Welcome to Broken Benefits with Lee Lewis! Whether you are the benefits manager or CEO of your organization, one of the biggest drivers of organizational performance, that most get totally wrong, is the health and benefits strategy. We spend billions on benefits, yet healthcare is unaffordable and complicated. More than half of Americans don’t even take their paid vacation, yet people are burning out faster than ever and remote work is scrambling company cultures.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Great benefits can attract and retain top talent, communicate your values, rejuvenate your productivity, move your stock price, and even save lives.
I know this because I’ve advised and learned from many Fortune 100 employers on how to create wildly profitable and popular benefits programs. I created this podcast in the hopes that together we can save lives, save dollars, and save our talent. Join us for some great conversation with some of the world’s leading experts in this space.
Broken Benefits Podcast
Broken Benefits
Whether you are the benefits manager or CEO of your organization, one of the biggest drivers of organizational performance, that most get totally wrong, is the health and benefits strategy. We spend billions on benefits, yet healthcare is unaffordable and complicated. More than half of Americans don’t even take their paid vacation, yet people are burning out faster than ever and remote work is scrambling company cultures.
It doesn’t have to be this way! Great benefits can attract and retain top talent, communicate your values, rejuvenate your productivity, move your stock price, and even save lives.
Lee knows this because he advised and learned from many Fortune 100 employers on how to create wildly profitable and popular benefits programs that enhance all areas of the business. Lee created this podcast in the hopes that together we can save lives, save dollars, and save our talent.
Join us, each episode, on YouTube or your favorite podcasting platform for some great conversation with some of the world’s leading experts in this space.
Transforming Healthcare: How Visionary CHROs Can Reshape the Industry with Kevin Cox
In this episode of Broken Benefits, host Lee Lewis welcomes Kevin Cox, the founder of HTA and former Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of General Electric (GE). Kevin brings his vast experience from leading HR at one of the world’s largest companies to share his insights on the future of corporate benefits and human resources.
Together, Lee and Kevin discuss the broken aspects of traditional benefits systems and what it takes to revolutionize HR strategies for a new era. They explore how companies can create more value-driven, employee-centric benefits programs that improve both retention and productivity.
Key Takeaways:
- Lessons from Kevin’s time at GE and how they shaped his views on HR
- The future of benefits: How to break away from outdated systems
- Innovative strategies to create more impactful, employee-centric benefits
- The role of leadership in driving HR transformation and positive change
Tune in for a forward-thinking conversation with Kevin Cox as he shares his journey and vision for transforming HR and corporate benefits.
Chapters:
0:00 – Kevin’s Statement
0:40 – Introducing Kevin Cox to the show
2:49 – The Role of CHRO’s in Healthcare
6:29 – Addressing the Misalignment of Interests in Healthcare
9:48 – The Birth of Health Transformation Alliance
12:22 – The Challenges of Creating a Coalition
15:45 – Advocating for Better Employee Healthcare Experiences
20:28 – The Importance of Collaboration in Driving Change
25:04 – The HTA: Custodians of Member Companies’ Money
30:40 – Engaging CHROs: Making the Most of Limited Time
33:45 – Setbacks: Dealing with Free Riders
49:28 – Paying for Value and Outcomes
51:20 – Succession Planning and Advice for CHROs
53:40 – Closing Remarks
Connect with Lee Lewis:
July 3, 2024
May 21, 2024
May 8, 2024
November 7, 2023
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Broken Benefits Videos
Episode 1 - Running Benefits Like an Incubator (Feat: Stephen Hoelper)
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Broken Benefits! We spend billions on benefits, yet healthcare is unaffordable and complicated. More than half of Americans don't even take their paid vacation, yet people are burning out faster than ever and remote work is scrambling company cultures. It doesn't have to be this way. Great benefits can attract and retain top talent, communicate your values, rejuvenate your productivity, move your stock price, and even save lives. On our first episode, we welcome Stephen Hoelper, Digital Health Executive, onto the show for a deep dive into his extremely interesting career with Comcast. Stephen...
Episode 2 - Fighting Political and Operational Headwinds in Healthcare
Welcome back to Broken Benefits! We're so excited to follow up out launch of the show with another great episode, featuring Christin Deacon, Thought Leader and Healthcare Disruptor, and a great discussion surrounding some of the political challenges within healthcare at large. Christin not only her experiences with these challenges, but also how she implemented the first reverse auction PBM for a $900,000 plan. There's so much wisdom and great insight packed into this episode and we're thrilled to share this fantastic conversation with you. Enjoy! Timecodes: 0:46 - Introducing Christin Deacon and sharing her background 1:50 - How Chris...
