The H.I.T. Podcast

Tobias Kennedy
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Management
  • 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

    Changing HR Systems? Avoid These Costly Mistakes! | A HIT-chat with PJ Higgins

    Thinking about switching your company's HR or payroll system? Before you make the move, there's some important work to do! On this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy welcomes PJ Higgins, a payroll and HR technology expert, to discuss the challenges of selecting, evaluating, and implementing new HR systems—and how organizations can avoid costly mistakes along the way. Too often, companies jump into searching for new technology without first understanding what's actually broken. PJ explains why successful transitions begin with "doing the work before the work"—evaluating existing processes, identifying real business needs, and establishing clear expectations before engaging potential vendors. From navigating flashy sales presentations to managing implementation challenges, this conversation offers practical guidance for HR professionals and business leaders looking to make smarter technology decisions. In This Episode: Before You Switch: Determine whether your challenges are technology-related or could be solved by improving existing processes. Build Your Wish List: Assemble an internal team, identify non-negotiable requirements, and establish clear decision criteria. Evaluate Vendors Wisely: Leverage trusted industry relationships and ask the questions that matter most. Watch for Red Flags: Learn how to recognize sales presentations that focus more on awards and promises than actual solutions. Demand Better Demos: Make vendors demonstrate your most important workflows from beginning to end—not just their best features. Plan for Implementation: Understand the time, resources, and internal support needed for a successful transition. Test Against Your Goals: Make sure your new system delivers on the requirements that drove your decision in the first place. The Big Takeaway: The right HR technology isn't necessarily the system with the most features. It's the one that solves your organization's actual problems—and is implemented with the right preparation, people, and processes. Whether you're considering a new payroll provider, evaluating HR technology platforms, or preparing for a major system transition, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make a more informed decision.

  2. Oct 26

    No Tricks, Just Treats! Celebrating Halloween at Work | The HIT Podcast, Episode 183

    We're bringing back a Halloween favorite from The H.I.T. Podcast! In this special episode, we explore creative ways to celebrate Halloween in the workplace while keeping festivities fun, professional, and inclusive. From office costume contests and team activities to seasonal treats and decorations, we share practical ideas for boosting employee morale and strengthening workplace culture. We also discuss best practices for ensuring everyone feels comfortable participating and how HR professionals can avoid potential workplace challenges during holiday celebrations. Whether your organization goes all out for Halloween or prefers a more low-key approach, this episode offers simple ways to encourage team spirit, build connections, and make the season memorable. The H.I.T. Podcast, powered by Montage Insurance Solutions, delivers timely insights and engaging conversations for HR professionals, business leaders, and company executives.

  3. Oct 20

    Ep. 182, Part Two | Unlock Your Team's Full Potential | A HIT-chat with Tom Reynolds & Bryan Powell

    Is your team performing at its full potential—or is something holding it back? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy continues his conversation with executive coaching experts and authors **Tom Reynolds and Bryan A. Powell** about their book, "The Efficient Frontier of Teaming," and the strategies leaders can use to build stronger, more effective teams. Tom and Bryan introduce the concept of the "teaming inefficiency gap"—the difference between where a team is performing today and what it could achieve with the right leadership, culture, and collaboration. They also explore the bullseye method, a practical approach to setting shared goals, encouraging experimentation, and helping teams make meaningful progress without fearing failure. The conversation goes beyond traditional leadership strategies to examine how hiring, psychological safety, vulnerability, and artificial intelligence can help organizations unlock their teams' potential. In this episode: Understanding the teaming inefficiency gap and how to close itUsing the bullseye method to set goals and build momentumHiring for diverse strengths, perspectives, and team dynamicsWhy leaders should stop providing all the answers and start coachingBuilding trust through vulnerability, authenticity, and difficult conversationsUsing AI as a thought partner to strengthen creativity and critical thinkingHow a Ted Lasso-inspired AI coaching agent can help leaders navigate workplace challengesInsights from The Efficient Frontier of Teaming and the research behind the book The big takeaway: High-performing teams don't happen by accident. They require intentional leadership, shared ownership, trust, and a willingness to continually learn and improve. The Efficient Frontier of Teaming is available through major booksellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart. The H.I.T. Podcast with Toby Kennedy

