People Business w/ O'Brien McMahon

O'Brien McMahon
  • 5.0 (59)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Every business is in some way a “people business” with success or failure often coming down to how leaders manage the people dynamics of their organization. People Business is a weekly podcast focused on what it takes to build and lead a successful, profitable business by navigating the human element.

  1. Jul 28

    Managing Pharmacy Spend w/ Matt Jarvis, PharmD

    Matt Jarvis is the SVP of Strategy in Lockton's national pharmacy practice. He has a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) and has worked in both retail and consulting pharmacy roles. Matt is a subject matter expert in understanding current pharmacy market pricing, supply chain, and medication delivery to the consumer. He leads the development and implementation of innovative clinical solutions that drive optimal management in specialty drugs for Lockton clients.  Mentioned on the Show Connect with Matt Jarvis, PharmD on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjarvispharmdWould you like O’Brien or Matt to discuss your company’s pharmacy benefit plan? Reach out here: Contact O’BrienMatt and O’Brien discussed alternatives like Amazon Pharmacy and Mark Cuban’s venture, Cost Plus Drugs. Timestamps (00:00:00) – Matt Jarvis, PharmD joins his colleague O’Brien McMahon on the People Business Podcast (00:03:48) – What is the structure of a pharmacy plan and how does it differ from the medical plan? What are the common misconceptions? (00:05:43) – What a PBM is and why does it exist? Why isn't pharmacy handled through the regular health plan? (00:08:12) – Why don't drug manufacturers sell directly to health plans and what the steps are from drug creation to pharmacy purchase? (00:09:44) – What is a formulary? (00:13:09) – Why is there is a disconnect between doctors prescribing medications and what's actually covered by a plan? (00:14:37) – What is the role of drug reps in the overall pharmacy system? (00:18:43) – Is AI influencing how doctors prescribe medications? (00:19:54) – What role does the pharmacist plays in the current system?   (00:21:18) – Do pharmacists have any ability to intervene or help patients navigate the formulary, or do they just dispense whatever is prescribe? (00:23:30) – What is prior authorization, and is it driven by clinical or financial outcomes? (00:27:36) – What are the different drug tiers and what qualifies a drug for each tier? (00:28:48) – What qualifies as a specialty drug? (00:30:20) – What is the difference is between prior authorization and step therapy? (00:31:40) – What role do generics in the current pharm landscape? (00:40:16) – Step therapy and biosimilars: how they each work (00:42:38) – Where does mail order fit into the pharmacy system? (00:48:00) – Rebates: the complicated and confusing system of paying for drugs (00:56:21) – Emerging PBMs and when it makes sense for clients to switch (00:59:33) – How can employers vet new-model PBMs when traditional rebate-heavy models look better on a spreadsheet? (01:02:59) – Closing thoughts from Matt Jarvis

  2. Jul 21

    Why We Resist Change (Even When It's Positive) w/ Travis Hahler

    Travis Hahler has spent 15+ years leading transformation at scale. Simultaneously, he built the scientific framework that explains why transformation fails at the neurological level. His new book, Rethinking Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change is out now.  Mentioned on the Show Your one-stop for all of Travis Hahler’s links is here: https://linktr.ee/theneurologicalnomadTravis’ book, Rethink Resistance is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/02iE70p7Connect with Travis on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdhahlerListen to the People Business episode with Achyuta Adhvaryu: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/achyutaadhvaryu/O’Brien and Travis bond over mutual admiration of the book The Rabbit Listened. Available on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/09zgnSuVCheck out Shots of Awe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShotsOfAweTimestamps (00:00:00) – Travis Hahler, the Neurological Nomad sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business Podcast (00:02:01) — Travis Hahler origin story: why did he write a book on change? (00:04:45) — What physical/physiological things happen in people's brains when asked to change a routine? (00:06:23) — What is the physical work of the brain when encountering change (including calorie consumption)? (00:11:01) — Inclusion: what good inclusion looks like during the change planning process. (00:12:59) — What if everyone can't be included? (00:21:29) — Process of learning: step-by-step, how does learning happen? (00:22:36) — Taking breaks: what really works. (00:27:38) — Timing: when change happens too quickly or too slow (00:33:13) — Avoiding overwhelm: how to pace change properly (00:39:04) — How can ambiguity be avoided? (00:42:23) — How to communicate change effectively (00:44:33) — Clarity, consistency, and safety  (00:48:39) — What do grief and loss have to do with change?

