needs since Covid
• The brand-new BENEFITS AT WORK Conference Sept. 27th - 29th bringing employers and industry leaders together

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We dive right into this episode with Chelsea talking about working with her husband, growing up playing sports and how that sent her to college on a D1 scholarship, and how a freak accident left her with a brain injury that changed the trajectory of her life.

We then dig into her career start with a non-profit who, when asked for a raise, gave her a $10 bonus instead. She then joined the employee benefits field and recently went through a rebrand of her business, Ethos Benefits and how that’s brought all aspects of the business into better alignment. We round out our discussion with her founding the Orlando chapter of the Ladies Executive Golf Society and how it helps her foster relationships with fellow businesswomen.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Meeting her husband through business, then going into business together

-       Growing up playing sports and going to college on a D1 scholarship

-       How a serious brain injury changed the trajectory of her life

-       Re-learning her worth and getting into Employee Benefits after a $10 Bonus

-       Going through a rebrand and bringing clients, partners, employees, and values into alignment

Founding the Orlando chapter of LEGS to create space for women to network and grow relationships on the golf course

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We dive right into our episode with Cerrina detailing how getting laid off from a former company lead to her career in employee benefits, specializing in micro-groups. She then discusses starting Stellar Stories as a ‘side hussle’ which became even more successful than she expected. The Ellevate Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Summit make up the bulk of our talk, as we go through how and why she co-founded Ellevate, how they put on a successful summit every year, and how men can also be allies to the Women’s Leadership Summit through the Mars Squad.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How getting laid off lead to her start in the employee benefits field, selling to micro-groups up to 10 employees

-       Starting Stellar Stories as a side hustle and becoming independent

-       Co-Founding the Ellevate Foundation & Women’s Leadership Summit

-       The men who support Ellevate through the Mars Squad

-       Growing the summit with the help of supporters who believe in the cause

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We dive right into our interview with Kelly talking about his start in the industry via a shady, though familiar, newspaper ad and what caused him to specialize in what he calls being a “Healthinsurologist”. As the President of NABIP, he explains why being involved in industry focused associations is not only important, but can be beneficial to your business. He also emphasizes how his tenure wasn’t only about his personal goals, but how multiple NAHU/NABIP leaders came together to create a common vision for the organization to work towards collaboratively across multiple presidential terms. From there, we turn to a look at the upcoming NABIP Annual Convention and the great speaker lineup you can expect, as well as the possibility of announcing the new CEO!

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How answering a shady ad in the newspaper lead to becoming a Health Insurance Specialist aka a Healthinsurologist

-       The benefits of being involved in industry associations and masterminds

-       Creating a legacy that outlasts any one leadership term

-       Where to start if you want to get more involved (and why it benefits your business)

-       Sneak Peek of this year’s NABIP Annual Convention

-       The future of NABIP as they search for a new CEO

- Words of wisdom for weathering a rough patch

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 Dan opens with telling us how he deleted the email telling him he was a BenefitsPRO Broker of the Year Top 5 Finalist and how he resisted joining the Mastermind group officially, before learning how much it helped him. He then digs into his opportunity to create the Lone Star Counsel to bring together business leaders in Texas. We round out the interview with how he makes his own space in the business, how creating a flu clinic service let him see the health industry from both sides, and how he’s learned to balance relationship, both personally and professionally.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Deleting his announcement email for BenefitsPRO Broker of the Year Top 5 Finalist

-       Joining Mastermind and the knowledge he’s learned leading to closing clients

-       Closing clients by being everywhere

-       Creating the Lone Star Counsel to bring business leaders together

-       What differentiates him from the rest of the pack

-       Building a Flu Clinic service & finding out how carrier inconsistencies lead to overspend

-       Nurturing relationship both personal and professional

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We dive straight into our episode talking about being recognized at a BenefitsPRO Broker of the Year Top 5 Finalist and her work to be a mentor for others. She gets into the challenges and opportunities of working with international clients, how she was able to continue to grow her business and keep clients during the pandemic, as well as why it’s important to know multiple parts of the health industry to be a better at her job. We round out with a look at the specifics of what products are hot, what’s upcoming, and how she’s created a winning communication strategy for her clients. 

