How DEI will influence future product development

The January 2026 stop loss cycle delivered a market unlike anything we’ve seen in years. Escalating medical inflation, a surge in catastrophic claims for cancer and other conditions collided with carriers under pressure to hit pricing targets—creating one of the most volatile years to date. But the bigger question is: what does it mean for the rest of the year and 2027? In this bonus episode of the Working Forward podcast, members of our stop loss leadership team are joined by Ron Peck, Esq., Chief Legal Officer at The Phia Group, and Mehb Khoja, Chief Growth Officer at BCS Financial Corporation, to unpack what happened and explore what’s next for brokers, carriers, and self-funded groups.

In our final episode of Season 2, Todd is joined by our VP, Head of Workforce Benefits Sales, David Schneeweis, to interview Paralympic champion Chris Waddell. Chris shares his incredible journey—including his goal to become the first paraplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro—and how he overcame challenges along the way. Join us as we talk about how we can bring that same spirit into the workplace, creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to push through adversity and thrive.

From streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences to raising ethical and regulatory concerns. In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming the financial services landscape, what it means for risk management and how organizations can responsibly navigate this evolving technology.

In this episode we discuss how innovative solutions like fully integrated benefits administration and app-enabled customer service platforms help streamline claim processing, boost plan utilization and revolutionize health care benefits management for both employees and employers.

Cancer is a life-changing diagnosis, but product development in employee benefit and individual insurance coverage are providing critical support for those navigating diagnosis, treatment and recovery. In this episode, we explore some of the innovative solutions available today and how the industry is stepping up to help address the emotional, physical and financial challenges faced by individuals and their families.

In this episode we look at the intersection between employee benefits and individual retirement products and how they support employees’ financial security during their working years and beyond.

Season 1 cohost, Laura Dinan Habor, returns as a guest to discuss the challenges, opportunities and transformative potential of InsurTech while offering insights into future solutions for tomorrow’s workforce.

Join us as we explore the evolving world of employee benefits through the lens of sales representatives at different stages in their careers. From fresh perspectives to seasoned insights, we discuss how they build relationships, adapt to trends and deliver exceptional support to broker partners.

In this episode we discuss how diversity, equity and inclusion will shape product development, from meeting the needs of a diverse workforce to understanding the importance of adopting inclusive language to help foster belonging.

We explore the future of absence management, state-paid family leave programs, and the critical role of return-to-work initiatives. From legislative shifts to emerging practices, we dissect the evolving landscape and its implications for employers and employees alike.