Episodes

In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, we sit down with Scott Walker, former Scotland Yard detective, kidnap-for-ransom negotiator, bestselling author, and negotiation expert. After handling more than 300 high-stakes cases around the world, Scott shares practical communication strategies that apply just as powerfully in business, leadership, sales, and personal relationships. What We Cover: Why the ultimate goal of any negotiation is cooperation and collaboration. The power of selfless empat...

What can a Scotland Yard hostage negotiator teach us about business, leadership, and everyday conversations? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, we sit down with Scott Walker, a former Scotland Yard detective and kidnap-for-ransom negotiator who spent nearly 20 years handling over 300 high-stakes cases around the world. Now a bestselling author of Order Out of Chaos and a global negotiation expert, Scott shares how his experience translates directly into business and personal interactions. ...

In Part 2 of this conversation on The H.I.T. Podcast, Joe Van Brussel returns to go deeper on the real implications of AI in the workplace—and what leaders need to get right moving forward. This episode moves beyond hype and into the human side of AI adoption. We explore: Why companies are rushing into AI—and the confusion it’s creating The responsibility leaders have to slow down and set intentional guardrails How over-reliance on AI can erode trust, communication, and creativity The conc...

What is AI actually doing to the way we think and work? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy sits down with Joe Van Brussel—creative director, writer, and philosopher—to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, decision-making, and professional work. With experience at The New York Times and The Huffington Post, Joe brings a unique lens to the conversation—blending philosophy with real-world application. We dive into: How AI can act as both a crutch (r...

Back at it again, with Joshua Barrows interviewing Toby Kennedy! Here's the HOT question: What does it take to keep a great client? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, Joshua Barrows shares a memorable analogy—comparing a valuable client to a “beautiful wife.” The idea is simple: when something (or someone) is valuable, there will always be other options. In today’s marketplace, top clients are constantly being approached by brokers, vendors, and new technology solutions. So how do you ke...

We flipped the show completely on its head for this one… Joshua Barrows—payroll and HRIS guru—steps in as HOST… and I’m in the guest chair. That’s right—roles reversed. (Yes… there may or may not be some jiu jitsu references) In this special “backwards day” episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, we dive into the current state of the insurance industry, how things are evolving, and what makes Montage Insurance Solutions different. What We Cover Why not all brokers are created equal How Montage op...

Welcome back to the HIT (Human Resources, Insurance, and Technology) podcast! This week, host Toby Kennedy is joined by world-renowned business consultant and author Kevin Lawrence for a deep dive into the strategies that separate stagnant companies from high-growth organizations. With over 30 years of experience helping executive teams scale 5x to 10x, Kevin shares why the "people piece" is the ultimate fuel for any growth engine. In this episode, we explore: The Discernment of Growth: Lear...

In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy sits down with Kim Bohr, CEO of Spark Effect, to break down the latest research on organizational trust—and why it may be one of the most important (and overlooked) drivers of performance. This conversation moves beyond theory and into practical frameworks leaders can use right now. Key Insights on Organizational Trust Trust as a KPI: Trust isn’t soft—it’s measurable and directly tied to revenue, retention, and reputation. Thriving in...

What does it actually take to build and lead companies that scale? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, entrepreneur, executive, and author Glenn Poulos joins the show to share lessons from nearly four decades of building, leading, and selling successful businesses. Glenn discusses how moving away from “seat-of-the-pants” management toward a structured leadership system—specifically the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—helped transform the way his companies operate and scale. We dive ...

What does it actually take to build and lead companies that scale? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, entrepreneur, executive, and author Glenn Poulos joins the show to share lessons from nearly four decades of building, leading, and selling successful businesses. Glenn discusses how moving away from “seat-of-the-pants” management toward a structured leadership system—specifically the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—helped transform the way his companies operate and scale. We dive ...

What are we actually chasing? Likes? Applause? Recognition? Or real impact? In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, Dr. Brandi Stankovic, Ed.D. joins us fresh off her recent TED talk to challenge the modern definition of “success” — especially the kind fueled by online praise and performative wins. We explore: • Why fake happiness and surface-level validation are so easy to chase • How leaders unintentionally reward the wrong behaviors • What organizations should really be measuring • H...

What do rules and expectations have in common? You shouldn’t set them if you’re not willing to enforce them. Unenforced standards make bad performers worse—and they quietly drain the motivation of your best people when they see inconsistency. In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Tommie Jo Brode for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, team-building, and what it really means to hold the line as a leader. We talk about: Why accountability protects you...

