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People Business w/ O'Brien McMahon

Advertise on podcast: People Business w/ O'Brien McMahon

Rating
★★★★★
5
from
59 reviews
This podcast has
246 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2020/04/27
Latest episode
2026/10/21
Average duration
54 min.
Release period
15 days

Description

Every business is in some way a “people business” with success or failure often coming down to how leaders manage the people dynamics of their organization. People Business is a weekly podcast focused on what it takes to build and lead a successful, profitable business by navigating the human element.

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Check latest episodes from People Business w/ O'Brien McMahon podcast


Lessons from 100 HR "unConfidential" episodes w/ Turiya Gray & Gina Flaig
2026/10/21
Gina Flaig and Turiya Gray are HR executives and co-hosts of the HRunconfidential podcast. After years of swapping behind-the-scenes stories about life in HR, they launched the show in 2018 to share candid insights and practical advice for navigating today’s ever-evolving workplace. Mentioned on the Show Listen to the HR unConfidential Podcast: https://www.hrunconfidential.com/Turiya and Gina recommend their conversation on Episode 100. Listen here: HR unConfidential interviewing Aiko BetheaWork with Turiya and Gina: https://www.hrunconfidential.com/advisoryConnect with Turiya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turiyagrayConnect with Gina Flaig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaflaigTimestamps (00:00:00) – Turiya Gray and Gina Flaig of the HR unConfidential Podcast join O’Brien McMahon. (00:01:44) – What are Turiya's and Gina's backgrounds, and how did the podcast come about? (00:04:40) – Good HR vs. Bad HR. What does it look like when HR is functioning really well or not? (00:08:03) – What are the skills that make up a high-functioning HR leader today? (00:12:18) – Where is HR having difficult conversations today? (00:18:35) – What has surprised you the most about doing a podcast on HR? (00:21:27) – What have you changed your mind on because of the show? (00:31:12) – How do leaders decide what to say and when to say it during social, political, or other current events? (00:43:18) – What about people who will abuse the system? (00:43:49) – How do you draw a line between caring for people and upholding standards? (00:52:33) – Handling struggling employees (00:58:03) – Amid shifting circumstances, what about HR and HR leadership do you think is never going to change?
Building Self-Esteem w/ Alan Weiss
2026/10/06
Alan Weiss, PhD, is a consultant, speaker, and author. Through his consulting firm, Summit Consulting Group, Inc., he has worked with more than 500 leading organizations. A sought-after speaker at major conferences, he’s also published more than 60 books. His new book is The Courage of Your Talents: How to Build Your Self-esteem, Trust Your Own Judgment, and Constantly Succeed in Business (and Life). Mentioned on the Show Alan Weiss is a prolific author, his latest is The Courage of Your Talent: https://a.co/d/022hIGzZSee all of Alan Weiss’ books here: https://alanweiss.com/store/books/Alan’s website has many resources available, see them here: https://alanweiss.com/Connect with Alan Weiss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanweissphdTimestamps (00:00:00) - O'Brien McMahon welcomes super consultant Alan Weiss to People Business (00:03:12) - Esteem vs ego: what's the difference between an ego-based feeling about yourself and an esteem-based one? (00:05:09) - Are self-worth and self-esteem the same? (00:07:29) - Our worth is not determined by comparing to others (00:10:17) - Setting metrics for success. (00:12:55) - How do we deal with competition in the market? (00:22:20) - How do we establish our sense of identity? (00:26:14) - How do we shape our self-confidence? (00:35:32) - How do we deal with fear? (00:39:57) - Free resources from Alan Weiss.