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Being recognized as a BenefitsPRO Broker of the Year Top 5 Finalist

-       Coming up in the Insurance industry and trying to be a mentor for others

-       Being a better insurance agent by knowing many different aspects of the medical field

-       How working with international clients presents its own opportunities and challenges

-       How she was still able to grow business during Covid

-       New products that clients are asking for

-       Communication and driving employee engagement

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We dive straight into our episode with how Bryce got into the insurance industry while recovering from a major medical event, as a way to find health insurance for himself after being told he was “uninsurable”. A deeper dive into his passion for self-funded plans shows us how they, along with Nurse Navigators, can get members high quality care and stop down-stream money bleeds. Bryce also gives us his insight on why it’s important to have value aligned partners, what that means for growing your business, and what role technology plays in that.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Getting his insurance license after being told he was “uninsurable”

-       Why he’s so passionate about self-funded plans

-       Focusing on value aligned client partners

-       Stopping down stream money bleeds for customers

-       Using Nurse Navigators to get patients to quality providers

-       How personal interactions are key to his clients in technology deserts 

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Join our discussion about how Paul transformed his love of literature and writing as a kid into a career within the benefits industry, with the magazine BenefitsPRO. He detailed how they started out as ‘Benefits Selling Magazine’ and rebranded with the expansion into the digital media world of the internet era.

We also dig into the upcoming BenefitsPRO Broker Expo, May 8th – 10th, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. Paul explains why BenefitsPRO Broker Expo is successful at leaning into industry strengths, some of the amazing speakers they’ve had in the past, including one of his own personal heroes, as well as some sneak peeks into what’s in store for the 2023 expo agenda.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How he transformed his love of literature and writing into a career

-       The story behind BenefitsPRO Magazine

-       How the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo leans into industry strengths

-       Amazing past expo speakers and how they try to break out of “echo chambers”

-       The good & bad changes he’s seen in the industry over time

-       A sneak peek of the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo’s 2023 agenda

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We have a double hitter this week, and jump right into our conversation with how both Jim and Patrick served in the Marines, fell into the insurance industry as a “carrier rep”, and eventually found their path with their current companies. With a focus on the ‘GovCon’ (government contractor) sector, they operate with the intention of bringing both transparency and niche knowledge to benefits. A discussion about their upcoming “un-conference” in April 2023, mAXIMize 2023: The Competitive Edge, is an outstanding way for GovCon brokers, agents, providers, and employers to come together to network, learn sector specific strategies and information, and find ways that they can bring best in class benefits to employees.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How they both joined the Marines and how they then transitioned to the insurance industry.

-       Moving from a traditional carrier rep to current path

-       Bringing transparency to health insurance for government contractors

-       Starting a business during the pandemic

-       Finding the correct people and information for your industry

-       mAXIMize 2023: The Competitive Edge “unconference” in April

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We dive straight into a discussion packed with tips and strategies for effectively communicating with clients as well as how she furthers the industry through her work with local and national insurance organizations like NAHU/NABIP. Stacy discusses the her three key strategies for communicating with employees about benefits, tools and technologies that have changed the game for her through covid and the change to virtual meetings, as well as how her work within the industry through mentorship and leadership programs helps brokers, carriers, and other professionals meet and work together.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How she got into the benefits industry

-       The importance of employee education in benefits

-       Is there such a thing as ‘too much’ communication about benefits?

-       New products and ideas that have helped over the last few years

-       Her work with NABIP (National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals)

-       The mentorship program with NAHU membership

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Our interview this week dives right into the deep end with Lisa sharing how she got into the insurance industry through the tragic loss of her sister and never wanted to see another family unprepared for losing a loved one. We segue from there to a discussion about the importance of conviction, authenticity, and being true to yourself and your story.

We then move into how important it is to have the courage to step outside of your bubble of expertise. For Lisa, this came through making career changes, as well as having a “board of directors” who were her mentors that helped her gain new perspective, stay on the right path, and kept her moving forward. We round out our interview with a discussion about becoming an author, as well as her work with WIN (Women in Insurance in Napa).

