The H.I.T. Podcast

Tobias Kennedy
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

The H.I.T. Podcast curates the top news and information to deliver a brief, high impact overview designed specifically for the Human Resources professional, business person, and company executive. The Podcast is powered by Montage Insurance Solutions.

  1. 2d ago

    The Trust Circle: Why Great Leaders Don’t Lead Alone | A HIT-chat with Daniel Hallak (Part Two)

    Great leaders don't have to be great at everything—they need to know what they're great at and surround themselves with people who make them better. In Part 2 of The H.I.T. Podcast, Toby Kennedy continues his conversation with Daniel Hallak, author of The Trust Circle, about leadership development, career growth, trust, and why the relationships around a leader matter more than ever. Daniel explores how organizations can intentionally develop their people through stretch, support, and strategy—giving leaders the social architecture they need to grow and succeed. The conversation also dives into the idea of the "shadow job description." Beyond what's written on paper, leaders juggle countless responsibilities every day. The key is understanding where you bring unique excellence, recognizing what drains you or falls outside your strengths, and having the humility to bring the right people around you. In this episode: Why great leaders need a trusted circle around themHow mentorship can accelerate employee development and productivityThe role of stretch, support, and strategy in developing leadersUnderstanding your "shadow job description"Identifying what you're uniquely great atBuilding a team that complements your weaknessesWhy AI and unlimited information can't replace context and nuanceHow trusted relationships help leaders make better decisions In a world where information is everywhere, knowing the latest leadership theory isn't enough. Real leadership development comes through formation, relationships, context, and having people you trust enough to tell you what you need to hear. Learn more from Daniel in his book, The Trust Circle.

  2. Aug 11

    Ep. 172 (Part One): Why Leadership Can Be So Lonely | A HIT-chat with Daniel Hallak

    Leadership can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also be incredibly isolating. In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy sits down with Daniel Hallak, partner at the Sage Group and author of the upcoming book The Trust Circle, for a conversation about trust, leadership, feedback, and the often-overlooked isolation that comes with leading an organization. Daniel shares how a 13-year exploration of leadership isolation ultimately inspired The Trust Circle—and why every leader needs a small group of trusted “relational investors” who can provide honest feedback, perspective, and support. Daniel also shares the fascinating journey behind the book, from writing chapters on airplanes and during airport layovers to delivering a TEDx Talk that was ultimately featured by TED and caught the attention of a publisher. ⏱️ In this episode: Why leadership becomes more isolating as you move upHow to build your own trusted circle of advisorsSeparating meaningful feedback from everyday noiseWhy leaders need people who aren't afraid to challenge themNavigating transparency, confidentiality, and competing expectationsThe story behind The Trust CircleHow Daniel's TEDx Talk helped turn his idea into a bookCreating trusted relationships both inside and outside your organization There's so much to unpack that one episode wasn't enough. The conversation continues in Part 2 next week!

  3. Aug 4

    Ep. 171: "It Begins With You... But It's Not About You" | Leadership Lessons from Cora Tellez

    "It begins with you, but it's not about you." That may have been my favorite quote from this conversation—but when you're sitting down with a true healthcare legend like Cora Tellez, it's nearly impossible to pick just one. In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, Toby Kennedy talks with Cora, whose remarkable career has spanned nearly five decades. From leading organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield of California, Prudential, and Health Net to founding Sterling Administration and launching new ventures in healthcare innovation, Cora shares the leadership lessons that have shaped her extraordinary journey. This conversation is packed with timeless wisdom for leaders, entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and anyone looking to make a lasting impact. In this episode: Cora's incredible journey through the healthcare industryThree leadership principles that have guided her careerWhy failure should lead to learning—not blameWhy no leader succeeds aloneThe importance of addressing personnel issues earlyFinding purpose, building community, and aging wellHow creativity outside of work can make you a stronger leader Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or simply looking to grow, Cora's insights are practical, inspiring, and as relevant today as ever.

  4. Jul 28

    New HSA Limits, ICHRAs & MERPs Explained (2027 Update)

    Looking for smarter ways to manage employee health benefits while controlling costs? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, Toby Kennedy explores emerging healthcare funding strategies, the latest 2027 HSA updates, and innovative benefit trends that employers should have on their radar. From Medical Expense Reimbursement Programs (MERPs) and Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) to the growing use of GLP-1 reimbursement programs, this episode breaks down practical options for businesses of all sizes. In this episode: How MERPs can reduce health insurance costs while maintaining quality coverageUnderstanding ICHRAs and when they make sense for employersThe newly announced 2027 HSA contribution and deductible limitsWhy some employers are creating GLP-1 reimbursement programsStrategies to balance employee benefits with rising healthcare costs Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, benefits administrator, or insurance advisor, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of employee healthcare benefits.

