Broken Benefits

Lee Lewis
  • 5.0 (16)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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.

  1. JAN 7

    Taking Calculated Risks (Feat: Neil Larson)

    In this episode of Broken Benefits, host Lee Lewis sits down with Neil Larson, Benefits Leader at a Global 500 employer and MIT MBA, for a candid conversation about risk, responsibility, and what it truly takes to change a healthcare benefits system that isn’t working. Drawing from his experience managing a massive, diverse health plan, Neil shares what benefits leadership looks like in the trenches — where decisions carry financial, operational, and human consequences. The discussion explores why incremental change often isn’t enough, how misaligned incentives quietly drive costs higher, and why taking calculated risks is sometimes the only path to sustainability. Together, Lee and Neil unpack what employers often misunderstand about risk tolerance, consulting relationships, and implementation realities — and why meaningful progress requires leaders who are willing to step off the paved road, ask harder questions, and demand better alignment from their partners. This episode is a must-listen for benefits leaders, HR professionals, and executives navigating rising healthcare costs while trying to protect both their people and their organizations. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 3:38 - Big risks that paid off in Neil's career 12:54 - Getting your risky strategy approved 27:20 - "What's the job to be done?" 36:15 - Identifying crisp and clear KPI's 48:13 - What vendors and consultants don't understand 51:05 - Closing remarks

    52 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    The Hidden Burden of Benefits: Why Employers Need a New Playbook (Feat: Thomas Plath)

    In this episode of Broken Benefits, Global CHRO Thomas Plath joins the show to confront one of the most overlooked — yet most consequential — challenges facing employers today: the true complexity of healthcare and the enormous responsibility placed on HR leaders to navigate it. Thomas shares a candid look at what it feels like to inherit a benefits ecosystem that can represent hundreds of millions of dollars in spend, yet remains confusing, fragmented, and structurally misaligned with employee outcomes. His journey from “intimidation” to clarity offers a window into the broader awakening happening inside the C-suite as executives realize how deeply healthcare impacts culture, productivity, and long-term organizational strategy. With perspective shaped by global leadership, Thomas explores why employers must shift from passive purchasers to active stewards of care — and why adopting a new playbook is no longer optional. If you’re a CHRO, benefits leader, or executive wrestling with rising costs, broken systems, and pressure to drive better outcomes, this conversation delivers the insight you’ve been waiting for. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 2:10 - Healthcare benefits are complex. Plain and simple. 7:22 - What separates healthcare from other industries 16:20 - Supply chain reform efforts 27:11 - Using savings to directly benefit the rest of your organization 36:55 - Creating importance behind the incentive structure 44:48 - Using outside sources and independent parties 50:02 - The biggest risks on the horizon 57:30 - Closing remarks

    59 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    Population Health Meets Self-Administration: A New Equation (Feat: Rich Krutsch)

    In this second installment of our two-part conversation, Rich Krutsch returns to Broken Benefits to expand on the evolving relationship between employee health, organizational strategy, and the growing shift toward more hands-on approaches to managing benefits. Building on the foundation of Part 1, this episode explores how leaders can think more holistically about the connection between their workforce, their data, and the long-term direction of their benefits programs. Rich discusses how organizations can move toward models that offer greater clarity, more control, and deeper alignment with their people. Whether you’re a CHRO, benefits leader, or HR professional navigating the rapidly changing world of workforce well-being, this episode offers valuable perspective on where the industry is headed — and how employers can position themselves for what comes next. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:44 - Why should someone consider self-administration 6:53 - Focus on the specific problem you're trying to solve 16:50 - Areas of major friction and blindspots 25:10 - The moments that matter in an employee life cycle 31:15 - Follow the language of your business 32:35 - Closing remarks

    33 min

  4. 11/06/2025

    Capitalizing on Robust Data and Analytics (Feat: Rich Krutsch)

    In this episode of Broken Benefits, we’re joined by Rich Krutsch, former VP of People Services at ArcBest, for the first of a two-part conversation that explores how data-driven decision-making can transform the way organizations approach healthcare and benefits. Rich shares his insights on leveraging analytics to build smarter, more strategic benefits programs—ones that actually move the needle for employees and the bottom line. From uncovering hidden trends to identifying cost-saving opportunities, this discussion is a masterclass in using robust data to create meaningful impact. If you’re a CHRO, benefits leader, or HR professional who’s ready to make your strategy work harder (and smarter), this episode is a must-listen. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:31 - Rich's background in finance 8:04 - Playing to win and transitioning into this new approach 14:13 - Breaking the mold and removing friction simultaneously 22:35 - Encouraging forward-thinking for your employees 26:20 - Eye-opening research linked to flossing 27:20 - Closing remarks