Mental Performance: Self-Talk, Anchors, and Improving Your Life While Having Fun w/ Collin Henderson
2026/09/23
Collin has authored seven books, hosts the Master Your Mindset podcast, and has trained #1 NBA draft picks, Heisman finalists, and top performers across pro sports and Fortune 500 companies. His brand new sales book, The Oz Method, is out now.  Mentioned on the Show Collin Henderson’s book, The Oz Method on Amazon: https://a.co/d/03Dl58jTCollin is also the author of The Quiet Mind (https://a.co/d/0gaz0bR6) and Culture is King (https://a.co/d/0itxqEA8)Connect with Collin Henderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinhendersonmindsetLearn more about Collin’s podcast and his keynote presentations on his website: https://www.thecollinhenderson.com/Timestamps (00:00:00) - O'Brien McMahon welcomes Collin Henderson, podcaster and author of "The Oz Method". (00:01:38) - Mindset, mental performance, and getting grounded. (00:02:01) - Collin's origin story and finding purpose through pain. (00:07:12) - Starting speech therapy and confronting the fear of public speaking. (00:13:18) - The value and impact of effective public speaking. (00:13:31) - Does the vulnerable "little kid" identity still exist in Collin? (00:14:45) - Three pillars of the Mind Gym: self-awareness, self-talk, self-identity. (00:16:33) - Why self-talk matters. (00:17:15) - Negative and recurring thoughts research; shame vs. fear. (00:19:05) - Leaving corporate sales to pursue speaking/coaching full-time. (00:20:35) - The pandemic's impact and pivoting to virtual speaking. (00:22:26) - What are "anchors" and how are they used in mindset conditioning? (00:24:39) - Recovering from failure: what is the research? (00:32:31) - The four levels of confidence (zero, shaky, stable, unshakable). (00:37:46) - The "powerful paradox" of caring and not caring simultaneously. (00:40:34) - Introducing the four-minute mental workout and the HAW method. (00:42:23) - The "I have, I am, I will" mental drill explained. (00:44:39) - How play and fun accelerates learning and reduces the reps needed for new habits. (00:47:03) - Modern attention spans and earning audience engagement. (00:48:32) - Final reflections: compassion, forgiving yourself, and imperfection. (00:49:33) Closing thoughts and where to find Collin's books.
Debriefing to Improve Performance w/ Jeff "Bones" Bonner
2026/09/09
Jeff "Bones" Bonner is a former Marine and Air National Guard combat fighter pilot, current airline captain, and Harvard-trained performance strategist who speaks and writes on leadership and continuous improvement. Mentioned on the Show Start the Daily Debrief process today with a free download from Jeff “Bones” Bonner’s website: https://debriefadvantage.com/habitConnect with Jeff “Bones” Bonner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbonesbonnerGet Jeff’s book, The Debrief Advantage, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/08oHqm5zTimestamps (00:00:00) - Jeff “Bones” Bonner joins O’Brien McMahon on the People Business podcast to talk about continuous improvement and the Daily Debrief model (00:02:54) - What is the path to becoming a fighter pilot? (00:07:54) - What other lasting lessons from military life has Jeff carried into his post-military career? (00:09:43) - When did the idea of debriefing first click? (00:13:35) - What mindset helps someone mentally shift into debrief mode after a demanding performance? (00:16:55) - The Daily Debrief model: what are the steps? (00:18:06) - Why is gratitude a part of a debrief process? (00:24:58) - What are the best practices for setting up a debrief session? (00:38:03) - How does someone actually start using the model? (00:40:01) - Aim for 1% better: incremental change; continual improvement. (00:45:21) - Should a leader debrief and communicate it, or open it up for everyone to contribute?  (00:56:15) - How to start using the Daily Debrief model today and closing thoughts
When Every Student Must Launch a Business to Graduate w/ Jeff Meade
2026/08/25
Jeff Meade is the Founding Director of Entrepreneurship at Paul Quinn College, where he is leading a bold initiative: Every Quinnite is an Entrepreneur. The program ensures every student launches a venture before graduation, making entrepreneurship a core life skill rather than an extracurricular option. With over 20 years of experience growing companies and advising businesses, Jeff has scaled agencies to multimillion-dollar revenues and built client-side marketing programs that gained national recognition. Mentioned on the Show Follow Jeff Meade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmeade Learn more about Jeff on his website: https://jeff-meade.com/ Every Quinnite is an Entrepreneur – program details here: https://paulquinn.edu/entrepreneurship/ Timestamps (00:00:00) O'Brien McMahon welcomes Jeff Meade of the Paul Quinn College Entrepreneurship program (00:02:07) How did Jeff Meade, an entrepreneur, get involved with a college? (00:06:40) Mentorship's role in entrepreneurship. (00:08:11) What qualifies as "starting a business" in the Paul Quinn program? (00:12:29) What's the biggest entrepreneurship lesson Jeff Meade wishes he'd learn earlier? (00:13:28) What core entrepreneurship principles does Jeff want his students to walk away with? (00:18:49) What is the ultimate goal of the Paul Quinn College entrepreneurship program?  (00:24:15) What are some examples of student projects? (00:27:20) What is Jeff's day-to-day role and how hands-on is he with students? (00:30:56) Are these businesses group projects or solo ventures? (00:33:06) What does the accountability process look like? (00:39:20) What are the biggest transformations you see in students over the course of the program? (00:41:23) Does the curriculum include psychology or mental toughness training? (00:48:16) Final thoughts from Jeff Meade.