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How losing a sister lead her to the insurance industry

-       The importance of conviction and belief in what you’re offering

-       Figuring out how to speak to her colleagues about her story and being true to herself

-       Having the courage to step outside of your expertise bubble

-       The importance of personal branding

-       Connecting to the right people and having good mentors

-       Becoming a published author and her work with WIN “Women in Insurance in Napa”

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Our discussion with Michael jumps into the deep end of taking a ‘leap of faith’, which was Michael’s decision to leave the benefits carrier he’d been with for 15 years and become an advisor for medical insurance right at the beginning of the pandemic. We dig into why he changed his focus instead of joining another benefits carrier, how he had learned to be a good advisor long before he joined his current firm, and what drives him to keep moving forward.

The second half of our interview takes a step back to focus on what makes someone a good advisor and a good salesman. We get into the pros and cons of making your ‘riches in the niches’ with single channel books of business vs. having a varied book of business. We also talk about Michel’s love of hunting and how being a good huntsman parallels being a good salesman in many ways. We round out our interview with some lessons that he’s learned through his failures and how he’s used them to get better.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How he went from the Carrier world to the “dark side” and became a medical advisor right at the beginning of the pandemic

-       Learning how to be a good medical advisor long before he got into the field, by going to benefits meetings with his broker partners and watching how they interact with groups

-       Why he wanted to become a “solution provider” rather than be tied to one specific carrier or product

-       The pros and cons of working in a niche vs. having a varied book of business

-       How being a huntsman parallels being a salesman

-       Learning lessons from failures

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Eric and Mark dig into the unconventional way Mark found himself in the benefits space, as he was a practicing chiropractor, and how that unique experience has shaped his views of the benefits industry, the healthcare industry, and how he’s using that dual knowledge to improve both sides. Mark also talks about how Regenexx works, how it can be a strong partner in helping clients get quality healthcare that isn’t immediately recommending surgery, and how brokers are key to helping them develop good plans.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Going from Chiropractor to Benefits Advisor

-       What he’s learned about benefit by working with doctors & clinicians

-       What is Regenexx and how they help employers cut costs

-       Breaking through the noise to get brokers to see Regenexx's value

-       How Regenexx works, and how it can help your clients see better healthcare outcomes with lower costs.

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Our discussion with Nick has great insight into the benefits world, from a sideways perspective. Eastbridge Consulting uses data collection to help brokers create well rounded, needed benefit packages, and carriers find areas of the industry where they can bring products to support the broker’s goals. From his background with Identity Protection products, he came into the industry as a disrupter from the very beginning, and his current work is designed to help brokers break out of the ‘standard quo’ to reach the goals they are already working towards with smart, innovative products.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast. 

Episode Highlights:

-       How he came into the insurance industry as a disrupter from the very beginning

-       How Eastbridge uses a “Netflix model” to help carriers understand how the market works

-       Finding ways to take the data they collect and turn it into tools for carriers and brokers to create successful enrollments

-       Modern Brokers – ‘all in’ or ‘partnership’ approach

-       Using complementary product lines to help brokers accomplish what they are already trying to do

-       Up and coming products on his radar

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Jawad jumps right into our discussion, describing his time spent as an emergency care physician and as part of the administration side, which lead him to realize that there was a ‘delivery of care’ problem with our current healthcare system. This led him to creating WOW Health Solutions, which brings employees a direct care program to provide easy access to care at a truly affordable price. We round out the interview with a discussion about how WOW Health Solutions can help brokers gain sticking power in groups and maintain revenue streams over time.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Working as a doctor and administrator in the health system and realizing there is ‘delivery of care’ problem

-       Moving his practice’s employee benefits from a standard plan to a defined contribution for employees

-       Creating an ecosystem where employees can quickly, easily, and affordably get the care they need

-       “A benefit not taken is a benefit not provided”

-       Building the network through broker relationships and provider partnerships

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Kareim gives a great, high-energy discussion about the insurance benefits industry. We begin with a discussion about the two best things his mother did for him: 1. Pushing him to get a good education through HBCU Clark Atlanta University and 2. Eventually firing him from her agency. We then get into how “male, pale, and stale” agencies need to act with intent to bring in people outside the stereotypical white male agents and how not falling into the trap of only hiring people of the same background helped open his agency up to new opportunities and business deals. We round out with his and Andy Neary’s “Black and White: Truth About Benefit Advising” video series, which peals back the cover on the realities of working in the insurance industry.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Getting a degree from HBCU Clark Atlanta University for Insurance & Risk Management.

