ON THE PULSE with IMA

Turning Wellbeing into a Competitive Advantage: Insights from Debra Wein

If your organization is investing in employee wellbeing programs but still seeing rising costs, low engagement, and no measurable results, this episode shows exactly how to move from check-the-box perks to a strategic, outcomes-driven approach that delivers real business impact. Resources Mentioned: * 2026 On the Pulse Report [https://imacorp.com/on-the-pulse?utm_source=iheart&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=2026_otp_webinar&utm_content=referral_link&utm_term=turning_wellbeing]: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including wellbeing strategies, mental health integration, and workforce performance. * Visit imacorp.com [https://imacorp.com/?utm_source=iheart&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=2026_otp_webinar&utm_content=referral_link&utm_term=turning_wellbeing] 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 [https://imacorp.com/?utm_source=iheart&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=2026_otp_webinar&utm_content=referral_link&utm_term=turning_wellbeing]. Episode Description: Kelly Bowman sits down with Debra Wein, CEO and Founder of Wellness Workdays and a registered dietitian with more than 25 years in the health and wellness space, to unpack why many wellbeing programs fail to deliver results. Debra explains the true cost of doing nothing, the pitfalls of treating wellbeing as a checklist or perk, and the four-step process every organization needs: assess the population, set a clear strategy, implement targeted interventions, and evaluate outcomes. They dive into building an integrated approach that connects physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, the power of behavioral health coaching, red flags to watch for when evaluating vendors, and a real-world client example showing how focusing on mental health led to improved lifestyle choices, better biometrics, and measurable ROI. Whether you’re struggling with low participation, burnout, or justifying investment to leadership, Debra’s insights provide a practical roadmap to turn wellbeing into a true competitive advantage. Guest Bio: Debra Wein is the CEO and Founder of Wellness Workdays, a registered dietitian, and a nationally recognized expert in employee wellbeing with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations design strategic, outcomes-based programs. A long-time vegetarian and advocate for healthy living, she has guided employers across industries to move beyond fragmented perks to integrated strategies that improve workforce health, productivity, and bottom-line results. She is also the author of the upcoming book The Wellness Multiplier. Host: Kelly Bowman Key Timestamps: * 00:00 - 01:20: Introduction to wellbeing challenges and the cost of doing nothing. * 01:20 - 02:05: Show intro and welcome. * 02:05 - 03:15: Debra introduces herself, her role, and a fun fact. * 03:15 - 04:10: Personal chit-chat on background and healthy living. * 04:10 - 06:00: Debra’s evolution from nutrition to full-spectrum wellbeing. * 06:00 - 07:00: Why wellbeing has shifted from “nice to have” to “need to have.” * 07:00 - 08:30: The cost of treating wellbeing as a checklist or perk. * 08:30 - 10:50: What organizations miss and where costs show up. * 10:50 - 13:15: Wellbeing as a competitive advantage and key metrics to track. * 13:15 - 15:55: Leading vs. lagging indicators and the importance of outcomes. * 15:55 - 19:25: Building an integrated wellbeing strategy (physical, mental, financial). * 19:25 - 21:25: Common pitfalls and the four-step process most employers skip. * 21:25 - 22:30: Red flags when evaluating wellness programs or vendors. * 22:30 - 24:00: Real-world client example: mental health focus driving lifestyle and biometric improvements. * 24:00 - 26:00: ROI and value-on-investment calculations. * 26:00 - 28:30: How to get leadership buy-in and resonate with different roles. * 28:30 - 29:45: Trends HR leaders are prioritizing in 2026. * 29:45 - 31:55: What separates successful programs and the shift toward outcomes. * 31:55 - 33:30: Debra’s upcoming book The Wellness Multiplier. * 33:30 - 34:40: One key shift every employer should make. * 34:40 - 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 wellbeing strategies, mental health integration, and workforce performance. [https://imacorp.com/insights/hr-insights-on-the-pulse-report-2026 [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.