Job Seeking in an AI World w/ Garrett Rice
2026/08/11
Garrett Rice is the CEO and co-founder of Callings.ai, an AI-powered workforce transition platform that helps organizations support employees through career change while improving outcomes for both departing talent and the employers they leave behind. Under Garrett’s leadership, Callings.ai has developed an AI- native platform that combines job discovery, career coaching, networking, personal branding, interview preparation, and job search management into a single experience.  Mentioned on the Show Special offer for the People Business audience! Try Callings.ai complimentary: https://www.callings.ai/obrienLearn more about Callings.ai: https://www.callings.ai/aboutConnect with Garrett Rice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettrice Timestamps (00:00:00) – O’Brien McMahon of the People Business Podcast welcomes Garrett Rice of Callings.ai (00:03:17) - What’s the origin story of Callings.ai and how did Garrett Rice get into the business? (00:08:13) - What does traditional outplacement include? What is valuable about that model? (00:20:40) - What advice does Garrett has for job-seekers for positioning and marketing themselves? (00:28:14) - How can jobseekers use AI tools and remain authentic? (00:33:19) - What are the best practices are for breaking through to hiring managers, given how desensitized people are to outreach? (00:34:47) - Depersonalizing the results: how can a job-seeker keep going without getting demoralized? (00:44:05) – Special offer for the People Business audience and final thoughts about outplacement and job-seeking
Managing Pharmacy Spend w/ Matt Jarvis, PharmD
2026/07/28
Matt Jarvis is the SVP of Strategy in Lockton's national pharmacy practice. He has a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) and has worked in both retail and consulting pharmacy roles. Matt is a subject matter expert in understanding current pharmacy market pricing, supply chain, and medication delivery to the consumer. He leads the development and implementation of innovative clinical solutions that drive optimal management in specialty drugs for Lockton clients.  Mentioned on the Show Connect with Matt Jarvis, PharmD on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjarvispharmdWould you like O’Brien or Matt to discuss your company’s pharmacy benefit plan? Reach out here: Contact O’BrienMatt and O’Brien discussed alternatives like Amazon Pharmacy and Mark Cuban’s venture, Cost Plus Drugs. Timestamps (00:00:00) – Matt Jarvis, PharmD joins his colleague O’Brien McMahon on the People Business Podcast (00:03:48) – What is the structure of a pharmacy plan and how does it differ from the medical plan? What are the common misconceptions? (00:05:43) – What a PBM is and why does it exist? Why isn't pharmacy handled through the regular health plan? (00:08:12) – Why don't drug manufacturers sell directly to health plans and what the steps are from drug creation to pharmacy purchase? (00:09:44) – What is a formulary? (00:13:09) – Why is there is a disconnect between doctors prescribing medications and what's actually covered by a plan? (00:14:37) – What is the role of drug reps in the overall pharmacy system? (00:18:43) – Is AI influencing how doctors prescribe medications? (00:19:54) – What role does the pharmacist plays in the current system?   (00:21:18) – Do pharmacists have any ability to intervene or help patients navigate the formulary, or do they just dispense whatever is prescribe? (00:23:30) – What is prior authorization, and is it driven by clinical or financial outcomes? (00:27:36) – What are the different drug tiers and what qualifies a drug for each tier? (00:28:48) – What qualifies as a specialty drug? (00:30:20) – What is the difference is between prior authorization and step therapy? (00:31:40) – What role do generics in the current pharm landscape? (00:40:16) – Step therapy and biosimilars: how they each work (00:42:38) – Where does mail order fit into the pharmacy system? (00:48:00) – Rebates: the complicated and confusing system of paying for drugs (00:56:21) – Emerging PBMs and when it makes sense for clients to switch (00:59:33) – How can employers vet new-model PBMs when traditional rebate-heavy models look better on a spreadsheet? (01:02:59) – Closing thoughts from Matt Jarvis