  4. Oct 13

    Ep. 181: What Makes a High-Performing Team? | A HIT-chat with Bryan Powell & Tom Reynolds Part One

    What separates a team that simply gets results from one that consistently performs at its best? On this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy welcomes executive and team coaching experts Bryan A. Powell and Tom Reynolds for a conversation about what it really takes to build and sustain high-performing teams. While organizations often measure success through revenue, productivity, and performance metrics, Bryan and Tom explain why the less measurable elements—trust, psychological safety, authenticity, and shared accountability—are just as important. The conversation explores why so many organizations believe they have high-performing teams when they may actually be maintaining the status quo. From creating space for every voice to strengthening relationships and navigating challenges, the discussion highlights practical ways leaders and employees can build stronger, more resilient teams. In this episode: What truly defines a high-performing teamWhy trust and psychological safety drive better performanceBalancing measurable results with healthy team dynamicsThe importance of conversational turn-taking and giving everyone a voiceCreating shared ownership and accountability at every levelHow vulnerability and authenticity strengthen workplace cultureWhy high performance requires both leadership direction and employee engagementHow HR can move beyond check-the-box training to create meaningful development opportunities The takeaway: High-performing teams aren't built through metrics alone. They're built through relationships, intentional conversations, and a culture where everyone has the opportunity—and responsibility—to contribute. ???? The H.I.T. Podcast with Toby Kennedy

  5. Oct 6

    Ep. 180 | Rebuilding the Story of Work: Leadership, Purpose & Responsibility | Jonathan Lewis, PT. 2

    What separates leaders who simply manage people from those who inspire them? The ability to tell a story people want to be part of. In Part 2 of Toby Kennedy’s conversation with Jonathan Lewis, President of McKee Wallwork, they explore storytelling, identity, responsibility, and what today’s workforce is really searching for. Jonathan explains why leaders need to provide context for the work their teams are doing—not simply communicate goals and expectations. A compelling story can help people understand where they’re going, why it matters, and the role they play in getting there. The conversation also dives into Jonathan’s book, The Rebuilders, which challenges people to take responsibility for rebuilding the institutions, organizations, communities, and relationships around them rather than simply criticizing what’s broken. They also discuss generational changes in the workplace, the search for authenticity and purpose, the dangers of comparison, and why Jonathan believes meaning comes through responsibility and commitment—not simply looking inward for fulfillment. In this episode: - Why great leaders are great storytellers - Connecting everyday work to a bigger mission - How relationships shape our identity - The impact of social media and comparison - Why younger generations are searching for authenticity - Responsibility vs. resentment - The ideas behind The Rebuilders - Finding meaning through commitment and character - What leaders can do to help rebuild workplace culture

  6. Sep 29

    Ep 179: Why the Old Story of Work No Longer Works | A HIT-chat with Jonathan Lewis (Part One)

    What if the biggest workforce challenge isn’t compensation, benefits, or flexibility—but the story employees are being asked to believe about work? Toby sits down with Jonathan Lewis, President of McKee Wallwork, to discuss what their national workforce research reveals about the changing relationship between employees and their organizations. After studying 3,000 participants across the country, Jonathan describes a workforce increasingly defined by TFS: Transactional, Futureless, and Suffering. The traditional promises surrounding work, career, loyalty, and retirement no longer resonate with everyone the way they once did. So how can leaders respond? Jonathan introduces RQM: Relational, Quest, and Meaning—a framework for rebuilding the story of work around human connection, a shared future, and a sense of meaning in the challenges people face. Toby and Jonathan also explore the growing “Who” problem inside organizations, why culture and brand are increasingly connected, and why leaders at every level need to become better storytellers. In this episode: • How the workforce changed after COVID-19 • What TFS reveals about today’s employees • Moving from transactional relationships to relational ones • Why employees need a future worth working toward • Creating meaning instead of simply trying to eliminate struggle • The organizational shift from How → Why → Who • Why a clear internal story can strengthen workplace culture • How leaders can connect everyday work to a larger purpose