Building Innovation Through Collaboration: Insights from Mason Powers

If great ideas in your organization feel scattered, stuck in silos, or never fully realized, this episode reveals how to create the right environment to connect them and drive meaningful impact in employee benefits. Resources Mentioned: * 2026 On the Pulse Report [https://imacorp.com/on-the-pulse?utm_source=iheart&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=2026_otp_webinar&utm_content=referral_link&utm_term=innovation_through_collaboration]: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including innovation strategies, AI, and human-centered approaches. * Visit imacorp.com [https://imacorp.com?utm_source=iheart&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=2026_otp_webinar&utm_content=referral_link&utm_term=innovation_through_collaboration] 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 [https://imacorp.com?utm_source=iheart&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=2026_otp_webinar&utm_content=referral_link&utm_term=innovation_through_collaboration]. Episode Description: Kelly Bowman sits down with Mason Powers, National Employee Benefits Innovation Leader at IMA Financial Group, to explore how organizations move from isolated ideas to real impact. Mason shares the story behind EBX Labs—a cross-functional initiative designed to surface, challenge, and connect ideas across silos. They discuss why innovation is less about chasing big breakthroughs and more about building the right environment, mindset shifts, opportunity framing, and human connection. From the first cohort’s selection process and storytelling exercises to practical ways employees can get involved, this conversation offers actionable insights for HR leaders seeking to foster collaboration, improve teammate and client experiences, and adapt to rising complexity with confidence. Guest Bio: Mason Powers is the National Employee Benefits Innovation Leader at IMA Financial Group. Based in Minnesota, he leads the development of EBX Labs to connect strategy, ideas, and execution across the organization. With a background that sparked the creation of this dedicated innovation role, Mason focuses on building collaborative spaces that empower teams, challenge the status quo, and deliver better experiences for both employees and clients. Outside of work, he enjoys lake life, bird hunting, fishing, and travel. Host: Kelly Bowman Key Timestamps: * 00:00 - 01:20: Introduction to innovation challenges and the role of environment. * 01:20 - 02:05: Show intro and welcome. * 02:05 - 03:15: Mason introduces himself, his role at IMA, and a fun fact. * 03:15 - 04:10: Personal chit-chat on location, sports, and outdoor life. * 04:10 - 06:00: Defining Mason’s role and how innovation fits into employee benefits. * 06:00 - 07:00: How the innovation role was created at IMA. * 07:00 - 08:30: Changes observed since onboarding and the need for broader involvement. * 08:30 - 10:50: Birth of EBX Labs and why it was needed. * 10:50 - 13:15: Selection process, criteria, and forming the first cohort. * 13:15 - 15:55: Early days of EBX Labs, pre-work, and first in-person session. * 15:55 - 19:25: Dream Coach session, opportunity statements, and mindset shifts. * 19:25 - 21:25: Storytelling exercises and lessons from movies like The Martian and Hidden Figures. * 21:25 - 22:30: Permission to fail and sharing unfinished ideas. * 22:30 - 24:00: Mindset shifts and incremental vs. transformational innovation. * 24:00 - 26:00: Future of innovation in employee benefits amid complexity. * 26:00 - 28:30: Importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and breaking silos. * 28:30 - 29:45: Biggest opportunities and the lab’s core focus areas. * 29:45 - 31:55: Why sequencing (exploration before solutions) matters. * 31:55 - 33:30: How to get involved and the path of least resistance. * 33:30 - 34:40: Signals of success and what “working” looks like. * 34:40 - 34:55: Giving voice to quieter contributors. * 34:55 - 35:40: Vision for the future of EBX Labs. * 35:40 - 37:55: Advice for organizations and final thoughts on innovation. * 37:55 - 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 innovation strategies, AI, and human-centered approaches. [https://imacorp.com/insights/hr-insights-on-the-pulse-report-2026 [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.

