by IMA / tentwentytwo
On the Pulse with IMA gives HR leaders clarity and confidence to navigate the rapidly evolving employee benefits landscape by staying ahead of what’s next before it hits their desk. Each episode features IMA experts and industry innovators who translate data, trends, and emerging ideas into clear, actionable strategies that help employers make meaningful decisions for their people.
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Publishing Since
1/23/2026
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June 22, 2026
If AI, cyber risk, healthcare costs, and workforce change feel like separate challenges, this episode shows why they are connected and how HR can help lead the response. Resources Mentioned: 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including AI, workforce strategy, healthcare cost management, leadership, and organizational change. [https://imacorp.com/insights/hr-insights-on-the-pulse-report-2026] The Obstacle Is the Way – Explore Ryan Holiday’s practical framework for turning obstacles, uncertainty, and resistance into a path forward. Visit imacorp.com to connect with the IMA team and learn more about building smarter employee benefits. Listen and Subscribe: Share this episode with a fellow HR leader and subscribe to On the Pulse with IMA on your favorite podcast platform for more practical insights. Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Reach out via imacorp.com. Episode Description: Kelly Bowman sits down with John Hearn, Chief Operating Officer at IMA Financial Group, to discuss how HR leaders can help organizations prepare for a workforce being reshaped by AI. John explains why leaders need to look beyond short-term tools and first define what the workforce, customer relationship, and operating model must look like in three to five years. They explore how ambiguity and change fatigue can stall action, why organizations should move before they have perfect information, and how protected AI environments, clear policies, workforce upskilling, and stronger human connection skills can create a foundation for responsible innovation. John also breaks down the cybersecurity and data risks of unmanaged AI use, the need to balance speed with enterprise scale, and the role HR can play in bringing operations, IT, and leadership into a disciplined strategic conversation. The discussion also turns to healthcare cost pressure and why employers must be willing to challenge conventional approaches rather than let a misaligned system control their choices. For HR leaders navigating AI, workforce planning, healthcare costs, and organizational change, John offers a practical case for acting now, leading strategically, and treating disruption as an opportunity. Guest Bio: John Hearn is Chief Operating Officer at IMA Financial Group. He brings decades of experience across risk management, insurance, employee benefits, and business leadership. In his role, John helps guide IMA’s operations and long-term strategy, with a focus on scalable growth, workforce development, innovation, and client impact. He is also a recognized voice on healthcare reform and employer strategies for challenging the status quo, managing cost trends, and creating better outcomes for organizations and their employees. His current work includes helping leaders think more intentionally about AI adoption, cyber risk, organizational change, and the skills companies will need to remain relevant in the years ahead. Host: Kelly Bowman Key Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:37: John’s family background, twin sister, travel to 47 states, and personal introduction. 01:37 - 03:58: The workforce of the future, end-to-end processes, and building a foundation for AI. 03:58 - 06:36: Leading through ambiguity, acting with incomplete information, and overcoming change fatigue. 06:36 - 08:53: Protected AI tools, employee upskilling, and the growing importance of human connection and “power skills.” 08:53 - 10:46: How HR can frame AI as a strategic business issue for CEOs and boards. 10:46 - 14:57: The Smith Corona lesson, future workforce questions, and why organizations must scale prudently. 14:57 - 19:43: Healthcare cost pressure, systemic misalignment, and helping employers regain control. 19:43 - 23:26: Cyber threats, unprotected AI use, and the risk of exposing proprietary or protected information. 23:26 - 26:37: Balancing speed and scale, supporting innovators, and turning individual AI experiments into enterprise standards. 26:37 - 29:44: Three near-term actions for HR: convene the right leaders, strengthen AI governance, and plan for the future workforce. 29:44 - 32:51: Why AI could help solve workforce shortages and create new productivity opportunities. 32:51 - End: John’s encouragement for HR leaders to take a strategic role in organizational transformation. Resources Mentioned (Repeated for Convenience): 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including AI, workforce strategy, healthcare cost management, leadership, and organizational change. [https://imacorp.com/insights/hr-insights-on-the-pulse-report-2026] The Obstacle Is the Way – Explore Ryan Holiday’s practical framework for turning obstacles, uncertainty, and resistance into a path forward. Visit imacorp.com to connect with the IMA team and learn more about building smarter employee benefits. Listen and Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow HR leader and subscribe to On the Pulse with IMA on your favorite podcast platform for more practical insights. Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Reach out via imacorp.com.