    28 min

  5. 08/06/2025

    Making Positive Change (Feat: Matt Harmon)

    In this powerful episode of Broken Benefits, we sit down with healthcare thought leader Matt Harmon to explore the real potential for innovation and transformation within the American healthcare system—starting with the people who hold the power to do it: CHROs and benefits leaders. Drawing from his extensive experience, Matt unpacks the systemic hurdles that keep companies stuck in broken benefits models and offers a blueprint for taking bold, actionable steps toward meaningful reform. If you’re in HR, healthcare, or benefits administration, this episode is a must-listen. Change won’t happen overnight—but as Matt says, “If you never start, you’ll never finish.” Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 3:27 - Why all benefit leaders aren't following the same course 7:23 - Navigating new strategies without creating problems 13:52 - Integrating different offerings with enrollment tools 20:10 - Change isn't going to happen overnight 27:55 - Measuring the health plan's results 35:00 - The biggest 'ah ha' moments for Matt 40:24 - Getting carriers to do things they don't want to do 44:53 - Connect with Matt on LinkedIn 45:28 - Closing remarks

    46 min

  6. 06/30/2025

    Examining the Management of American Healthcare (Feat: Bill Allen)

    In this compelling episode of Broken Benefits, we sit down with Bill Allen, the former CHRO of Macy’s Inc., to explore the intricate and often flawed systems underpinning the management of healthcare in America. With decades of executive HR experience, Bill brings a unique perspective on the intersection of corporate leadership, employee well-being, and the skyrocketing costs of care. We delve into the systemic misalignments that drive inefficiency and inequity, the pressures facing large employers trying to provide meaningful benefits, and the changes needed to reshape the future of American healthcare. It’s a candid, thoughtful conversation filled with insight, experience, and urgency. If you care about the people behind the policies—or you’re responsible for shaping them—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:42 - International experience influencing ideals 13:40 - An important time of change 19:58 - Leveraging data in a new way 33:30 -Advice for other organizations 41:25 - Realigning incentives to create great performance 49:13 - How to connect with Bill Allen 50:36 - Closing remarks

    52 min

  7. 05/05/2025

    Turning Commodities Into Strategic Advantages (Feat: Rich Floersch)

    In this episode of Broken Benefits, host Lee Lewis is joined by Rich Floersch—former CHRO of McDonald’s, seasoned executive coach, and trusted advisor to HR leaders across the globe. Together, they dig deep into a game-changing idea: what if healthcare, so often seen as a sunk cost or painful necessity, could actually become a strategic weapon for your business? From translating benefit decisions into boardroom language to elevating HR’s seat at the table, Rich shares how benefits leaders can stop playing defense and start driving transformation. This isn't just theory—it's a masterclass in executive influence and real-world impact, from someone who’s advised at the highest levels. Whether you're a benefits manager trying to get heard, or a CEO looking for ROI beyond spreadsheets, this conversation will shift your perspective—and possibly your priorities. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:40 - Differences of opinion on healthcare 8:48 - Problems and opportunities within healthcare 19:24 - Making a difference in healthcare 29:14 - Conflicts of interest among Executives 40:56 - Healthcare benefits and turnover 45:09 - Closing remarks

    45 min

  8. 03/05/2025

    Supporting Employers to Produce Lower Costs and Better Outcomes (Feat: Ryan Olmstead)

    In this episode of Broken Benefits, we sit down with Ryan Olmstead, Director of Member Services at Catalyst for Payment Reform, to discuss how employers can take a more active role in transforming healthcare benefits. Ryan shares insights on strategies that help employers drive down costs while improving health outcomes for employees. We explore innovative payment models, best practices for benefits design, and actionable steps employers can take to ensure they’re getting value for their healthcare spend. Tune in to learn how employers can be catalysts for real change in the healthcare system. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 3:51 - Taking bold action 8:31 - Major obstacles impeding action 19:36 - Purchaser data barriers 31:02 - How vendors can reduce operational lift 43:36 - The future of Catalyst's progress 50:58 - How to reach Ryan's team

    52 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lee Lewis
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lee Lewis
  • Show Website
    Broken Benefits

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