  3. Jul 7

    Developing Emotional Intelligence w/ Robin Hills

    Dr. Robin Hills is a business psychologist and the director of Ei4Change, a company specializing in emotional intelligence training, coaching, and personal development. The company was awarded “International Impact Company of the Year” by Dotcom Magazine in 2025. With the most comprehensive and detailed courses around the topic of emotional intelligence, Robin has taught and empowered more than 500,000 people across 200+ countries. Mentioned on the Show Connect with Robin on LinkedIn here: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robinhillsTake Robin’s Emotional Intelligence quiz and learn more about Ei4Change: https://ei4change.com/Read the classic EQ text by Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ: https://a.co/d/0eLKJfuWTimestamps (00:00:00) – O’Brien McMahon, host of People Business Podcast welcomes Robin Hills, founder of Ei4Change. (00:02:31) – Origins: How did Robin Hills get interested in emotional intelligence and build a business around EQ? (00:04:28) – What is emotional intelligence? (00:05:25) – Framework: How do we build better emotional intelligence? (00:07:45) – How can we better understand and gain distance from our own emotions? How do we improve self-control? (00:07:57) – What does the practice of building emotional self-awareness actually look like? (00:15:06) – Passion vs. Balance: How do we show engagement without losing credibility? (00:19:48) – What are the core human emotions? (00:20:10) – Inside Out: why the Pixar movies get so much right about our emotions (00:23:37) – Does improved emotional intelligence equal business results? (00:25:53) – How can individuals use emotional intelligence to make themselves more valuable at work? (00:27:43) – What's the value of leadership skills in non-leadership positions? (00:33:24) – Empathy vs. Performance: how can emotional intelligence ensure empathy doesn't overtake performance? (00:43:34) – What leading indicators signal business trouble on the horizon?

  4. Jun 16

    Creating Hits w/ Mark Shekter

    Mark Shekter is a master at creating hits. With a rich background as a Hollywood writer-producer-composer, having worked with Steve Martin, Jim Carrey, Elton John, and many others, Mark has pioneered an entirely new system of creative thinking – Think8. This same easy-to-learn system empowers business leaders to reshape their corporate cultures for unlimited innovation and growth. Mentioned on the Show Learn more about Mark Shekter and his Think8 Global Initiative on his website: https://www.think8globalinstitute.com/Get Mark’s book, Think8: 8 Steps to Ignite Your Creative Genius in Business, Career, & Life on Amazon: https://a.co/d/09pvYnh8Tone experiment: Listen to Hurt, as performed by Nine Inch Nails (1994) vs. Hurt performed by Johnny Cash. Listen to Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears vs. Lorde. Timestamps (00:00:00) – Mark Shekter sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business, the podcast for HR professionals. (00:02:44) – What is Mark's definition of "creativity"?   (00:05:34) – What's the value of creativity in the workplace (for skeptics)? (00:08:26) – How did the Think8 method come together and start falling into place? (00:12:28) – Walk us through the eight steps of the Think8 process at a high level (00:17:10) – Purpose: How to make this broad topic more accessible. (00:24:09) – How does Mark's own purpose tie together his varied career? (00:33:53) – Ego check: how do we balance wanting acknowledgement with capacity? (00:40:31) – How can purpose be turned into a message to share with the world? (00:47:14) – Tone: how to find the right tone when building a business or personal brand? (00:56:23) – Character: what role does character play when building a business or personal brand?

  5. Jun 2

    How Work Gets Done (and Evolving it for AI) w/ David Dean

    David Dean is an author, speaker, and business AI realist who explores how artificial intelligence reshapes work, judgment, and accountability in organizations. Rather than focusing on AI capabilities, he examines the human elements that remain essential: how people navigate uncertainty, where accountability lies when AI assists decisions, and what holds organizations together when technology accelerates faster than clarity. His philosophy is grounded in a simple truth: AI doesn't understand confidence, risk, or consequence—people do, and that's why they still matter. Mentioned on the Show Learn more about David Dean on his website: https://www.davidchristopherdean.com/Get David’s book, An Inbox Between Us on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0ins9UC9Learn some easy AI strategies for work from Jeff Su on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffSu or on his website: https://www.jeffsu.org/ai/Timestamps (00:00:00) – Introducing David Dean. (00:02:35) — What is David's background and how did he get interested in the systems we find at work? (00:04:36) — What are the “hidden systems” operating in our workplaces? (00:09:42) — How does email influence our systems at work? (00:14:05) — What are some real-life examples of discovering how we work? (00:24:12) — What is system/process drift? (00:36:21) — What makes the biggest difference in driving adoption of new processes and ways of working? (00:43:04) — What is the premise of the book, The Inbox Between Us?  (00:45:43) — Final thoughts about AI coming into our workplaces.