Why We Resist Change (Even When It's Positive) w/ Travis Hahler
2026/07/21
Travis Hahler has spent 15+ years leading transformation at scale. Simultaneously, he built the scientific framework that explains why transformation fails at the neurological level. His new book, Rethinking Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change is out now.  Mentioned on the Show Your one-stop for all of Travis Hahler’s links is here: https://linktr.ee/theneurologicalnomadTravis’ book, Rethink Resistance is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/02iE70p7Connect with Travis on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdhahlerListen to the People Business episode with Achyuta Adhvaryu: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/achyutaadhvaryu/O’Brien and Travis bond over mutual admiration of the book The Rabbit Listened. Available on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/09zgnSuVCheck out Shots of Awe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShotsOfAweTimestamps (00:00:00) – Travis Hahler, the Neurological Nomad sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business Podcast (00:02:01) — Travis Hahler origin story: why did he write a book on change? (00:04:45) — What physical/physiological things happen in people's brains when asked to change a routine? (00:06:23) — What is the physical work of the brain when encountering change (including calorie consumption)? (00:11:01) — Inclusion: what good inclusion looks like during the change planning process. (00:12:59) — What if everyone can't be included? (00:21:29) — Process of learning: step-by-step, how does learning happen? (00:22:36) — Taking breaks: what really works. (00:27:38) — Timing: when change happens too quickly or too slow (00:33:13) — Avoiding overwhelm: how to pace change properly (00:39:04) — How can ambiguity be avoided? (00:42:23) — How to communicate change effectively (00:44:33) — Clarity, consistency, and safety  (00:48:39) — What do grief and loss have to do with change?
Developing Emotional Intelligence w/ Robin Hills
2026/07/07
Dr. Robin Hills is a business psychologist and the director of Ei4Change, a company specializing in emotional intelligence training, coaching, and personal development. The company was awarded “International Impact Company of the Year” by Dotcom Magazine in 2025. With the most comprehensive and detailed courses around the topic of emotional intelligence, Robin has taught and empowered more than 500,000 people across 200+ countries. Mentioned on the Show Connect with Robin on LinkedIn here: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robinhillsTake Robin’s Emotional Intelligence quiz and learn more about Ei4Change: https://ei4change.com/Read the classic EQ text by Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ: https://a.co/d/0eLKJfuWTimestamps (00:00:00) – O’Brien McMahon, host of People Business Podcast welcomes Robin Hills, founder of Ei4Change. (00:02:31) – Origins: How did Robin Hills get interested in emotional intelligence and build a business around EQ? (00:04:28) – What is emotional intelligence? (00:05:25) – Framework: How do we build better emotional intelligence? (00:07:45) – How can we better understand and gain distance from our own emotions? How do we improve self-control? (00:07:57) – What does the practice of building emotional self-awareness actually look like? (00:15:06) – Passion vs. Balance: How do we show engagement without losing credibility? (00:19:48) – What are the core human emotions? (00:20:10) – Inside Out: why the Pixar movies get so much right about our emotions (00:23:37) – Does improved emotional intelligence equal business results? (00:25:53) – How can individuals use emotional intelligence to make themselves more valuable at work? (00:27:43) – What's the value of leadership skills in non-leadership positions? (00:33:24) – Empathy vs. Performance: how can emotional intelligence ensure empathy doesn't overtake performance? (00:43:34) – What leading indicators signal business trouble on the horizon?