-       Getting fired by his mother and realizing he actually “fired himself”

-       Diversifying your company with intent and looking for opportunities to bring the industry to people who have been overlooked

-       How creating a diverse agency opened many hidden opportunities

-       “Black and White: Truth About Benefit Advising” video series with Andy Neary pealing back the cover on working in the benefits industry

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Tye opens our interview telling us the story behind his book “Sales Mob” a Wolf on Wallstreet-esque, behind the scenes look at taking an Aflac region from the bottom of the country to a top 10 region in three years. From there, we jump back to discuss how he knew he wanted to go into insurance from a young age and steps he took to work towards his goal. The meat of our talk homes in on how the enrollment process and technology is changing over time, where we think it’s going in the future, and how “voluntary” is increasingly an important part of the cost containment strategy.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Writing his books “Sales Mob” and “Diamonds Are A Man’s Best Friend”

-       How he knew from a young age that he wanted to get into the insurance industry

-       The future of in person enrollments and how the field is evolving with technological and societal changes

-       The increasing need of voluntary benefits

-       The increase in non-medical benefits as “clickbait” to drive engagement

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Join us for a great, in-depth conversation about the state of the current healthcare industry. We start our conversation with Lou telling us how he requested to get booed off stage at a recent conference and why that was a great thing, as he wants to lead health insurance change as a Benefit Optimization Officer. From that amusing story, we get right into why we need to optimize benefits, as the healthcare industry is intentionally opaque and does not want informed consumers. Lou talks about having to self-reflect on the change he wanted to make as he left the GA world and lifted the cover on the issues with current insurance industry practices and “hidden profit centers”. He finishes up with ways he’s fighting back, through care options like Direct Primary Care programs and internal education through his show “Benefits With Friends”, live weekly on LinkedIn and podcast platforms.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Getting booed off stage – and why that was a great thing

-       Educating clients to not get sold what they ask for, but what they need

-       The healthcare industry does not want informed consumers

-       Leaving the GA world and realizing there is a better way for employers to find solutions

-       Health carriers must evolve or become obsolete

-       How Direct Primary Care can provide an alternative for better primary care

-       “Benefits With Friends” Show/Podcast live on LinkedIn and podcast platforms

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We have a total rockstar discussion this week, with Sims opening up about how he developed an authentic, up-front approach to social media. We begin with Sims talking about his career change right at the beginning of the pandemic, which lead to quite a bit of trial and error to figure out how to make sales in a field that immediately changed from the status quo.

In discussing how to create those connections, he tells us about how he decided to be very open about is personal life, his struggles with mental health and addiction, and how he made connections with fellow industry professionals who had similar experiences. We then wrap up by talking about where all that has led, with his work for PERKS, creating a “front door to a total employee benefits package” and where they are looking to take that platform as it continues to grow.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Figuring out how to make sales during the pandemic

-       Creating an authentic persona on LinkedIn

-       Being open about his past with substance abuse and mental health struggles

-       Creating bonds through shared interests before ever doing business together

- What he does with PERKS and creating a “front door” for employee benefits packages

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We delve right into a topic near and dear to my heart this week, talking all about mental health and how important it is for people to prioritize in their lives. John opens our interview detailing how he was a pastor for nearly twenty years before burnout forced him to re-evaluate his situation. He ultimately ended up still fulfilling his calling to help others, but through the lens of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’s), which connect employees with resources they need to help them deal with the tensions and stresses in their lives.

John details why mental health and burnout are such important topics for individuals, employers, and brokers to focus and invest in, overcoming the stigma of reaching out for help, as well as what brokers should be looking for in a good EAP partner.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       How being a pastor lead him to the world of EAPs

-       You need to invest in your mental health, or you will be forced to deal with it

-       Overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health

-       EAPs and what brokers should look for

-       What sets MSEAP apart from competitors

-       Getting a baseball field built for his community

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We dive right into our interview this week, exploring how Nikki launched into the healthcare industry with a focus on creating healthier, more holistic corporate cultures, by using her past business experiences and strong branding on social media. This has already brought results, as she describes winning the “Notable Newcomer of the Year” award at the YOU! Powered Symposium this past February, put on by #RockstarsRocking former guests David Contorno (Ep 26 insert link) and Emma Fox (Ep 9 insert link).