May 30, 2026
If rising healthcare costs, renewal increases, and pharmacy spend feel impossible to control, this episode shows how employers can explore smarter funding strategies, stronger partnerships, and more transparent solutions. Resources Mentioned: 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including healthcare cost management, alternative funding, pharmacy strategy, and workforce wellbeing. [https://imacorp.com/insights/hr-insights-on-the-pulse-report-2026] Visit imacorp.com to connect with the IMA team and learn more about building smarter employee benefits. Listen and Subscribe: Share this episode with a fellow HR leader and subscribe to On the Pulse with IMA on your favorite podcast platform for more practical insights. Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Reach out via imacorp.com. Episode Description: Kelly Bowman sits down with Andrew Agress, Executive Vice President of Employee Benefits at IMA Financial Group, to discuss how employers can respond to rising healthcare costs with greater control, transparency, and confidence. Andrew explains why traditional fully insured and HMO models are becoming harder for some employers to justify, how self-funded and level-funded strategies are opening new possibilities for mid-market organizations, and why pharmacy transparency remains one of the biggest opportunities for savings. They also explore the importance of trusted relationships, HR communities, aggregation and harmonization for private equity and shared-ownership structures, and the role of a broker partner who brings proactive education instead of simply reacting to renewals. Whether you are facing renewal pressure, looking for better data, or wondering if alternative funding is right for your organization, Andrew offers a practical starting point for taking back control of healthcare costs. Guest Bio: Andrew Agress is Executive Vice President of Employee Benefits at IMA Financial Group. Based in Southern California, Andrew has spent more than two decades working with HR leaders and executives to navigate healthcare complexity, carrier negotiations, benefits strategy, and cost control. He also leads and supports HR executive communities through the National Human Resources Association and invite-only roundtables, helping leaders connect, share resources, and solve challenges together. His work focuses on helping employers evaluate smarter funding models, improve access to care, build stronger benefits strategies, and support employees and families when they need care most. Host: Kelly Bowman Key Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:20: Introduction to rising healthcare costs and smarter ways for employers to take control. 01:20 - 02:50: Show intro, Andrew’s Southern California base, and life as a sports dad. 02:50 - 04:55: Andrew’s career path from recruiting to employee benefits. 04:55 - 07:40: Early lessons, culture fit, and the support that shaped his career at IMA. 07:40 - 10:35: Andrew’s current role, client strategy, HR communities, and COVID-era support. 10:35 - 15:00: What client support looks like beyond the traditional broker relationship. 15:00 - 17:55: The value of HR roundtables, community, and trusted relationships. 17:55 - 20:25: The current healthcare market, cost pressure, access challenges, and employer frustration. 20:25 - 22:05: Pharmacy transparency, IMARx, and alternative solutions for cost control. 22:05 - 25:55: Fully insured vs. self-funded models, loss ratios, and HMO renewal pressure. 25:55 - 29:15: Client example: moving from fully insured to self-funded, reference-based pricing, and direct provider negotiations. 29:15 - 32:40: Aggregation and harmonization for private equity firms and shared-ownership structures. 32:40 - 35:25: The future of alternative funding, level funding, captives, consortiums, and data access. 35:25 - 38:10: The first step employers should take when evaluating funding options. 38:10 - 42:30: What keeps Andrew motivated: community, impact, innovation, and trusted client relationships. 42:30 - 45:55: Future optimism around transparency, equitable pricing, and employer control. 45:55 - End: Closing thanks and show outro. Resources Mentioned (Repeated for Convenience): 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including healthcare cost management, alternative funding, pharmacy strategy, and workforce wellbeing. [https://imacorp.com/insights/hr-insights-on-the-pulse-report-2026] Visit imacorp.com to connect with the IMA team and learn more about building smarter employee benefits. Listen and Subscribe (Repeated for Convenience): If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow HR leader and subscribe to On the Pulse with IMA on your favorite podcast platform for more practical insights. Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Reach out via imacorp.com.