Creating Hits w/ Mark Shekter
2026/06/16
Mark Shekter is a master at creating hits. With a rich background as a Hollywood writer-producer-composer, having worked with Steve Martin, Jim Carrey, Elton John, and many others, Mark has pioneered an entirely new system of creative thinking – Think8. This same easy-to-learn system empowers business leaders to reshape their corporate cultures for unlimited innovation and growth. Mentioned on the Show Learn more about Mark Shekter and his Think8 Global Initiative on his website: https://www.think8globalinstitute.com/Get Mark’s book, Think8: 8 Steps to Ignite Your Creative Genius in Business, Career, & Life on Amazon: https://a.co/d/09pvYnh8Tone experiment: Listen to Hurt, as performed by Nine Inch Nails (1994) vs. Hurt performed by Johnny Cash. Listen to Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears vs. Lorde. Timestamps (00:00:00) – Mark Shekter sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business, the podcast for HR professionals. (00:02:44) – What is Mark's definition of "creativity"?   (00:05:34) – What's the value of creativity in the workplace (for skeptics)? (00:08:26) – How did the Think8 method come together and start falling into place? (00:12:28) – Walk us through the eight steps of the Think8 process at a high level (00:17:10) – Purpose: How to make this broad topic more accessible. (00:24:09) – How does Mark's own purpose tie together his varied career? (00:33:53) – Ego check: how do we balance wanting acknowledgement with capacity? (00:40:31) – How can purpose be turned into a message to share with the world? (00:47:14) – Tone: how to find the right tone when building a business or personal brand? (00:56:23) – Character: what role does character play when building a business or personal brand?
How Work Gets Done (and Evolving it for AI) w/ David Dean
2026/06/02
David Dean is an author, speaker, and business AI realist who explores how artificial intelligence reshapes work, judgment, and accountability in organizations. Rather than focusing on AI capabilities, he examines the human elements that remain essential: how people navigate uncertainty, where accountability lies when AI assists decisions, and what holds organizations together when technology accelerates faster than clarity. His philosophy is grounded in a simple truth: AI doesn't understand confidence, risk, or consequence—people do, and that's why they still matter. Mentioned on the Show Learn more about David Dean on his website: https://www.davidchristopherdean.com/Get David’s book, An Inbox Between Us on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0ins9UC9Learn some easy AI strategies for work from Jeff Su on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffSu or on his website: https://www.jeffsu.org/ai/Timestamps (00:00:00) – Introducing David Dean. (00:02:35) — What is David's background and how did he get interested in the systems we find at work? (00:04:36) — What are the “hidden systems” operating in our workplaces? (00:09:42) — How does email influence our systems at work? (00:14:05) — What are some real-life examples of discovering how we work? (00:24:12) — What is system/process drift? (00:36:21) — What makes the biggest difference in driving adoption of new processes and ways of working? (00:43:04) — What is the premise of the book, The Inbox Between Us?  (00:45:43) — Final thoughts about AI coming into our workplaces.