  7. Sep 22

    How Employers Can Save Big on Prescription Drugs | A HIT-chat with Louis Gallucci, CEO of Limitless Consulting Group (Part 2)

    What if your company could significantly reduce prescription drug costs without changing its pharmacy benefit manager or taking medications away from employees? In Part 2 of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy continues his conversation with Louis Gallucci, CEO of Limitless Consulting Group, about how employers can take greater control of prescription drug spending through smarter sourcing strategies. Louis explains why self-funded employers should look beyond traditional pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and explore alternative purchasing options that can benefit both their health plans and their employees. From analyzing pharmacy claims data to identifying high-cost medications and exploring alternative sourcing channels like GoodRx and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, this conversation provides practical insights for HR professionals, benefits managers, and business leaders looking to control healthcare costs. In this episode: Why employees should have more flexibility in how they access prescription medicationsHow identifying your five most expensive drugs can reveal potential savings opportunitiesUnderstanding the difference between clinical strategy and pharmacy procurementHow employers can explore lower-cost sourcing without necessarily changing their PBM or formularyWhy reducing out-of-pocket prescription costs can help employees access the medications they needHow to request and analyze pharmacy claims data to identify unnecessary spendingWhy transparency matters when managing self-funded health plans and fiduciary responsibilities Louis also shares a practical starting point for HR leaders: Request a report of your organization's 10 most expensive medications over the past 12 months. Then work with your broker or benefits advisor to explore alternative sourcing options. The goal isn't simply to spend less on prescription drugs. It's to help employees access the medications they need while making smarter purchasing decisions for the organization.

  8. Sep 15

    Ep. 177: The Real Reason Your Pharmacy Costs Are So High | A HIT-chat with Louis Gallucci

    Prescription drug costs are climbing—but the medication itself may not be the biggest problem. It may be how and where you're buying it. On this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, Toby Kennedy welcomes longtime friend Louis Gallucci, CEO of Limitless Consulting Group, for a deep dive into one of the biggest challenges facing employer-sponsored healthcare today: pharmacy costs. With 20 years of experience across group benefits, carriers, voluntary benefits, benefits technology, and consulting, Louis explains why employers need to rethink the way they purchase prescription drugs—and start looking at healthcare through the lens of procurement. Pharmacy now represents a significant portion of overall healthcare spending, and Louis shares how a surprisingly small number of medications can account for an enormous percentage of a health plan's total costs. In this episode: Why prescription drug spending has grown so dramaticallyHow just a handful of medications can drive a huge portion of plan spendingWhy the sourcing channel can matter as much as the medication itselfUnderstanding the enormous pricing differences that can exist for the same drugWhy rebates and traditional PBM strategies may no longer be enoughHow alternatives such as direct sourcing are changing the pharmacy landscapeWhy HR leaders should start thinking more like procurement directorsWhat self-funded employers need to understand about their fiduciary responsibilitiesWhy employers need to take ownership of their claims dataThe questions employers should be asking their PBMs and benefits partners One of Louis' biggest messages is simple: employers are the buyers. Your PBM may administer the claims, but employers need to understand what they're purchasing, where the money is going, and whether there is a more efficient way to source the same care. And there's a personal connection to this episode, too—Toby and Louis go back nearly 20 years, from working together early in their careers to attending each other's weddings. Now they're sitting down to unpack how dramatically the benefits and pharmacy landscape has changed.

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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
    210
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The H.I.T. Podcast
  • Show Website
    The H.I.T. Podcast