May 30, 2026
If your organization is trying to improve retention with more perks, surveys, or exit interviews, this episode shows why the real opportunity may be the conversations leaders are not having. Resources Mentioned: 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including workforce wellbeing, employee engagement, retention, and leadership communication. [https://imacorp.com/insights/hr-insights-on-the-pulse-report-2026] Visit imacorp.com to connect with the IMA team and learn more about building smarter employee benefits. Listen and Subscribe: Share this episode with a fellow HR leader and subscribe to On the Pulse with IMA on your favorite podcast platform for more practical insights. Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Reach out via imacorp.com. Episode Description: Kelly Bowman sits down with Gary Butterworth, a communication expert, speaker, trainer, and former broadcaster, to discuss why employee retention often comes down to the quality of the relationship between a leader and their people. Gary explains why perks and surveys are not enough, how one-on-one conversations build trust, and why stay interviews can reveal what exit interviews often miss. They explore the difference between efficiency and effectiveness, the role of active listening, how leaders can create space for honest dialogue, and why Gary prefers to call stay interviews “bespoke career-centered conversations.” From practical questions leaders can ask to advice for handling unexpected responses, this conversation offers a clear reminder that employees are more likely to stay when they feel seen, heard, supported, and able to grow. Guest Bio: Gary Butterworth is a communication expert, speaker, trainer, former broadcaster, and longtime Toastmasters participant. His career has included radio, television weathercasting, teaching, training, and leadership communication. Known for his energy, humor, and practical approach to interpersonal skills, Gary helps leaders strengthen workplace relationships through better listening, more meaningful conversations, and communication practices that build trust and engagement. Host: Kelly Bowman Key Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:05: Introduction to retention, leadership communication, and why employees leave. 01:05 - 01:34: Show intro and welcome. 01:34 - 03:32: Gary shares his career journey from radio and TV to speaking, training, and Toastmasters. 03:32 - 05:51: How broadcasting, listening, and interpersonal skills shaped Gary’s communication approach. 05:51 - 08:31: Why retention is less about perks and more about leader-employee relationships. 08:31 - 11:11: Why surveys are not enough and why one-on-one conversations are more effective. 11:11 - 14:56: Stay interviews versus exit interviews, and how trust influences whether employees stay. 14:56 - 19:49: How employees can approach stay conversations and why leaders must build credibility over time. 19:49 - 23:27: Gary’s “bespoke career-centered conversation” approach and why it should be separate from performance reviews. 23:27 - 26:29: The communication skills leaders need: active listening, follow-up questions, note-taking, and curiosity. 26:29 - 29:30: How hesitant leaders can prepare through role-playing and practice. 29:30 - 34:45: Sample stay interview questions and how leaders can listen for meaning, motivation, and growth opportunities. 34:45 - 38:27: How leaders should respond when employees share unexpected or difficult feedback. 38:27 - 43:00: The future of leader-employee relationships, emotional intelligence, AI, and creating meaning at work. 43:00 - 45:38: Why communication may separate organizations that retain talent from those that struggle. 45:38 - 47:29: Gary’s final takeaway: meet one-on-one, grow your people, and build trust consistently. 47:29 - End: Closing thanks and show outro. Resources Mentioned (Repeated for Convenience): 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including workforce wellbeing, employee engagement, retention, and leadership communication. [https://imacorp.com/insights/hr-insights-on-the-pulse-report-2026] Visit imacorp.com to connect with the IMA team and learn more about building smarter employee benefits. Listen and Subscribe (Repeated for Convenience): If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow HR leader and subscribe to On the Pulse with IMA on your favorite podcast platform for more practical insights. Have questions or topics you'd like covered? Reach out via imacorp.com.
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On the Pulse with IMA gives HR leaders clarity and confidence to navigate the rapidly evolving employee benefits landscape by staying ahead of what’s next before it hits their desk.
Each episode features IMA experts and industry innovators who translate data, trends, and emerging ideas into clear, actionable strategies that help employers make meaningful decisions for their people.
This podcast updates daily.
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