In the debut episode of Enter the Vault, host Nancy Giacolone takes listeners on a journey through her 30+ years in the employee benefits industry, sharing how she got started and how the field has evolved. From typewriters to cutting-edge technology, she reflects on the changes, challenges, and innovations that have shaped employee benefits today.🔹 Key Takeaways from This Episode:✔️ How Nancy transitioned from automotive sales to employee benefits in 1986.✔️ The early days of the industry—before email, using couriers, typewriters, and fax machines.✔️ The introduction of PPO networks and her early concerns about rising healthcare costs.✔️ The evolution of Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Washington state.✔️ Upcoming episode previews—including employee benefits history, compliance laws, and emerging industry trends.✔️ Practical guides on understanding benefits, avoiding common pitfalls, and navigating open enrollment.✔️ The impact of technology, DEI initiatives, and the gig economy on benefits today.🚀 What’s Next?Nancy outlines what’s coming next, including an in-depth look at the history of employee benefits, breaking down the industry's most complex topics, and providing real-world insights to help employees and employers make informed decisions.📢 Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of employee benefits!📩 Got questions or topics you'd like covered?Connect with Nancy and share your thoughts for future episodes!🔔 Subscribe & Follow for More!Don’t miss the next episode in two weeks!
Lauren Simmonds, aka The Fearless Fashionista, is joining me this week to discuss the power of developing one's own personal style. Lauren is the author of "Find Your Fabulous," a book dedicated to developing and owning one's style. She also recently launched her podcast, "The Secrets of Stylish Women." Anyone who knows me knows I love fashion and dressing well. My style allows me to embody my brand, show up confidently, and sometimes to better relate to my audience. Join us as we discuss to learn and ask questions about how YOU can find and develop your style free from the limitations you may have created for yourself.
This is a DO NOT MISS episode with a guest who has been on my bucket list for awhile, Matt Zaun! Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers business leaders to inspire their teams and clients to action through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt's past engagements in the private sector have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry. Have you been confused about how and when to use storytelling in your sales presentations or even public speaking opportunities? If so, then do not miss this unique opportunity to join this conversation live and pose questions directly to Matt!
Many of us in the industry know Jose' Ramos as "DJ Jose,'" but his real passion is helping patients struggling with lung disease get the care and monitoring they need. Jose' began with an internship at The Cleveland Clinic while still in high school, which led to his passion for helping others. Did you know that pulmonology is the oldest medical specialty, with less than 5,000 practicing pulmonologists? Compare that to the more than 40 million people in the US who are living with lung disease. Join us LIVE for a fascinating conversation about how technology can bring us closer while increasing patient engagement, drug adherence, and, most importantly, quality of life.
When your company's tagline is "Your Health plan doesn't have to suck," you know it has to be better than decent. Join me as I chat with Nick Soman, the founder and CEP of Decent, to learn more about how Decent came to be and why they are different from your average big-box plan. We will dive into why most health plans suck and how Decent is different. ** Hint: they are not built to serve the patient, rather they are built to serve the shareholders! ** Don't miss out on what is sure to be a fun & lively conversation.
We talk about supporting a lot of things in the workplace, but when was the last time you heard someone talking about how to support women going through menopause in the workplace?? Nearly 8 out of 10 women go through menopause while actively working. And this isn't something that happens only to them. It affects families, friends, coworkers, and employers. Kim Hart founded Midovia, which is dedicated to providing education and support for menopause in the workplace by creating a more inclusive, supportive environment for those experiencing menopausal symptoms. According to the Labor Bureau of Statistics (LBS), menopause-age women account for almost 30% of the U.S. labor force, and these symptoms can last for up to eight years! Join us to discuss the different types of training, resources, and support programs available for organizations. #recipeforsuccess #menopause #employeebenefits #hr #ceo #workingwomen
What if you could get a state-of-the-art preventive care exam from the comfort of your home? Our guest this week, Dr. Cheryl Lee Eberting is the CEO and founder of AZOVA, a company that allows you to do just that. Dr. Eberting has combined her medical background as a board-certified dermatologist with her love of technology to create a telehealth company for complete health. AZOVA was a leader in proctored tests during COVID, and they leveraged the data and insights gathered to improve the virtual healthcare delivery system. You know this is going to be a lively conversation, so don't miss it.
Have you seen the bright pink forward slash logo yet? It caught my attention, and I immediately wanted to learn more. As much as I love their logo, I love the mission even more! Their mission is to help clinicians take back the business of healthcare and practice their way. I will be joined by Sarah Covington, Forward Slash Health's Compliance Officer to share their mission and how they are providing solutions that will enable clinicians to start, or improve, their own practices so they can get back to the business of improving our healthcare system. #healthcare #clinicians #physicians #takebackthepower #mso #startup
Listen now for this can't-miss episode with Dr. Arti Thangudu, in which we will explore her unique approach to managing endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism issues with patients and organizations. She left the traditional healthcare system to start not one but two healthcare companies that provide support in these areas. We will also dive into: * The explosion in demand for GLP-1 drugs such as semiglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and more. The good, the bad, and the ugly. * Who should be prescribing these medications? * When should a patient seek out an endocrinologist? * What is the future of care in endocrinology?