Say it Right w/ Mary Nestor
2026/05/26
Mary J. Nestor is the author of three books, an award-winning speaker, coach and consultant. In this episode, we cover her Amazon #1 bestseller, Say It Now! Say It Right! How to Handle Tough or Tender Conversations.   Mentioned on the Show Learn more about Mary Nestor on her website: https://www.maryjnestor.com/Connect with Mary Nestor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryjnestor-writer-speaker-consultantGet Mary’s book, Say it Right! Say it Now! on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0156GOXJTimestamps (00:00:00) – Mary J. Nestor sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business, the podcast for HR professionals (00:02:05) – How did Mary Nestor come up with the "Say It Now" philosophy in the first place? (00:06:49) – What is a better way is for families to handle conversations they've been suppressing or stifling? (00:08:33) – How do we build courage in ourselves to have difficult conversations? (00:09:07) – Is "just have courage" the right approach, or is there's a better mindset/story we can tell ourselves to make difficult conversations feel less daunting? (00:09:23) – What framework helps people reset their thinking around difficult conversations? (00:11:46) – What is the "Say It Now" philosophy? (00:13:13) – What is the difference between being nice in the right way versus the wrong way? (00:14:57) – What’s a good way to enter a tough conversation: being direct or asking permission first? (00:18:31) – What’s a real-world example of redirecting feedback away from personal criticism and toward performance? (00:26:47) – What is the right approach is when dealing with someone who catastrophizes or takes any criticism as a personal attack? (00:31:02) – What if a difficult conversation does not resolve on the first try? (00:35:47) – What’s the right medium for difficult conversations: text, voice memos, video, or is live conversation is always better? (00:42:43) – When we say something wrong or hurtful, what does good repair looks like? (00:47:40) – What skills make a person always employable, according to Mary?
Handling Workplace Bullies w/ Jodee Blanco
2026/05/05
Jodee Blanco is an expert on the human component of effective communication. She is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, including the seminal memoir Please Stop Laughing at Me… and the founder of INJJA (It's NOT Just Joking Around!), the first survivor-led anti-bullying program in the country. She consults for schools and corporations and has taught at The University of Chicago and New York University. Mentioned on the Show Learn more about Jodee Blanco on her website: https://www.jodeeblanco.com/Connect with Jodee Blanco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodeeblancoGet Jodee’s book, Please Stop Laughing at Me (updated, 2022): https://a.co/d/0895F99HAlso mentioned on the show: The Anger Trap by Les Carter (https://a.co/d/04r3ox0r) and Loving What Is by Byron Katie (about “The Work,” Byron Katie’s technique: https://a.co/d/03msu0XT) Listen to Jennifer Fraser, PhD on the People Business Podcast talking about the gaslit brain: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/jenniferfraser/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/qpPYdAKmiCY?si=DylW7mNGnQn7M4gLTimestamps (00:00:00) – Jodee Blanco sits down with O’Brien McMahon on People Business (00:02:37) – What’s the backstory behind Please Stop Laughing at Me, Jodee's book about bullying? (00:05:44) – What form did Jodee’s bullying take: physical, mental, or otherwise?  (00:10:49) – How can victims of bullying rebuild self-confidence? (00:15:16) – Where is the line between turning suffering into power versus tipping over into vengeance? (00:23:09) – Joking around: how to distinguish between joking and bullying. (00:33:11) – How to help people who are prone to negative reactions build grit, resilience, and hardiness. (00:40:22) – Truth: determining what is true about a circumstance and how truth relates to bullying. (00:48:53) – Jodee is available to talk to you, your school, or your business about bullying and communication.
Self-Funding w/ Spencer Smith
2026/04/21
Spencer Smith is a Senior Vice President at Pareto Health, a leading employee benefit group captive manager that helps midsize employers reduce health insurance costs and volatility. He is also the host of Self-Funded with Spencer, a podcast focused on self-funded employee benefits plans and the complex healthcare ecosystem.  Mentioned on the Show Learn more about Self Funded with Spencer, the podcast hosted by Spencer Smith: https://www.selffundedwithspencer.com/Connect with Spencer Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-fundedSpencer Smith is with ParetoHealth: https://www.paretohealth.com/Both O’Brien and Spencer are fans of the work/videos of Eric Bricker, MD. Learn more:  https://www.ahealthcarez.com/Timestamps (00:00:00) –O’Brien McMahon of People Business welcomes Spencer Smith of Self Funding with Spencer (00:03:12) – How did you get started hosting a podcast about self-funded medical plans?  (00:05:42) – What’s the difference between a fully insured plan and a self-funded plan?  (00:08:08) – What are the benefits of a self-funded plan, beyond cost savings? (00:09:20) – When do self-funding plans make sense, or when do fully insured plans still make sense?  (00:13:54) – What is the dreaded insurance "death spiral"?   (00:17:21) – How difficult is it for a company switching from fully insured to a self-funded model?   (00:23:01) – What are the most common mistakes for companies that tried self-funding and had it go poorly?  (00:29:38) – What do typical savings look like when moving from fully insured to self-funded, assuming the plan runs as expected?  (00:32:28) – What is Pareto Health, and what is Spencer’s “day job”?  (00:41:47) – What is a healthcare ecosystem, and what does it mean for employees’ healthcare consumer experience?  (00:44:17) – Why does Spencer think pharmacy plans are a great place to start with exploring self-funding? (00:53:34) – What is care navigation?  (00:54:55) – How important is communication when it comes to healthcare benefits?