  5. Jul 21

    The Blueprint for Better Workplace Culture | Scott McInnes (Episode 169, Part Two)

    Culture isn’t defined by the words on the wall—it’s shaped by the behaviors leaders model, reward, and tolerate every day. ???? In Part 2 of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy continues his conversation with Scott McInnes, Founder of Inspiring Change, to explore what it really takes to build—and sustain—a strong workplace culture. Drawing from his latest research, Scott reveals the six biggest barriers preventing organizations from creating human connection at work and explains why intentional leadership is more important than ever. From hybrid work and AI to leadership visibility and generational differences, this episode is packed with practical strategies for HR professionals, executives, and business leaders. In this episode: Why culture must be intentionally cultivated—not left to chanceThe 6 biggest barriers to workplace connectionWhy AI and technology can't replace human relationshipsHow to make hybrid work more intentional and collaborativeWhy leaders need to be visible and present with their teamsBridging communication gaps across generationsHow consistent leadership behaviors shape lasting culture Missed Part 1? Be sure to watch it first, where Scott lays out The Culture Blueprint and explains why behaviors—not just values—create great organizations.

  6. Jul 14

    The Blueprint for Building a Winning Workplace Culture | Scott McInnes (Episode 168, Part 1)

    Every organization has a culture—but is yours intentional? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, Toby Kennedy sits down with Scott McInnes, Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, to discuss what it really takes to build a thriving workplace culture. Scott explains why culture should never be left to chance, how leaders shape culture through their everyday behaviors, and why authentic culture change is a long-term commitment—not a quick fix. Whether you're an HR professional, executive, or people leader, this conversation offers practical insights for creating an organization where strategy, values, and behaviors all work together. In this episode: Why culture starts with a clear organizational vision ("North Star")How values guide teams—but behaviors drive accountabilityWhy leadership actions influence every level of an organizationThe importance of continuous feedback over annual reviewsHow leaders remove barriers so teams can succeedWhy meaningful culture change takes 3–5 years

  7. Jul 7

    The Secret to a Strong Workplace Culture (That Actually Lasts) | A HIT-chat with Lauren Sweeney

    Great workplace culture doesn't happen by accident—it requires intention, accountability, and consistent leadership. In Part 2 of Toby Kennedy's conversation with Lauren Sweeney, they dive into why company values should be more than words on a wall, how leaders can use shared values to improve communication and accountability, and why investing in culture has a measurable impact on employee engagement, retention, and business performance. Lauren also explains why executive coaching isn't just for struggling leaders, how outside perspectives help organizations grow, and why focusing on small, consistent improvements can create transformational change over time. If you're an HR professional, business owner, or leader looking to strengthen your organization, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately. In this episode: Why organizations should regularly evaluate their company valuesTurning workplace values into everyday behaviorsUsing culture to address employee concernsThe connection between engagement, retention, and profitabilityWhy coaching helps leaders perform at a higher levelThe power of small, consistent improvements (the 1% principle)

  8. Jun 30

    The Rise of "Soft Complaints" | What HR Needs to Know

    Not every workplace complaint requires a formal investigation—but ignoring the small ones can have big consequences. In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, Toby Kennedy sits down with Lauren Sweeney, Chief Growth & Impact Officer at Riviera Group Consulting, to discuss the "soft complaints" that HR professionals encounter every day—and how to address them before they damage culture and retention. Topics include: What qualifies as a "soft complaint"When HR should investigate—and when they should coachHelping employees feel heard without escalating every issueEncouraging direct, respectful conversations between coworkersUsing the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize what truly mattersApplying Gino Wickman's "Hitting the Ceiling" exercise to identify organizational roadblocksBuilding a culture of accountability through Radical Candor Lauren shares practical strategies HR leaders can use to improve communication, reduce workplace friction, and create healthier, more productive teams. Whether you're in HR, management, or leadership, this episode offers actionable insights for navigating everyday workplace challenges.

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About

The H.I.T. Podcast curates the top news and information to deliver a brief, high impact overview designed specifically for the Human Resources professional, business person, and company executive. The Podcast is powered by Montage Insurance Solutions.

Information

  • Creator
    Tobias Kennedy
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The H.I.T. Podcast
  • Show Website
    The H.I.T. Podcast