Episode 3 - Developing Foundational Healthcare Strategies
We're back with an all-new episode! Joining us on Broken Benefits is Mike Adams, Innovative Benefits Thought Leader, who shares his experiences as a top benefits executive at Fortune 100 companies throughout his career. Mike was a pioneer and developed foundational healthcare strategies that are now leveraged by many in today's day and age. Listen as we explore his career, the risks he took along the way, and the lives he was able to help change as a result of his innovative work! Timecodes: 0:30 - Introduction and overview on Mike Adams 1:52 - How to approach vendors and manage...
Episode 4 - Benefits Strategies Impacting Over 100 Million People (Feat: Marcus Osborne)
On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we welcome Former Senior Vice President of Walmart Health to discuss the monumental footprint he left at the world's largest retailer! Marcus Osborne and his team were impacting over 100 million lives with their benefits strategies at Walmart Health and he shares countless experiences that paved the way towards innovative and successful benefits strategies. Marcus provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise within this episode! So, what are you waiting for? Click that play button now! Timecodes: 0:22 - Introduction and overview on the guest of the day 1:53 - How Marcus approached...
Implementing Transformative Benefits Plans (Feat: Brian Marcotte)
On the latest installment of Broken Benefits, we're pleased to welcome Brian Marcotte, Former Vice President of Compensation and Benefits at Honeywell International, for a deep dive into his extensive career in benefits. Brian and his team were responsible for implementing a nationwide network-based point of service plan that was transformative for its time. Additionally, their team was able to achieve seven straight years with a flat trend at Honeywell. On this episode, Brian shares some of his most valuable wisdom along with stories to help inspire today's benefits workers. Timecodes: 0:30 - Introducing Brian Marcotte to the show 1:26...
Controlling the Cost of Healthcare (Feat: Hellen Darling)
She's led benefits for a Fortune 100 employer, provided countless bits of insight through her consulting work, and was influential in the changing of healthcare costs over the years! On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're thrilled to welcome Hellen Darling, a revolutionary healthcare innovator, to share her experiences from a lengthy career in healthcare. Throughout her career, as well as her time leading the National Business Group on Health, Hellen was the primary lead business voice in Washington, DC advocating for jumbo employers. Let's get started! Timecodes: 0:06 - Introduction and welcome to the show! 1:51 - Welcoming...
Advocating for New Healthcare Strategies (Feat: Arielle Bogorad)
On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're taking a closer look at the innovative work Arielle Bogorad has done throughout her career in healthcare, as well as the importance behind advocating for implementing fresh perspectives and strategies. Arielle is a healthcare innovator to her core. Currently, she is the Senior Vice President at Progyny, where she's developing new ways to advance healthcare for the greater good. In this episode, Arielle shares her experiences running benefits at Cerner Corporation for over a decade and leveraging a self-administered program. Let's get right into it! Timecodes: 1:00 - Who is Arielle Bogorad?...
Driving Innovative Change for Large Employer Benefits (Feat: Marilyn Bartlett)
It's not easy to pave the way for innovation among large employers, but Marilyn Bartlett was always up for the challenge! On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're joined by Marilyn Bartlett who has quite the decorated resume... to say the least. Marilyn held financial management positions in various industries, narrowing her focus to health care financial management and serving as controller for a Blue Cross Blue Shield carrier, chief financial officer for a regional third-party administrator, Montana State Employee Health Plan administrator, and special projects coordinator for the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. When she took the...
Approaching Healthcare From a Different Angle (Feat: Bob Galvin)
Dr. Bob Galvin brings looks at healthcare through a unique lens. After graduating medical school, he later became the Executive Director of Services and Chief Medical Officer for General Electric. Later, in 2010, he transitioned over to Blackstone and became the CEO of Equity Healthcare for Blackstone. As a physician, Bob was able to provide a special perspective into the healthcare and medical solutions that were presented to self-funded employers. Bob's medical expertise, alongside his countless years of experience in healthcare benefits, provides our audience with a wide range of stories and key takeaways to help reinforce your company's benefits...
Paving the Way for Strategic Benefits (Feat: Sally Welborn)
Advanced healthcare benefits strategies didn't just happen overnight. They were created, enhanced, and innovated over time thanks to the efforts of some key individuals. One of those people, is Sally Welborn. On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're thrilled to welcome Sally Welborn, the Former Senior Vice President of Global Benefits for Walmart Stores, Inc., and hear numerous stories that provide benefits leaders with insight into developing strategic benefits strategies at the highest of levels! Sally is an instiution in American healthcare, in running the benefits strategy for America's largest retailer for nearly a decade! This episode is packed...
Going Against the Status Quo (Feat: Erik Sossa)
In this thought-provoking episode of Broken Benefits, we take a journey into the world of corporate healthcare innovation with a true trailblazer, Erik Sossa, the former Vice President of Global Benefits and Wellness at PepsiCo, Inc. Join us as we explore the remarkable initiatives he spearheaded during his tenure that defied the status quo and redefined what is possible in the realm of employee wellness and healthcare. Erik Sossa's impressive career at PepsiCo was marked by a relentless pursuit of groundbreaking solutions for the company's healthcare and benefits programs. With a reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, he led...