Understanding Chance w/ Dr. Michael Orkin
2026/04/07
Dr. Michael Orkin is a statistics professor at Berkeley City College and a consultant known for his work on probability and gambling games. He is the author of several books, including The Story of Chance - What's Luck Got To Do With It?. Mentioned on the Show Read The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, by Michael Orkin: https://a.co/d/0gFTe7ohConnect with Dr. Mike Orkin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr –mike –orkin –5600584O’Brien and Michael Orkin discuss several books including: Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb; The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb; Beat the Dealer by Edward Thorp; Number Go Up by Zeke Faux; The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel; The Talent War Timestamps (00:00:00) – Michael Orkin, PhD joins O’Brien McMahon on People Business  (00:01:55) – Why are we so uncomfortable with randomness? (00:02:38) – Where do we benefit from embracing randomness, and where should we fight for order? (00:12:54) – Why are we so bad at gauging probability? (00:15:30) – Should we stop talking in probabilities for complex things? (00:21:44) – How do we know if we are skilled or it’s just chance (or luck)? (00:22:36) – Does luck play a role in success? (00:35:12) – Understanding the normal distribution curve (00:37:22) – How can companies think about elevating the talent that they have? (00:42:17) – What are the best ways to get feedback from our workforce or team? (00:44:18) – What would be the best way to get insightful information from large groups? (00:46:23) – The Lollapalooza story (00:49:24) – Where to find the book The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, by Michael Orkin

Podcast reviews

Read People Business w/ O'Brien McMahon podcast reviews


5 out of 5
59 reviews
★★★★★
kwebs14 2021/12/07
Great Listen
Not a single episode where anyone in the business of people won’t pick up a nugget or three. Well worth the listen!
★★★★★
Ryan Hyman 2021/11/27
Great listen
OBrien does a great job of consistently having interesting guests and thought provoking conversations. Always a good use of time to tune in!
★★★★★
Refah Ali 2021/11/03
O’Brien McMahon Is A Must Listen!
O’Brien McMahon absolutely delivers on robust conversation, educational topics, and inspirational takeaways! I love how O’Brien’s brain works - a must...
★★★★★
Daddy2002co 2021/10/29
Unreal content
OBrien has an incredible ability to get the most of his impressive guests. I find his perspective insightful, and his wide spectrum of guests is real...
★★★★★
Ctemp22 2021/10/28
Interesting & inspiring!
These episodes do not disappoint. Interesting people who have amazing stories to share. Great fuel for your day!
★★★★★
Leah H 2021/10/27
Love it
Great’s conversation & insights - I look forward to new episodes every week! My favorite is Me, Inc. with Dr. Ray Sylvester (Nov 2020). 10/10, definit...
★★★★★
Egg McMuffins 2021/10/26
Great conversations with interesting people
The conversations are always fluid and I’m left with great takeaways each time from the interesting people he brings on the podcast.
★★★★★
Jimmy Madeksho 2021/10/26
Blending IQ with EQ
O’Brien hits the nail on the head… “Every business is a People Business.” There’s something in each episode leaders can immediately implement to impro...
★★★★★
CMS938 2021/10/26
Essential for anyone who works in HR or manages people
Or for any humans who work in a workplace! Great variety of topics. I always learn something new.
★★★★★
tvmTrek 2021/10/25
People First!
While I have missed a podcast or two, I enjoy hearing about the key ingredient to a successful business, their people. The stories help me find what ...
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