Nikki describes how a life-altering accident at age 19 brought a lot into focus for her and crystalized her views on healing and creating healthy people through the mind, body, and spirit. She used that experience to build a life that focuses on empowering other people to take accountability for their health, and through that, inspiring others to do the same. One of the ways she hopes to inspire, is through continuing her podcast, which is focused on changing corporate culture to not strip the “humanity” out of people, but focus on employees as well rounded humans who do their best work when they are happy and healthy.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Leaning on her background of business operation, strategy, and growth to “come out hot” with her new brand

-       Winning “Notable Newcomer of the Year” at the YOU! Powered Symposium

-       Empowering people to take accountability for their health

-       Bridging the expert, jargon heavy divide to bring employees healthcare breakthroughs

-       How a life-threatening accident at 19 changed the course of her life

-       Prioritizing self-care to stay healthy and fueled, so you can bring your best self for others

Her podcast focusing on corporate culture and changing it to be a healthier environment

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We dive right into the deep end with our interview this week, starting with Braden being recognized as a top 5 finalist for Benefits Broker of the Year by BenefitsPRO Magazine. From there, we discuss any potential difficulties of being innovative in Massachusetts, which is a ‘healthcare capital of the world’ and how to get CEOs to believe that things can be done a different and maybe even, a better way.

The second half of our interview pulls back a bit, with a jump back in time to find out how Braden got into the industry by being “to happy” to work for the FBI, his passion for Cross-Fit, and how a bad leader at a previous company lead him and his colleagues to break away and form their own company. We wrap up with a discussion about accountability and his new project of creating a direct primary care program.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Being recognized as a top 5 finalist for Benefits Broker of the Year by BenefitsPRO Magazine

-       Innovating in Massachusetts, which is a ‘healthcare capital of the world’

-       “We’ve trained CEO’s to believe better options aren’t possible…”

-       How he got into the insurance industry after realizing he was “too happy” to work for the FBI

-       How a bad leader lead him and his coworkers to form their own company

-       Opening his own cross-fit gym

-       Finding outlets for his desire to help people get healthy in multiple ways

-       Finding accountability through social media

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We open our conversation today recognizing Josh’s amazing achievement as one of the Top 5 Finalists in BenefitsPRO magazine for their prestigious Broker of the Year award, and why he thinks he caught the attention of the industry. We then dig right into the details with a discussion about how we bring innovation to insurance, from what causes employers to hesitate on making change, to how we get employees to engage with their benefits in a knowledgeable and effective way.

The second half of our interview focuses on how the healthcare system is set up and how brokers can set themselves up with the right tools to make sure they are servicing their clients the best way they can. Josh stresses the importance of making sure brokers have the right tools in their “toolbox”, even if they don’t use every single tool in every case. Once that toolbox is in place, he says brokers then need to give employers a roadmap to success, so they see where they are going without surprises. We wrap up with a look ahead, and how he’s creating his own community owned health plan.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Being recognized as a Top 5 Finalist for Benefits Broker of the Year by BenefitsPRO Magazine

-       What stops employers from making a change?

-       Making benefits innovation as easy as the status quo

-       Is our national healthcare system broken?

-       The usefulness of medical tourism

-       Having the right tools in your toolbox

-       Give employers a roadmap forward, so they understand where they are going

Looking ahead, starting his own COHP – Community Owned Health Plan

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We open up our conversation today celebrating Kim’s amazing recognition as one of the five finalists for Broker of the Year by BenefitsPRO magazine and recognizing how and why she caught the eye of the industry. One of the ways she did this is through empowering HR Managers. From creating an HR roadshow to teach prospects how to be more effective in their duties and responsibilities, to teaching them how to communicate better with the C-Suite, to becoming an essential member of the decision-making team.

Beyond the day-to-day processes she puts into place, we also discuss the larger picture of her ethos and legacy. We talk about getting more women into the industry, how the industry needs to empower consumers to take charge of their healthcare and taking the step to sell her agency to focus on growing her legacy, while making sure her people were taken care of. Beyond her agency, she’s also putting together a local healthcare network to get employees quality care at little to no out-of-pocket cost.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Being recognized as a top 5 finalist for Broker of the Year by BenefitsPRO magazine

-       Teaching HR Managers how to be better communicators with their C-Suite

-       How to get more women and younger people into the industry

-       Creating an HR roadshow to turn competitors into collaborators

-       Making sure her people were taken care of when she sold her agency

Creating a bigger legacy by creating a local healthcare network

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Elsa starts our interview off with an incredible story of beginning her career in nursing, being at a crossroads of what she wanted out of her personal and professional life, and the incredible cancer patient who encouraged her to figure out what she wanted and helped her to achieve her dreams. From that starting point, she details how she moved from there to finding her niche in the insurance world, the mentors who helped her get there, and the detractors who tried to minimize and trivialize her.

