Broken Benefits

In this episode of Broken Benefits, host Lee Lewis is joined by Matt Eurey, former Benefits Executive at Lowe’s and Time Warner Cable, for a wide-ranging conversation grounded in real-world experience managing benefits at scale.

Matt brings a pragmatic lens to the challenges employers face as buyers in a healthcare system crowded with vendors, competing ideas, and constant pressure to “do something new.” Drawing on decades of leadership, he breaks down how organizations tend to approach innovation, why most employers fall into predictable patterns, and what it actually takes to move from reactive decision-making to thoughtful, long-term strategy.

The discussion explores how benefits leaders evaluate risk, filter noise, and balance innovation with operational reality — especially inside large, complex organizations. Rather than chasing trends, Matt emphasizes the importance of clarity, discipline, and understanding where your organization truly sits on the adoption curve.

This episode is especially relevant for benefits leaders, HR executives, and employers who want a more grounded perspective on what works, what doesn’t, and how to lead through complexity without losing sight of the people behind the plan.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

2:04 - Matt's background and path into corporate benefits

7:15 - Is the reward worth the risk?

14:10 - Cutting your losses

24:19 - Be a strategic partner and work collaboratively

32:16 - Designing benefits that people love

42:04 - Managing disruption among your members

49:00 - Closing remarks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we’re joined by Deborah Caplan, former CHRO and EVP of Corporate Benefits at NextEra Energy, to discuss how data-driven insights are revolutionizing the world of employee benefits.

Deborah shares her expertise on leveraging analytics to pinpoint the issues that truly matter to employees and businesses alike. From identifying hidden trends to making strategic decisions that enhance employee well-being, this conversation uncovers the power of data to create impactful benefits programs.

If you’re looking to break through the noise and design benefits that align with your workforce’s real needs, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and industry-leading perspectives.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

2:10 - From Engineer to CHRO

8:35 - Breaking problems down

16:28 - Fixing healthcare from a high-level

24:03 - Leverage diversified backgrounds

35:50 - Incentive structures

43:30 - The secret to making adjustments

53:29 - Deb's horizon

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