What exactly is a TPA (Third-Party Administrator)—and why does it matter in the world of health insurance? In this episode, Nick Buratti from Allied Benefit Systems joins me for a clear, practical conversation about how TPAs operate, what they’re responsible for, and where they fit into the broader health insurance ecosystem. If you’re involved in employee benefits, self-funded health plans, or just want to better understand how all the moving pieces connect, this episode is a must-watch. #Th...

What does it really take to build a high-performing, low-drama team? In this episode, we break down the real-world strategies behind employee management, intentional turnover, and aligning teams with mission, vision, and values—including practical lessons from the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). We cover: Managing People & Turnover The real cost of keeping the wrong person in the role What “intentional turnover” means—and how to handle transitions the right way Creating kind, profe...

That advice we all know we need to hear—delivered in a no-nonsense, get-it-done way. In this episode, we’re joined in studio by Chris Hallberg, aka The Business Sergeant—one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts, published author, and personally trained by Gino Wickman, creator of EOS and author of Traction. Chris breaks down his world-renowned leadership principles that help teams: Stop accepting poor leadership Build real accountability Adopt a disciplined, military-...

We’re excited to welcome Mark Dunahoo, President & COO of TruHu, into the studio for a thoughtful conversation on employee engagement and feedback. In this episode, we dive into TruHu’s mission, how organizations can better listen to their people, and what HR leaders should be thinking about as they look to strengthen culture, communication, and trust across their teams. We cover: Practical approaches to employee engagement Why feedback systems often fail—and how to improve them What HR lea...

Following up on our 2026 employment law update, employment attorney Brian Koegle is back with a highly practical breakdown of the top three legal compliance issues that continue to trip up HR teams—even experienced ones. In this episode, we cover: Recordkeeping do’s, don’ts, and common pitfalls Key compliance beats around leave laws Pro tips for avoiding wage & hour mistakes This isn’t theory—it’s real-world guidance drawn from what Brian sees employers getting wrong every day. Clear, actio...

Employment law continues to evolve—and staying ahead of it is critical for HR leaders and employers. In this episode, employment attorney Brian Koegle joins me in studio to break down the most important legal updates impacting the workplace in 2026. We cover what’s already in effect, what’s changing, and what organizations should be preparing for now. Topics include: Key employment law changes affecting HR Compliance updates employers can’t ignore Practical steps to reduce risk and stay ahe...

“Do better. Somehow.” That’s how a lot of professional goals are set — and it’s exactly why they fail. Most goals don’t collapse because people lack motivation. They fail because they’re too vague, unowned, and impossible to measure once real work, real calendars, and real pressure show up. In this episode, we break down what good professional goal setting actually looks like—the kind that survives busy schedules, competing priorities, and everyday reality. We cover: Why vague goals are a t...

Curious what The H.I.T. Podcast is all about? This episode is the perfect place to start. We’ve pulled together a hand-picked collection of our favorite moments—10 short clips stitched into one episode—to give you a true feel for the conversations, insights, and energy that define the show. Real talk Practical insights Incredible guests Bite-sized, digestible takes on the topics that matter in HR, benefits, leadership, and the future of work If you’re new here—or wondering why this podcast...

“We’re thinking about switching HRIS…” Famous. Last. Words. This episode is all about how HRIS platforms actually differ—and why so many teams end up frustrated after implementation. If you’ve sat through five demos that all felt exactly the same, this will help you ask better questions before you sign anything. This is a truly neutral guide to HRIS platforms—no selling, no affiliate links, no bias. I don’t work for those guys and I’m not here to push one platform over another. What I did do...

It’s that time of year… when HR gets absolutely flooded with FSA questions. Yes — your FSA can buy some pretty weird stuff. Oura rings? Massage guns? DNA tests? Yep. All real. In this episode, we break down unusual (but legit!) FSA purchases, clarify what actually qualifies, and help employees make the most of those use-it-or-lose-it dollars before they disappear. Perfect for HR pros, benefits teams, and anyone trying to spend FSA funds wisely—without crossing the line.

This episode features an awesome conversation with Shane Foss, CEO of Hooray Health, about a super affordable and high-value option your employees will actually use and love. We break down a benefit designed specifically for part-time and hourly staff, offering: Low co-pays A large national provider network Virtual care access Rx component Simple, predictable costs A benefit employees genuinely appreciate If you’ve been looking for a way to strengthen your benefits portfolio without blow...

Some of you know my story, and some of you don’t — but growing up on the run from a violent household, spending time in battered women’s shelters, and even living through a kidnapping are all parts of what shaped me. They’re also why I care so deeply about doing good in this world… and why I’m so proud to serve on the board of Rainbow Services, Ltd., an incredible organization supporting survivors of domestic violence. Coming right after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday — days cente...