The second half of our discussion gets more into how she has built herself into one of the top five finalists for Benefits Broker of the Year by BenefitsPRO Magazine. We dig into her favorite strategies for building an engaged and successful open enrollment, from using in person enrollments to constantly learning about the needs of her clients, to social media marketing as a way of reaching employees who may not have or check emails.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Being recognized as a Top 5 Finalist for Benefits Broker of the Year by BenefitsPRO Magazine

-       The cancer patient who encouraged her to quit nursing and completely change careers

-       The great mentors, as well as the folks who tried to pigeonhole her as a Latina woman in this industry

-       Doing right by employees, even if it’s outside employer plans

-       Marketing to employees who don’t have or check email

-       The importance of social media marketing and how it can be a win-win for recruitment of employees and customers

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We launch right into our interview today with a discussion of how you create your perception or brand on social media, from sticking with a schedule to generate results, to making sure you’re not putting out negativity, especially on posts that aren’t meant for you. We then take a quick jump back to go through how she got her start in the industry, and her journey from being a “glorified account manager”, to really recognizing her own voice and brand.

The second half of our interview explores how marketing can make or break an employer’s benefits strategy, not only during open enrollment, but also throughout the year with attracting potential employees. We then finish up with a teaser of what to expect with her upcoming talk at the next BenefitsPRO Broker Expo.

So, are you ready for more? Grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and get comfortable as you tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Creating the perception of yourself on social media

-       How doing a ‘Study Abroad’ program in college put her on the path to insurance

-       Recognizing her value and opportunity in being a young, female broker to find her niche

-       Helping employers’ market to prospective employees, and get engagement out of existing employees

-       Jessica’s go to strategies and technology for getting great employee engagement

Getting to speak at the upcoming BenefitsPRO Broker Expo

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Our conversation today dives deep into the inner workings of Colonial Life and Unum, sister companies that have increasingly begun to partner together to cover all the benefits needs of employers and their employees. We begin with Tim talking about how he came into the dual roles he has with the two companies, and how he’s worked hard to get them in sync, as well as partnering with other organizations who can help build a better claims and user experience.

We also discuss where Colonial and Unum are going in the future, from making changes when brokers and field agents brought up systems and processes that weren’t working, to the growing recognition of employer funded benefits in the face of the Great Resignation and inflation. We round out the interview with a discussion of how employees still want help deciding which benefits they want and need, and how changing technology means we should enhance the ability for enrollment education, rather than take it away.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       The creative thing Colonial did to reduce processing time for Disability claims

-       Creating the best customer experience

-       Building out Colonial’s Dental product

-       The growing recognition of the value of employer funded benefits

-       Becoming Executive VP of Sales with little to no sales experience

-       Perception equals reality

-       People still want help deciding which benefits to enroll in

-       The future of the changing workforce

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Our guests today, talk about their new book focused on the 5 secrets to creating a lasting marriage. Written within the “Go Giver” series, it fuses parables featuring recognizable characters from previous books, with Ana’s in-depth explanations of the lessons and theories from her background as a psychotherapist. We go in depth of how they got the idea to write the book, the lessons that they expound upon within the book, as well as what’s coming up next for them both.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       Deciding to write a book about marriage together under the “Go-Giver” name

-       Telling the lessons of strengthening a marriage through parable

-       Learning to throw out the scorecard, without becoming a doormat

-       Marriage is not fair

-       Appreciating differences with your partner

-       Making sure your mature enough to enter into a relationship

-       Ana’s refusal to write a book about marriage without talking about the dark parts of marriage

-       The deep need for appreciation and recognition

-       What’s the next step?

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Kevin joins us to talk about one of the biggest oversights he sees in the benefits industry, which is status quo approaches to non-medical benefits which cause employees to be under insured and employers to overpay. He discusses the “responsibility creep” happening, where brokers feel the need to be comprehensive experts in so many areas that they don’t actually have an expertise in any. Throughout the interview, he discusses how best to solve these problems by refocusing on the benefits that matter most and finding the value in the margins.

