The ShiftShapers Podcast

# 531 Eliminating Financial Barriers - with Tom Policelli of PayMedix

High-deductible health plans have created "functionally uninsured" people who have insurance cards but can't access care due to high out-of-pocket costs, creating barriers to necessary healthcare and driving up long-term expenses. We discuss a solution with Tom Policelli of Paymedix.• Consumer confusion about benefits is the #1 issue, with affordability a close second• 45% of insured people avoided necessary care last year due to cost concerns • Nearly 30% of hospitals now require payment before scheduling services• 25% of commercially insured people have no available credit• Healthcare utilization by lower-income tiers mimics Medicaid patterns - delaying care until emergencies• PayMedix's "Super EOB" consolidates billing and offers 0% interest financing• Employers using PayMedix save 2-3% annually on healthcare trend• Unlike consumer credit companies, PayMedix uses an insurance mindset to spread risk• PayMedix maintains 95% employer retention versus the 30% industry average• TempoPay acquisition provides a card-based solution for pharmacy costs• Partnerships with companies like XO Health are expanding PayMedix's reach nationwideVisit paymedix.com to learn more about implementing these solutions.This episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.comThis episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.com

# 530 From Jungle Survival to Business Innovation: Conner Insurance

A 75-year legacy built on survival, relationships and faith continues to drive innovation at Conner Insurance, where CEO Ben Conner and his team focus on providing sound counsel during life's most significant moments.• Founded in 1949 by WWII veteran Henry Clay Conner Jr., whose 30 months surviving in Philippine jungles shaped core values of seriousness, relationships, and entrepreneurial spirit• Second-generation leadership of four Conner brothers emphasized shepherding the next generation into leadership roles while maintaining family values• Mission evolved from "selling policies" to walking alongside clients during critical life moments including medical diagnoses, accidents, and positive transitions• Over 80% of clients experience flat or reduced healthcare expenses through innovative supply chain management, especially in pharmacy benefits• Team members know individual patients by name, working to source medications affordably for both employers and employees• Documentary "It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare" educates about systemic problems in healthcare delivery• Challenges traditional strategies like high-deductible health plans that create false "consumerism" while making healthcare inaccessible• Remains independent despite private equity consolidation in insurance industry, focusing on talent development and embracing technologies like AIVisit connerins.com to watch the full documentary "It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare" and learn more about their approach."It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare""The Ideal Team Player" - Patrick Lencioni🤖 Sponsored by BenePowerBenePower is an AI-powered platform helping advisors build high-impact, self-insured health plans quickly and seamlessly. By integrating best-in-class point solutions and eliminating inefficiencies, BenePower reduces costs, improves member outcomes, and positions advisors as industry leaders. 🔗 Learn more at BenePower.comThis episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.com

#529 How Nature Walks Transform Business Thinking

Jessica DeAngelo, Chief Hiking Officer at Hike to Become, shares how unplugging in nature revolutionizes business thinking and helps executives rediscover clarity and creativity away from digital distractions.• Former global sales director who transformed her life by committing to daily hiking after feeling overwhelmed by corporate demands and new motherhood• Created the Hike 31 Challenge based on four principles: Hike or walk, In nature, Keep tech off, Every day• Takes executive teams on guided hiking experiences that create space for connection and independent thought• Incorporates forest bathing exercises that allow business leaders time alone with their thoughts• Clients report experiencing clarity on complex problems, rediscovering joy, and generating breakthrough business ideas• Companies see ROI through faster decision-making, innovative approaches, and reduced executive burnout• New book "The Wild Advantage" explores how reconnecting with nature helps executives think more creatively in the age of AIText HIKE to 33777 to join the Hike 31 Challenge or visit Jessica DeAngelo.com to learn more about bringing this transformative experience to your team.This episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.comThis episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.com

#528 Paid Leave: From Expense to Engagement Strategy

Paid leave has transformed from a nice-to-have into a powerful retention and engagement tool for employers seeking to attract and keep top talent. Seth Turner of AbsintheSoft shares insights on how properly structured leave programs can create positive employee experiences that drive loyalty and productivity.• 86% of employees look for paid leave when job hunting, and 42% won't apply without it• Well-designed leave programs should address diverse workforce needs across life stages• Employees who feel supported during leave are more likely to return engaged and become brand ambassadors• The regulatory landscape is growing increasingly complex with 13 states now mandating paid family leave• Technology helps streamline administration, maintain compliance, and improve employee experience• Utilization rates vary by industry, ranging from 10-40% of employees taking leave annually• Effective programs consider both compliance requirements and strategic business objectives• Modern systems use AI and mobile communications to simplify processes for all stakeholdersTo learn more about managing paid leave effectively, visit absensesoft.com or contact Seth directly at seth@absencesoft.com🤖 Sponsored by BenePowerBenePower is an AI-powered platform helping advisors build high-impact, self-insured health plans quickly and seamlessly. By integrating best-in-class point solutions and eliminating inefficiencies, BenePower reduces costs, improves member outcomes, and positions advisors as industry leaders. 🔗 Learn more at BenePower.comThis episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.com

#527 Taming the Time Thief - with Andrew Hartman

We explore the concept of time as our most precious resource with Andrew Hartman, founder of TimeBoss, who shares a framework for achieving results without overwhelm and burnout.• Andrew's journey began when work stress caused him to lose his sense of smell for six months• 77% of knowledge workers experienced burnout in the past year, up from 75% pre-COVID• The "always on" work culture has eliminated boundaries between professional and personal life• Most people treat time like credit instead of cash, creating debt for their future selves• Setting a work hour constraint (Andrew uses 50 hours) forces better prioritization• Weekly planning meetings help identify the 20% of tasks that yield 80% of results• Implementing strategic time management can reclaim 4-10 hours per week• "Comeback time" after interruptions can take up to 23 minutes of productivity• Creating "commitment plans" and finding "vacation shields" allows for true rest• Working at your "highest sustainable pace" enables sustained peak performanceThis episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.comThis episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.com