Welcome to Season 2 of The Business of Benefits Podcast—your no BS, no sales, no gimmicks guide to rethinking employee benefits. This season, we're diving deep into the strategies, data, and solutions that transform how businesses approach healthcare and benefits. From cutting through industry jargon to offering actionable insights, we’re here to equip you with the tools to care for your most valuable asset: your people.

In this season premiere, we kick things off with a game-changing concept: Healthcare Financing. Donovan explains why shifting your mindset from “insurance” to “financing” is the key to creating a proactive, sustainable benefits business plan. With a fiduciary perspective and a focus on real data, we uncover strategies that don't just save dollars—they save thousands, even millions, on healthcare costs.

Get ready for:

• Transparent conversations about healthcare supply chains
• Proven case studies with massive impact
• Actionable strategies to design long-term benefits plans
• A no-nonsense fiduciary approach to benefits

This season is all about real data, real stories, real people, and real impact.

If you're ready to stop playing the reactive game with your benefits and start implementing strategies that work, you won’t want to miss an episode.

Tune in, subscribe, and share with your network. Together, let’s change the business of benefits.

180 million Americans rely on their employers for healthcare, but what if there's a hidden truth keeping costs unnecessarily high? In this episode of the Ethos Effect Podcast, host Chelsea Ryckis pulls back the curtain on the healthcare industry's biggest myth: the idea that employers can't control their healthcare costs.

Chelsea, President and Founder of Ethos Benefits, shares how misaligned incentives in the healthcare supply chain—from brokers to hospitals—inflate costs, and what employers can do to reclaim control. Discover practical, actionable strategies for navigating rising premiums, negotiating better contracts, and reducing costs without compromising care.

Chelsea also shares her personal journey from aspiring medical student to healthcare innovator, revealing how her experiences with brain injury and medical debt inspired her mission to help businesses and employees thrive.

Don't miss this eye-opening conversation on how to dismantle the status quo, empower businesses, and create a financially sustainable healthcare plan for your team.

Find us on LinkedIn: Ethos Benefits | Chelsea Ryckis

Connect and subscribe to never miss an episode!

Listen as we explore a transformative journey that begins with the launch of an insurance agency at just 25, in a fiercely competitive industry. Tune into an inspiring narrative of resilience, adaptability, and strategic growth, marked by a life-altering brain injury and insightful experiences navigating the healthcare system.

In this episode, we unravel the myths surrounding healthcare costs and challenge the status quo. Discover how Ethos Benefits' revolutionary flat fee model empowers business owners to take control of their healthcare expenses, shifting power away from commission-driven brokers. Our featured documentary, backed by credible voices like ex-hospital CEOs, serves as a clarion call for transparency and action in the healthcare industry.

From personal growth to strategic leadership, and celebrating women's empowerment, this episode is packed with humor, insight, and a powerful message that success is a journey, not a destination. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges conventions and paves the way for lasting impact.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering content! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates on upcoming projects, including our eye-opening documentary.

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

#EthosEffect #Podcast #EmployeeBenefits #Healthcare #Finance #Insurance  #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAdvice  #FinancialManagement #ChelseaRyckis #DonovanRyckis #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #Challenges

In this episode, we dive into the world of employee healthcare with Korie, a dedicated account manager at Ethos Benefits. Kories hares her inspiring journey into the insurance industry and passion for making healthcare more accessible and humanized for both employers and employees.

We also tackle pressing challenges, like those faced by pregnant members in Florida, and how Ethos Benefits' innovative Care Coach program supports them in navigating complex healthcare landscapes. Korie explains the revolutionary direct primary care (DPC) program offered by Ethos, which emphasizes personalized patient-physician relationships and zero out-of-pocket costs. This innovative model not only enhances healthcare accessibility but also reduces the need for costly urgent care or ER visits.

Celebrate with us as we honor Ethos Benefits' recent recognition with the Benefits Pro Luminary Award, acknowledging their commitment to transforming healthcare access and humanizing employee benefits. Join us for an insightful discussion on how Ethos Benefits is leading the way towards a healthier, more supportive workforce.

