In this HR Special, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with friend and industry leader Lori Kleiman to talk about what it takes to level up from HR department-of-one to strategic business partner, without losing sight of day-to-day realities.


We cover how small to mid-size employers can decide when to hire fractional or in-house HR, why headcount matters more than revenue, and the rising complexity of multi-state compliance. We also unpack the hidden opportunity for HR to lead on healthcare and benefits strategy.

Chelsea explains renewal “stall” tactics, fiduciary responsibility on health plans, and practical steps HR can take to earn a seat at the table with data and action.

What you’ll learn:

• When a company truly needs fractional HR vs its first in-house generalist
• Why certifications like PHR and SHRM-CP help smaller employers hire confidently
• How tech can increase HR workload and employee questions, not reduce them
• A simple path to move from tactical HR to strategic HR that drives ROI
• The fiduciary duty HR has on health plans, what to ask from brokers, and how to escape the 60-day renewal crunch
• Practical ideas HR can implement now: communications, data access, compliance checklists, and off-cycle planning

Time Stamps
00:00 – Welcome to The Business of Benefits
01:08 – Meet Lori Kleiman
04:45 – Building an HR Business from the Basement
07:15 – When Small Businesses Really Need HR
10:02 – Technology’s Impact on HR Workloads
12:18 – Tactical vs. Strategic HR
15:26 – What to Look For When Hiring HR
18:41 – How Much HR Certifications Cost
21:10 – Using ExamEdge and Affordable Prep Options
23:20 – Moving from Tactical to Strategic HR
27:00 – Understanding Fiduciary Duty in Health Plans
30:36 – How HR Can Drive Benefits Strategy
33:22 – Why Benefit Renewals Feel Impossible
36:10 – Taking Back Control of Your Renewal
38:28 – Shaking Up Your Broker Relationship
40:12 – Giving Back to the HR Community
41:25 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Lori
 
Get more on our Guest at:
Website: https://www.hrtopics.com
YouTube: @lorikleimanhrtopics7385

Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.businessofbenefitspodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/
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