So, are you ready for more? Grab your favorite beverage of choice and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       His path to get out of the status quo carrier rep career path

-       Changing from a “brand killer” to Salt Margin

-       If you take the commission, you owe the client to bring them value

-       We need to challenge people on how they prioritize benefits

-       Negligence in the ancillary industry is widespread

-       Responsibility creep in broker “expertise”

-       The best things are always in the margins

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Our guest today digs into the rapidly changing world of benefits technology. From bad technology which ‘helps people make bad decisions, quicker’ and uses outdated data, to the good technology which can save clients and brokers money, and give better advice to employees, and can reduce friction points for enrollers.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       His path from carrier rep to founding Enrollify

-       The “hack” to quickly establishing credibility

-       Keeping clients from making bad decisions faster with AI technology

-       The rapid adoption of new technology

-       Are enrollment firms dead?

-       Overcoming confirmation bias

-       Virtual Enrollers – stop paying enrollers to sit and do nothing

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Allison opens our interview with a hilarious story of being shocked about winning “Most Innovative Healthcare Consultant” at the YOU Powered Symposium, which she won despite only returning to the major medical side of the insurance industry a few years ago. She also talks about how she grew up in a family of insurance consultants, striking her own path, and eventually returning to her roots and founding Altiqe – modernizing her approach by focusing on teaching clients to be better consumers healthcare.

We continue the conversation of modernizing processes with the changes she’s made to enrollment and servicing strategies, the importance of electronic enrollment, and getting clients to recognize that they need to be involved with their money. She also touches on moving away from clients who can’t or won’t buy into her processes.

We round out our interview with the idea that when you are making big changes, the best way to get everyone on board is to create a “shared common enemy”, rather than having the management and workers locked against each other.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite warm beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

- Winning “Most Innovative Healthcare Consultant” at the YOU Powered Symposium

- Growing up in the healthcare and employee benefits industry

- Having a year-round strategy to teach clients to be better healthcare consumers

- Modernizing enrollment strategies

- Creating a shared common enemy

- Social media marketing

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We dive right into our interview with Nancy, getting into her marketing strategies and how she created her “2 Minute Tuesday” videos. With the Covid shutdown giving her the time to take courses, build a strategy, and implement the change, Nancy, along with her son, did all their production in house to find their style, create a library of content, and control production costs. She also stressed the need to understand that marketing is about playing the long game, fostering relationships so that they bring opportunities organically.

The second half of our interview focuses on building an authentic and mutually beneficial relationship with client groups. From making sure each side understands how their business and compensation works, to making sure your service and culture needs match up. From walking away from “sure” sales, to naming the questions that she thinks employers should be asking their brokers.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite beverage of choice and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

Episode Highlights:

-       “2-Minute Tuesday” video marketing

-       Be consistent, be brief, and get personal

-       Playing the long game and ignoring stats

-       Create a library of content for future use and repurposing

-       Being transparent with clients about business processes

-       Walking away from a sale

Finding the true pain points and why companies offer benefits

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We dive directly into the deep end, as Lester opens our podcast with a discussion of how he knew he actually WANTED to go into insurance from a fairly young age, which stemmed from heartbreaking health issues within his family during his teenage years. He gets into the stark statistic of how 67% of all bankruptcies are due to medical and health issues and how that touched his own family. This led him to working to change the health industry and bring transparency to the industry, to save people money and lower that alarming bankruptcy statistic.

Lester then digs into how and why he founded Next Impact from the idea of increasing transparency and education of employees, employers, and healthcare consumers in general. We talk about how he’s grown his business using frequent and regular webinars to further industry education and then we get into his Michael Jordan Theory, which is that while Jordan is the GOAT, it wasn’t necessarily for just being the best singular player, but by making those around him great.

We round out our interview with a discussion of the importance of sales leadership and business mentoring. Lester espouses the importance of ‘jumping in the pool and seeing if there’s water’ and taking a chance on going for what you want. He closes us out with a synopsis of his podcast, which is aimed at those who are working to change the healthcare industry.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

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Gary opens our podcast with a discussion about how he got a firsthand view of how cost mitigation strategies in the healthcare field, which didn’t save costs by shorting customers, was sorely needed. He founded his own brokerage, Becker Benefits, but ultimately spends more of his time with ScriptSourcing, a company he created that allows customers to source their prescriptions directly for a $0 co-pay while saving money for their employer’s insurance costs.