Have you ever been, or known, a new mom who has struggled with returning to work? Vanessa Jupe experienced this first-hand for herself a few years ago and decided to do something about it. She founded Leva, a company focused on 360-degree support for new moms and their partners through high-tech products and services. Join us to find out more about how you or your business can incorporate these support tools into your employee benefit program! #recipeforsuccess #newmom #employeebenefits #culture #hrsupport #parents #family #humanresources
Are you curious about medical insurance captives but not sure how they work? You're not alone! Join us for an insightful discussion with experts Aaron Witwer and Dale Sagen. We'll unravel the mysteries of medical captives and discuss: * What is a captive, really? * How does a medical captive differ from one used for workers' comp? * What distinguishes it from self-insurance or level funding? * How safe is it? * Key questions to help determine if a captive is the right choice * Why is upfront funding necessary? #captive #medicalinsurance #healthinsurance #employeebenefits #selffunding #recipeforsuccess #themoreyouknow
Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Ashley Shrader as she shares her journey from frustration with conventional medicine to empowerment through functional medicine. Tired of being just another patient lost in the system? Dr. Shrader understands. That's why she's dedicated herself to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Learn how functional medicine gets to the root of health issues, addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being alongside physical symptoms. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter treatments and hello to personalized care that truly heals. Don't miss out on this LIVE discussion—it's time to discover the power of functional medicine #recipeforsuccess #functionalmedicine #healthcare #medicalcare
Have you ever wondered what happened to hospitality in healthcare? Or why when you call to schedule a doctor's appointment, they seem much more concerned with what insurance you have than what your medical problem is? Ashley Smith and the team at BenEngage wondered the same thing. That is why Ashley's rich background in the hospitality industry was perfect for changing the member's experience, which is critical when it comes to alternative health plans. Join us LIVE on Wednesday on LinkedIn, at 10:00 a.m. PST to learn more about how hospitality can be leveraged to improve any type of business! #healthcare #hospitality #recipeforsuccess #listenfirst
Have you ever wanted to "tell your story?" If so, don't miss this very special episode with @Lonnee Rey, the Editor-in-Chief for the Rattled Awake series. Lonnee is a story development coach, concierge book producer, multi-show podcast host, and author-message consultant. Not only does she wear all of the hats mentioned above, but she is also warm, engaging, and downright funny! I can't wait to chat with her on-air. I know I will be taking notes because sometimes, telling your own story is the most challenging story of all. It is also the one that sets you apart.
Commercials often paint an idyllic picture of biologics as life-changing medications, portraying idyllic scenes of joy and togetherness, while downplaying the potential for significant side effects. This raises an important question: What is the true efficacy of biologics? Consider the potential of pinpointing the optimal biologic from the start, or determining its effectiveness for an individual, thus sidestepping the risk of adverse effects. Pre-treatment evaluation of a patient's response to a therapy allows for a more strategic use of healthcare funds by plans and sponsors. Lena Chaihorsky, co-founder of Payer Innovation at Alva10, has pioneered technology to make this a reality. Tune in to our enlightening discussion on how healthcare plans can embrace precision medicine to reduce the costs of ineffective biologic treatments, ensuring patients receive the most effective care. #biologics #precisionmedicine #employeebenefits #prescriptiondrugs #healthplans #humira #enbrel #remicade #stelara #skyrizi #tremfya
HSA-qualified high deductible health plans (HDHPs) were introduced to the world of benefits in 2003. As an early adopter and promotor of these types of plans, Kris O'Connor brings her perspective to our conversation on what is working, what could be changed, when they are a good choice, and when they are not. The healthcare needs of the next generation are very different than they were 20 years ago, and that must be factored in when determining if an HSA plan may or may not be suitable for you. #recipeforsuccess #hsa #hdhp #healthcare #employeebenefit #medicalinsurance
Have you ever been to a conference and met someone that you really wanted to connect with? And then fumbled the ball and did nothing? It is more common than you think! Whether it is a connection you made with someone at a conference, a coffee shop, or a virtual meeting, do you have a plan or a process to build that new relationship? Randi-Sue Deckard will join me to discuss creating effective relationships in business and beyond! Like so many things in life, having a recipe makes all the difference. #recipeforsuccess #womeninleadership #womeninsales #relationshipbuilding #followupfumbles
When patients are free to choose their doctor, it puts the control back where it belongs, and no patient should ever have to be denied access to the care they need because of insurance restrictions or cost. Paulo became frustrated when she saw the struggles both doctors and patients had to get the care they needed independently & with transparency. So she decided to fix the problem and founded UBERDOC, a company built by those on the front lines of medicine to give patients a simpler solution. #recipeforsuccess #uberdoc #healthcare #medicalcare #freemarket #hr #cfo #consumer #brokeroftheyear
We are kicking off the 2024 season of Recipe for Success with "Chocolate!" Rose Fass, the two-time best-selling author of "The Chocolate Conversation" and The Leadership Conversation - Make Bold Change, One Conversation At A Time" will be joining me this week to discuss how to have tastier conversations through storytelling. If you are a leader or desire to become a leader, this is a "must-watch" episode as you will have an opportunity to listen in and ask questions about how change can happen one conversation at a time.
Did you know that October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month? I am honored to be hosting an in-person LIVE podcast with Bradley Perry, the owner and founder of Flatliner Fitness. Brad survived his experience with Sudden Cardiac Arrest on 2/15/2020 and has recovered and is thriving. His mission is to energize, motivate, and educate the human spirit into alignment with its dreams and goals. Join us LIVE this Thursday to find out more and ask questions about what signs you should pay attention to in yourself and/or loved ones. #receipeforsuccess #podcast #cardiachealth #themoreyouknow