Communicating Benefits That Employees Actually Use: Insights from Jared Cox

If your employees are overwhelmed by benefits information or missing the value of what you offer, this episode explores how better communication can improve understanding, utilization, and retention. Resources Mentioned: 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including communication strategy, employee engagement, and workforce experience. [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 to John Dodson, Senior Marketing Strategist for Employee Benefits, john.dodson@imacorp.com. Episode Description: Kelly Bowman sits down with Jared Cox, Communication and Engagement Practice Leader at IMA, to discuss why benefits communication matters just as much as benefits design. Jared explains how his team helps employers move beyond awareness toward real outcomes by improving employee understanding, increasing utilization, and turning benefits into a stronger tool for recruitment and retention. He shares how communication expectations are changing, why one-size-fits-all messaging no longer works, and how technology, including AI, can support employees when it is introduced thoughtfully and paired with clear guidance. Jared also walks through a practical client example in which a workforce survey revealed that a paper-first strategy would outperform a tech-heavy rollout, leading to better utilization and retention. From avoiding information overload to building communication plans around real employee needs, this conversation offers actionable advice for employers who want their people to actually understand and use the benefits they invest in. Guest Bio: Jared Cox is Communication and Engagement Practice Leader at IMA, where he focuses on employee strategy, storytelling, and helping clients create benefits communication that drives action. Based in Kansas City after recently moving back from Denver, Jared works with employers to improve education, utilization, and the overall employee experience around benefits. Outside of work, he and his wife spend plenty of time with their two miniature dachshunds, who occasionally make their own appearances on work calls. Host: Kelly Bowman Key Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:24: Introduction to why poor benefits communication creates bigger problems for employers and employees. 01:24 - 02:58: Jared shares where he is based, his recent move back to Kansas City, and a fun fact about his dachshunds. 02:58 - 04:20: Overview of Jared's role and how IMA's communication and engagement practice supports clients. 04:20 - 05:25: Common challenges employers bring to Jared and why benefits communication is never one size fits all. 05:25 - 07:26: Trends shaping benefits communication, including targeted messaging, timing, and AI-enabled support. 07:26 - 09:42: A client story about surveying employees, avoiding the wrong tech investment, and pivoting to a better strategy. 09:42 - 11:19: How better communication improved utilization and retention and why misunderstanding benefits creates risk. 11:19 - 12:39: Common employer mistakes, especially information overload, and what successful engagement efforts have in common. 12:39 - 13:32: How AI can simplify benefits access and make information easier for employees and dependents to use. 13:32 - 14:39: Where employers should start: review what has worked, gather feedback, and adapt over time. 14:39 - 16:27: The value of transparency, community-building, and making benefits feel more relevant to daily life. 16:27 - 17:21: Why timing matters and why employers need to start communication well before open enrollment. 17:21 - 18:25: Step one for leaders: tailor communication by audience and stop repeating strategies that are not working. 18:25 - 18:58: Jared's closing advice on staying adaptable as employee needs and communication norms continue to change. 18:58 - End: Closing thanks and show outro.

Building Alignment Across Markets: Insights from Jacqueline Roth

If your teams are spread across markets, personalities, and ways of working, this episode explores how leadership, empathy, and clear communication can turn complexity into stronger alignment and better performance. Resources Mentioned: 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including leadership, collaboration, communication, and organizational change. [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 to John Dodson, Senior Marketing Strategist for Employee Benefits, john.dodson@imacorp.com. Episode Description: Kelly Bowman sits down with Jacqueline Roth, President of Employee Benefits at IMA, for a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to build alignment across distributed teams without erasing the local expertise that makes each market successful. Jacqueline shares lessons from leading through national growth, partnership integration, and change, emphasizing that people want to be seen, heard, and understood no matter where they sit. She explains why strong leadership is not about imposing sameness, but about creating clarity, alignment, and commitment while drawing out quieter voices, making space for disagreement, and helping teams move through friction with curiosity instead of defensiveness. The conversation also explores empathy in leadership, the role of communication norms, how teams can collaborate more effectively across regions, and why clear structure matters even more in moments of rapid change. From practical language for repairing hard conversations to advice on meetings, AI adoption, and team accountability, this episode offers actionable guidance for leaders trying to connect people, improve performance, and scale culture in a way that actually works. Guest Bio: Jacqueline Roth is President of Employee Benefits at IMA, where she helps shape national strategy, drive growth, and bring together teams across markets, states, and leadership structures. Based in South Pasadena, California, Jacqueline is known for her people-first approach to leadership, with a focus on clarity, empathy, trust, and collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, riding bikes, and jumping on the trampoline with her kids. Host: Kelly Bowman Key Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:25: Introduction to the challenge of creating alignment across markets, regulations, and ways of working. 01:25 - 03:13: Jacqueline shares where she is based, life outside of work, and a glimpse into family life with her two daughters. 03:13 - 06:26: Overview of Jacqueline's role, IMA's growth journey, and how she came into national leadership in employee benefits. 06:26 - 09:22: What Jacqueline has learned about bringing teams together across states, markets, and regulatory environments. 09:22 - 10:53: Collaboration, clarity, alignment, and commitment, and what becomes possible when teams truly connect. 10:53 - 14:59: How leaders can honor local market nuance while still creating unity, accountability, and shared standards. 15:02 - 17:46: Friction, conflict, and Jacqueline's leadership approach of replacing defensiveness with curiosity and “tell me more.” 18:15 - 21:27: Practical language for difficult conversations, do-overs, stating intention, and building trust in the room. 21:29 - 24:44: How empathy shows up in leadership, especially during change, and why clear information builds confidence. 24:44 - 26:24: The connection between empathy, safety, candid dialogue, and stronger team performance. 26:24 - 29:17: A cross-market collaboration example that led to a better workload measurement process across the organization. 29:31 - 34:59: AI, communication norms, and how leaders can introduce innovation without losing authenticity or trust. 34:59 - 36:16: Where leaders should start when trying to create stronger alignment across locations. 36:16 - 38:24: Common leadership mistakes, including interrupting, unclear meetings, and failing to define a goal. 38:49 - 40:06: Jacqueline's closing advice: clear is kind, state your why, and follow through on the basics. 40:06 - End: Closing thanks and show outro.