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

#EthosEffect #Podcast #EmployeeBenefits #Healthcare #Finance #Insurance  #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAdvice  #FinancialManagement #ChelseaRyckis #DonovanRyckis #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #Challenges

In this compelling episode of Ethos Effect, host Donovan Ryckis sits down with Patrick Ansara, an Account Executive at Ethos Benefits. Patrick’s journey from studying health policy at the University of Michigan to tackling real-world healthcare financial challenges is nothing short of inspiring.

Join us as we dive into the complexities of the American healthcare system, explore innovative approaches to reducing employer healthcare costs, and spotlight incredible case studies that have turned financial burdens into accessible, affordable care for employees. Discover the true stories behind hospital negotiations, proactive healthcare interventions, and the fascinating intricacies of aggregate claims.

By the end of this episode, listeners will walk away with actionable insights, a greater understanding of the healthcare landscape, and practical examples of how to humanize employee benefits while ensuring financial sustainability. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that promises to make healthcare finance both enlightening and relatable.

Press play and transform your perspective on healthcare benefits with Ethos Effect.

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-whalley-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

#EthosEffect #Podcast #EmployeeBenefits #Healthcare #Finance #Insurance  #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAdvice  #FinancialManagement #ChelseaRyckis #DonovanRyckis #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #Challenges

Meghan Anderson, an account executive at Ethos Benefits, joins us as we celebrate our Benefits Pro Luminaries Award for humanizing employee benefits. With a unique dual role that bridges the gap between employers and employees, Meghan shares her expertise on navigating the intricate world of healthcare finance and delivery. Listen as she recounts impactful stories, including how her strategic collaboration with medical providers and pharmacy benefit managers saved an employee from high medication costs, thereby ensuring access to essential treatments without financial strain. This episode highlights the critical balance of reducing healthcare costs while upholding quality care, a philosophy that has earned Meghan and Ethos the spotlight for their exceptional work.

We explore the complexities of dealing with insurance carriers, illustrated by a real-life scenario where a mishandled claim delayed essential benefits for an employee. Meghan sheds light on the importance of holding carriers accountable and setting up robust procedures to safeguard client interests. The conversation shifts to how building trust directly with clients can enhance their experience, moving away from the traditional reliance on sales reps. Celebrating Meghan's recognition as a Benefits Pro Luminary, we underscore the importance of empathy and efficiency in addressing everyday employee issues, reaffirming Ethos's commitment to elevating employee benefits.


Connect with Meghan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manderson38

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

#EthosEffect #Podcast #EmployeeBenefits #Healthcare #Finance #Insurance  #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAdvice  #FinancialManagement #ChelseaRyckis #DonovanRyckis #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #Challenges

Healthcare costs keep soaring while the service remains the same. In this eye-opening episode Chelsea is joined by Andy Najjar to dissect the complex web of incentives, transparency, and innovative strategies within the employer-sponsored healthcare landscape. 

Najjar pulls back the curtain on how large agencies often push for higher bonuses at the expense of clients, the crucial need for compensation disclosures, and why many brokers inadvertently contribute to rising healthcare costs. They delve into the "renewal game," the significant differences between brokers and advisors, and the immense financial burden high healthcare costs place on employees. 

Listeners will gain valuable insights into why incentivization structures are flawed, how transparent health programs can stabilize and even reduce costs, and the critical importance of fiduciary responsibility and documentation in decision-making. By the end of the episode, you'll be better equipped to scrutinize your broker's fees, understand the myths surrounding healthcare costs, and explore more cost-effective and proactive strategies for your business. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive preview of Najjar’s upcoming healthcare documentary and its potential to drive transparency and change in the industry. Get ready to transform how you approach healthcare benefits with this essential episode.

Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andynajjar

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:

Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-whalley-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

#EthosEffect #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAdvice  #FinancialManagement #ChelseaRyckis #DonovanRyckis #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #OvercomingChallenges

Waking up at 3 AM to drive hundreds of miles, sacrificing personal comforts, and confronting business challenges head-on—all to build a successful seven-figure enterprise isn’t a task everyone is up for. 

In this episode, Chelsea Ryckis is interviewed by Justin Thomas to delve into the foundational sacrifices and strategic decisions that led to the growth of Ethos Benefits. Listeners will hear about Donovan's pivotal choice to prioritize education and reinvestment over immediate profits, and Chelsea’s personal challenges and triumphs in defining and operationalizing core company values. The episode also highlights the innovative communication strategies implemented to improve employee engagement and benefits utilization, and the strategic pivot of divesting small accounts to focus on impactful solutions for larger enterprises.

Gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, learn the importance of continuous personal development and coaching, and discover transformative strategies to reduce healthcare costs while boosting employee satisfaction. This episode promises actionable advice, inspiration from real-world examples, and a compelling story of perseverance and strategic growth.

Connect with Justin: https://bullbenefits.com/podcast

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

#EthosEffect #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAdvice  #FinancialManagement #ChelseaRyckis #DonovanRyckis #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #OvercomingChallenges

Imagine being told you'd never succeed, failing repeatedly, and struggling through immense personal hardship—only to emerge stronger, more resilient, and wildly successful. In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the astonishing journeys of two incredible individuals who turned every setback into a stepping stone for greatness.

Join Chelsea Ryckis and Taylor Young as they unpack their extraordinary paths through life's severest challenges—overcoming brain injuries, navigating divorce, and conquering financial turmoil. With raw emotion and unfiltered honesty, Taylor shares how a friend's snide remark became the initial spark of his entrepreneurial fire, driving him to prove the doubters wrong. Chelsea recounts her transformation from a celebrated athlete to a top-tier business leader and industry award-winner, revealing the inevitable hurdles and victories that shaped her journey. Together, they explore the critical shifts in mindset needed to thrive, the importance of adaptability and systematic growth in business, and the often-overlooked value of personal development and self-care.

Listeners will gain invaluable insights on resilience, the power of harnessing inner ethos, and the importance of balancing ambition with well-being. Chelsea and Taylor's stories will inspire you to face your own challenges head-on, adopt new strategies for personal and professional growth, and leverage your unique strengths to create sustainable success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone navigating life's ups and downs, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom on turning adversity into advantage and achieving lasting fulfillment.

Connect with Be Extraordinary:
https://beextraordinarypodcast.com/

Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:
Website: www.ethoseffectpodcast.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/
Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-whalley-8508a192/
Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/

#EthosEffect #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessAdvice  #FinancialManagement #ChelseaRyckis #DonovanRyckis #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #OvercomingChallenges

What if you could transform your business operations with just one hour a month? We are joined by serial entrepreneur Heidi DeCoux, who not only built and sold multiple businesses, including a seven-figure deal, but is also revolutionizing small business accounting with her new AI-powered software, CashFlow AI. 

This episode dives deep into Heidi's journey from early entrepreneurship to her latest venture, the challenges and triumphs she's encountered, and her unique approach to operational efficiency and continuous learning. Along the way, Heidi shares actionable insights on managing financial stress, setting up efficient systems, and embracing imperfections in both business and life. 

Listeners will walk away with practical strategies to elevate their own ventures, optimize their financial management, and tackle challenges with newfound confidence. Tune in for an enriching conversation packed with tips, resources, and inspiration to help you thrive in the entrepreneurial world.

Connect with Heidi: 
https://www.instagram.com/heididecoux/

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

#EthosEffect #Podcast #HeidiDeCoux #Entrepreneurship #AIAccounting #SmallBusiness #CashflowAI #OperationalEfficiency #BusinessGrowth #SerialEntrepreneur #Nonprofit #BusinessAdvice #AIinBusiness #FinancialManagement #ChelseaRyckis #DonovanRyckis #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #OvercomingChallenges #StartupJourney #CRM