We dig into the reasons why folks might push back on using ScriptSourcing, from carriers and partners with misaligned priorities, to TPAs with hidden revenue streams, to brokers with ‘big box’ carriers who want to create shareholder value. We also discuss how a service like ScriptSourcing makes money, which is mainly accomplished through performance-based compensation based on how much savings they deliver, which he admits meant little to no client revenue for ScriptSourcing in the beginning.

The back half of our interview brought up a discussion on technology changes, and how PBMs went from not wanting to share any data about what they were paying, to realizing that they have to share data or risk being fired. He’s also invested in salesforce data to be up to date as soon as a medication becomes available.

We finish up with a debate about being a business owner vs. a business operator, and how he’s taking steps to become more of an owner, by hiring key people to operate the business for him.

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Jen opens our podcast with the rockstar dream of wanting to be a Supreme Court Justice and talking about how she ended up in the legal compliance side of employee benefits right before the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) completely changed the industry.

After founding her own practice, she went back to school to get her MBA to learn to be a better leader for her firm. This helped her to learn the difference between management and leadership, which she gets into during our show.

We then get into how she stays ahead of the game in an ever-changing industry that can change literally by the day. Getting more in depth, she talked about her diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, how it has caused her to change both her physical and mental approach to business, and how it has been helpful to get her to recognize the need for a healthy balance to work and her personal life.

We round out the interview talking about how Jennifer figured out her own business style to be more authentically herself. Once she got that down, she was able to use her personality to make compliance fun (yes, I said “fun”) and accessible to her clients.

So, are you ready for more? Then grab your favorite ice-cold beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

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Our guest is a Master of Marketing and finding success in the insurance industry. After working for years as a top producer in the benefits industry, he transitioned into coaching other business leaders and becoming a bestselling author of three books. Based on the “DO or DIE” model he outlined in his first best-seller by the same name, he helped form and is the Managing Director of the NextGen Benefits Network, which brings together industry leaders together to collaborate in peer-exchange programing.

In this week’s episode, we begin by discussing his 3 bestselling books and then get into the importance of standing out in marketing, and how writing a book takes you from a cold-calling salesperson to an industry expert. Nelson also discusses how coaches and mentors help you hone your business and marketing skills and mindset, and how mentors are an opportunity to foster relationships which open you up to a diversity of perspectives and life experiences to help you see your blind spots. We round it out by talking about the NextGen Benefits upcoming annual ASCEND conference which always takes place in January, which brings together peers within the employee benefits industry in a unique, fun, interactive and collaborative environment.

So, are you ready for straight fire? Go ahead and grab your favorite hot beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast

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Today’s guests are a husband-and-wife duo; Reid with a background in benefits, and Heidi, who worked her way up the J.C. Penny chain from the sales floor to VP. They decided to take a shot at creating their own company after they found a hole in the benefit programs that Reid had been working with. This ‘hole’ helped to birth ‘freshbenies’, which combines telehealth, mental health, savings networks, and more, in one simple membership. In just a few short years, they’ve risen to National prominence and recognition, being named four times to the Inc5000 list of fastest growing companies.

In this week’s episode, we begin by discussing how they decided to form their own company, Heidi taking the risk to join Reid as the second employee after the J.C. Penny restructure made her redundant, and rebranding their company using the one name that 100% of their market research participants hated. We get into the explosive growth of telehealth, bundled services, and how having a concierge partner can act as a “travel agent” for your health, leading you to deals, and steering you away from bad providers. Reid and Heidi also discuss building a company to work remotely from the beginning and how to keep everyone focused on their goals, as well as being an “employer of choice” in the current talent war following the large ‘Great Resignation’ that has definitely become the hot topic over the last many months. We round it out by talking about their clever “Brokers In Cars Getting Coffee” media segment, modeled after the famous Seinfeld series; “Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee”.

So, are you ready for more? Go ahead and grab your favorite beverage and tap that play button, to tune in to this week’s edition of the #RockstarsRocking podcast.

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