Navigating Benefits Evolution: Insights from Evan Oslica

If rising healthcare costs, funding transitions, and employee trust issues are straining your benefits strategy, this episode reveals how thoughtful, data-driven approaches can deliver stability and meaningful impact without disruption. Resources Mentioned: 2026 On the Pulse Report: Insights on Employee Benefits Trends – Download this free report for forward-looking trends in employee benefits, including funding models, pharmacy strategies, and employee advocacy. [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 Evan Oslica, Benefits Consultant at IMA Financial Group, to explore the dramatic shifts in employee benefits over the past decade. Evan shares insights from a client case study involving a 500-employee group transitioning from fully insured to self-funded models amid leadership anxiety and rising costs. They discuss building trust through invisible backend changes, implementing pharmacy strategies like the IMARx Program for cost savings and enhanced member experiences, and leveraging advocacy tools like Ask Charlie for navigation support. From avoiding massive renewals to achieving over $1 million in under-budget savings, this conversation provides actionable guidance for HR leaders navigating volatility while prioritizing employee confidence. Whether you're evaluating funding shifts or refining communication, Evan's expertise offers a roadmap to balanced, sustainable benefits. Guest Bio: Evan Oslica is a Benefits Consultant at IMA Financial Group, with over a decade of experience in employee benefits. She specializes in guiding mid-sized employers through funding transitions, pharmacy optimizations, and strategic planning to achieve cost control and employee satisfaction. A mother of two young boys, Evan is based in Kansas City and draws from her service-side roots to foster trusting partnerships. Host: Kelly Bowman Key Timestamps: 00:00 - 01:20: Introduction to benefits landscape shifts and challenges. 01:20 - 02:05: Show intro and welcome. 02:05 - 03:15: Evan introduces herself, her role at IMA, and a fun fact. 03:15 - 04:10: Personal chit-chat on motherhood and career evolution. 04:10 - 06:00: Defining benefits transformations and client anxieties. 06:00 - 07:00: Shift to self-funded strategies. 07:00 - 08:30: Impact on employee trust, renewals, and mid-sized groups. 08:30 - 10:50: Common pitfalls: Reactive benefits and leadership concerns, with examples. 10:50 - 13:15: Client story on successful self-funded transition and savings. 13:15 - 15:55: Measuring success: Budget savings, ROI, and employee feedback. 15:55 - 19:25: Designing programs for diverse workforces, with pharmacy examples. 19:25 - 21:25: Communication trends and tools for building confidence. 21:25 - 22:30: Misconceptions about funding risks. 22:30 - 24:00: Bridging HR strategy with finance priorities, plus advocacy examples. 24:00 - 26:00: Evaluating options and addressing volatility. 26:00 - 28:30: Mindsets holding employers back: Fear of change. 28:30 - 29:45: Upcoming trends: Advocacy integration and data-driven decisions. 29:45 - 31:55: Rethinking employee experience through invisible enhancements. 31:55 - 33:30: Building a trust culture from leadership down. 33:30 - 34:40: Role of data, analytics, and personalization in benefits. 34:40 - 34:55: Branding benefits for employee buy-in. 34:55 - 35:40: Must-have strategy for 2026: Proactive funding and pharmacy reviews. 35:40 - 37:55: Advice for organizations: Build trust, communicate thoughtfully, and measure impact. 37:55 - 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 funding models, pharmacy strategies, and employee advocacy. [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.