Managing Billions and Redefining Healthcare Spend (Feat: Jason Parrott)
On the latest installment of Broken Benefits, we're joined by an esteemed guest, Jason Parrott. With a wealth of experience as a Former Benefits Executive at both Boeing and AT&T, Jason provides unique perspectives and valuable insights into the complex world of healthcare management. Tune in as Jason delves into the challenges and triumphs of overseeing billions in healthcare spending, sharing stories from his dynamic career in two of the largest corporations in the world. From navigating the intricacies of employee benefits to implementing innovative solutions, Jason offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that shape the well-being of thousands...
Leveraging Data and Maximizing Value for Employees
On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're thrilled to welcome a true expert at her craft. Candace Jodice, Former CVS Health Executive, brings over 20 years experience managing a health plan of over 300,000 people and expenditures in excess of $4 billion annually. We dive into the intricacies of managing benefits inside of a PBM, as well as the importance behind leveraging the data to generate the highest level of value for those inside a health plan. Enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 - Cold open 1:48 - Welcoming Candace Jodice to the show 4:49 - How contracts are structured when you're...
Embracing Scrutiny and Navigating Innovation (Feat: Pat Pitsch)
In this illuminating episode of Broken Benefits, we delve deep into the dynamic world of healthcare innovation with a true trailblazer, Pat Pitsch. As a distinguished Medical Benefits Expert, Pat brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table, offering a captivating narrative of her journey through the labyrinth of the healthcare industry. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs that have defined Pat's career, and how she has fearlessly tackled obstacles to drive innovation in her field. From navigating complex regulations to revolutionizing traditional practices, Pat's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and...
Leading a Fortune 500 Health Plan
In this episode of Broken Benefits, we delve into the intricate world of health care solutions with a seasoned expert, Barbara Flitsch. With years of experience at the helm of a Fortune 500 health plan, Barbara brings invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry. Join us as we explore Barbara's journey, from her early days in the field to her current role at the helm of innovation. From navigating regulatory hurdles to addressing the evolving needs of consumers, Barbara shares firsthand accounts of the complexities inherent in managing a large-scale health plan. Through candid discussions and real-world...
Transitioning Industries and Making an Impact
In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Elena Bueno-Gonzalez, the dynamic Vice President of Energy Marketing & Trading at Florida Power & Light. Elena's incredible journey from Venezuela to becoming a leading figure in the U.S. energy industry is nothing short of inspiring. Arriving in the United States at the age of 21 and learning English as her second language, Elena's dedication and talent led her to excel in Mathematics. Her expertise and determination propelled her into the world of commodities trading, where she now oversees critical operations for one of the largest energy companies...
It Ain't All About Spend (Feat: Sheila Savageau)
In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Sheila Savageau, the dynamic head of Benefits and Compensation at General Motors February 2022, Sheila Savageau received a package on her doorstep for the 2022 Helen Darling Award, one of the most prestigious awards in health care, recently awarded to our company and health care team. But for Sheila, our company’s global health and well-being leader, it was much more than an accolade. “When I opened that box and looked at the award, I saw my daughter’s reflection,” she said. “And when I think about our journey as...
The Intersection of CHROs and Healthcare (Ft. Shelly Carlin)
In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Shelly Carlin, the impactful Executive Vice President of the HR Policy Association and the Center On Executive Compensation. Beyond her advisory work, Shelly was the Senior Vice President of HR and Communications at Motorola. Beyond her professional work in HR and benefits, Shelly is an advocate for UCLA Softball and currently works as the managing editor for D1Softball. Join us as we delve into Shelly's fascinating story, exploring her challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable insights she's gained along the way. Chapters: 0:00 - Cold open 0:40 - Introducing...
Running Benefits For One of The Largest Corporations In The World (Feat. Barbara Wachsman)
In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Barbara Wachsman, one of the luminaries of the industry who ran benefits at Disney. Responsible for hundreds of thousands of employees and a budget stretching well into billions of healthcare dollars. While there, Barbara formed one of the largest direct contracts with a major hospital system in America. Beyond her professional work in HR and benefits, Barbara has also worked in hospital systems, private equity, in consulting, and more. Join us as we delve into Barbara's fascinating story, exploring her challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable insights she's gained...
Transforming Healthcare: How Visionary CHROs Can Reshape the Industry with Kevin Cox
In this episode of Broken Benefits, host Lee Lewis welcomes Kevin Cox, the founder of HTA and former Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of General Electric (GE). Kevin brings his vast experience from leading HR at one of the world’s largest companies to share his insights on the future of corporate benefits and human resources. Together, Lee and Kevin discuss the broken aspects of traditional benefits systems and what it takes to revolutionize HR strategies for a new era. They explore how companies can create more value-driven, employee-centric benefits programs that improve both retention and productivity. Key Takeaways: Lessons from...