  6. May 26

    Say it Right w/ Mary Nestor

    Mary J. Nestor is the author of three books, an award-winning speaker, coach and consultant. In this episode, we cover her Amazon #1 bestseller, Say It Now! Say It Right! How to Handle Tough or Tender Conversations.   Mentioned on the Show Learn more about Mary Nestor on her website: https://www.maryjnestor.com/Connect with Mary Nestor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryjnestor-writer-speaker-consultantGet Mary’s book, Say it Right! Say it Now! on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0156GOXJTimestamps (00:00:00) – Mary J. Nestor sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business, the podcast for HR professionals (00:02:05) – How did Mary Nestor come up with the "Say It Now" philosophy in the first place? (00:06:49) – What is a better way is for families to handle conversations they've been suppressing or stifling? (00:08:33) – How do we build courage in ourselves to have difficult conversations? (00:09:07) – Is "just have courage" the right approach, or is there's a better mindset/story we can tell ourselves to make difficult conversations feel less daunting? (00:09:23) – What framework helps people reset their thinking around difficult conversations? (00:11:46) – What is the "Say It Now" philosophy? (00:13:13) – What is the difference between being nice in the right way versus the wrong way? (00:14:57) – What’s a good way to enter a tough conversation: being direct or asking permission first? (00:18:31) – What’s a real-world example of redirecting feedback away from personal criticism and toward performance? (00:26:47) – What is the right approach is when dealing with someone who catastrophizes or takes any criticism as a personal attack? (00:31:02) – What if a difficult conversation does not resolve on the first try? (00:35:47) – What’s the right medium for difficult conversations: text, voice memos, video, or is live conversation is always better? (00:42:43) – When we say something wrong or hurtful, what does good repair looks like? (00:47:40) – What skills make a person always employable, according to Mary?

  7. May 5

    Handling Workplace Bullies w/ Jodee Blanco

    Jodee Blanco is an expert on the human component of effective communication. She is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, including the seminal memoir Please Stop Laughing at Me… and the founder of INJJA (It's NOT Just Joking Around!), the first survivor-led anti-bullying program in the country. She consults for schools and corporations and has taught at The University of Chicago and New York University. Mentioned on the Show Learn more about Jodee Blanco on her website: https://www.jodeeblanco.com/Connect with Jodee Blanco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodeeblancoGet Jodee’s book, Please Stop Laughing at Me (updated, 2022): https://a.co/d/0895F99HAlso mentioned on the show: The Anger Trap by Les Carter (https://a.co/d/04r3ox0r) and Loving What Is by Byron Katie (about “The Work,” Byron Katie’s technique: https://a.co/d/03msu0XT) Listen to Jennifer Fraser, PhD on the People Business Podcast talking about the gaslit brain: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/jenniferfraser/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/qpPYdAKmiCY?si=DylW7mNGnQn7M4gLTimestamps (00:00:00) – Jodee Blanco sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business (00:02:37) – What’s the backstory behind Please Stop Laughing at Me, Jodee's book about bullying? (00:05:44) – What form did Jodee’s bullying take: physical, mental, or otherwise?  (00:10:49) – How can victims of bullying rebuild self-confidence? (00:15:16) – Where is the line between turning suffering into power versus tipping over into vengeance? (00:23:09) – Joking around: how to distinguish between joking and bullying. (00:33:11) – How to help people who are prone to negative reactions build grit, resilience, and hardiness. (00:40:22) – Truth: determining what is true about a circumstance and how truth relates to bullying. (00:48:53) – Jodee is available to talk to you, your school, or your business about bullying and communication.

  8. Apr 21

    Self-Funding w/ Spencer Smith

    Spencer Smith is a Senior Vice President at Pareto Health, a leading employee benefit group captive manager that helps midsize employers reduce health insurance costs and volatility. He is also the host of Self-Funded with Spencer, a podcast focused on self-funded employee benefits plans and the complex healthcare ecosystem.  Mentioned on the Show Learn more about Self Funded with Spencer, the podcast hosted by Spencer Smith: https://www.selffundedwithspencer.com/Connect with Spencer Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-fundedSpencer Smith is with ParetoHealth: https://www.paretohealth.com/Both O’Brien and Spencer are fans of the work/videos of Eric Bricker, MD. Learn more:  https://www.ahealthcarez.com/Timestamps (00:00:00) –O’Brien McMahon of People Business welcomes Spencer Smith of Self Funding with Spencer (00:03:12) – How did you get started hosting a podcast about self-funded medical plans?  (00:05:42) – What’s the difference between a fully insured plan and a self-funded plan?  (00:08:08) – What are the benefits of a self-funded plan, beyond cost savings? (00:09:20) – When do self-funding plans make sense, or when do fully insured plans still make sense?  (00:13:54) – What is the dreaded insurance "death spiral"?   (00:17:21) – How difficult is it for a company switching from fully insured to a self-funded model?   (00:23:01) – What are the most common mistakes for companies that tried self-funding and had it go poorly?  (00:29:38) – What do typical savings look like when moving from fully insured to self-funded, assuming the plan runs as expected?  (00:32:28) – What is Pareto Health, and what is Spencer’s “day job”?  (00:41:47) – What is a healthcare ecosystem, and what does it mean for employees’ healthcare consumer experience?  (00:44:17) – Why does Spencer think pharmacy plans are a great place to start with exploring self-funding? (00:53:34) – What is care navigation?  (00:54:55) – How important is communication when it comes to healthcare benefits?

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Every business is in some way a “people business” with success or failure often coming down to how leaders manage the people dynamics of their organization. People Business is a weekly podcast focused on what it takes to build and lead a successful, profitable business by navigating the human element.

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