bswift Beacon

bswift Chief Legal Officer John Herbst joins Denise and Joel to break down the "year of regulatory shift" and what it means for benefits leaders in 2026. From ACA subsidies expiring and HIPAA security changes to mental health parity challenges, state PBM rules, and possible PBM fiduciary duties, John calls out what's real, what's noise, and where employers should focus to stay compliant, protect their plans, and keep costs in check.  John Herbst is bswift's Chief Legal Officer. He brings more than 20 years of experience leading legal teams at high-growth software companies. John began his career at an international law firm, advising growth and Fortune 500 firms on capital raising and M&A transactions, and general corporate affairs.   

bswift CEO Ted Bloomberg joins Denise and Joel to unpack the reality of 2026's costs—and why the old playbook just doesn't cut it anymore. From game-changing advances in AI to smarter, always-on engagement strategies, Ted shares how HR can move from bracing for impact to actually bending the cost curve. Along the way, we dig into how personalization can unlock proactive benefits and drive down costs.   Ted Bloomberg is a health care delivery executive with 25 years of leadership experience. He is the former Chief Operating Officer of HealthEquity and The Mutual Fund Store and held senior roles at Financial Engines and TD Ameritrade. Ted is responsible for bswift's strategic vision, growth, and culture.

How do you lead when the pressure's on? For bswift Chief People Officer Natalie Atwood, it starts long before open enrollment begins. Natalie joins Denise and Joel to talk about building relationship capital, using feedback as a lever for culture, what it takes to move the people function from administrative to strategic, and why her best advice for HR leaders is to "fix your roof when the sun's shining." About Natalie Atwood  Natalie Atwood leads bswift's People function. She brings over 15 years of HR industry experience. Previously Chief People Officer at Breeze Airways and EVP of People at HealthEquity, she is passionate about team engagement, development, and inclusion. The views expressed by guests of the bswift Beacon podcast series are theirs alone and not endorsed by nor necessarily reflect the views of bswift, its affiliates or their employees. The podcast recordings and all rights are owned and retained by bswift. Reproduction, duplication or reposting of podcasts or any portion thereof without the express written consent of bswift is prohibited. 

Tune in to the latest episode of the bswift Beacon. Joel and Denise are joined by Amit Jain, COO of bswift, to discuss the challenges of annual enrollment and how HR teams can navigate this busy season. Amit shares insights on preparation, teamwork, and the critical role of people, process, and technology in delivering a seamless experience.  From real-world examples to the transformative power of tools like Emma™ Intelligence, this episode offers actionable insights to help HR leaders turn annual enrollment into a strategic advantage. 

Joel and Denise are back with bswift Beacon, this time joined by bswift's Senior VP of Product Engineering, Vinita Pilani, to discuss the evolution of HR tech.  They explore the shift happening in HR as AI tools take on the busy work and tactical execution, allowing teams to focus on strategy and people. From innovative dashboards to seamless employee interactions, this episode showcases how Emma AdminPro™ transforms what's possible for benefits administration.  Whether you're leading a global workforce or figuring out how to simplify day-to-day tasks, this is a conversation packed with can't-miss insights and ideas for HR leaders.  About Vinita Pilani  Vinita Pilani is SVP of Product Engineering at bswift, where she leads the creation of innovative solutions that simplify benefits administration and empower HR teams. With more than 20 years of experience in IT and platform strategy, Vinita blends technical expertise with a passion for building tools that connect employees to their benefits in smart, seamless ways. 

Join hosts Denise and Joel for a special live episode of the bswift Beacon podcast, recorded at bswift's Idea Exchange conference in Hollywood, FL. This episode features guest Scott Millson, author of "Frequency of Excellence," as he shares his unique perspectives on leadership, the power of mentorship, and how to tune into everyday excellence. Packed with stories, insights, and actionable advice, this conversation is a must-listen for leaders looking to inspire their teams and build stronger workplace cultures. Don't miss it!   Scott Millson is a (mostly) retired insurance and benefits technology executive with deep expertise in designing and delivering industry leading benefits programs. Over his career, he's held leadership roles such as founder, president, and COO, as well as serving as Petty Officer Second Class in the U.S. Navy.  Now Scott focuses on helping others "find their frequency of excellence" through his work as an author and keynote speaker. His first book, "Frequency of Excellence," shares lessons in leadership and life, inspiring others to thrive. Scott lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife Kristin, proudly watching their four grown children discover their frequencies.

Join hosts Denise and Joel for an insightful discussion with Senior Vice President of the bswift Service Center, Eric Strom, the driving force behind bswift's Service Center transformation.  We'll cover the pivotal role service plays in benefits administration, digging into what it takes and how bswift strikes the balance between AI-driven innovation and the irreplaceable human touch. Eric shares his perspective on leadership, his approach to empowering teams and fostering connection, and how he's rethinking customer care to meet today's challenges—plus, the one thing he says is harder than all of that.  This conversation is packed with plenty of food for thought for HR professionals and service leaders looking to foster empathy, connection, and adaptability in their own organizations.  

Join hosts Joel and Denise for the debut episode of bswift Beacon. Get insights from internal communications expert Alyssa Zeff. We dive into key HR topics like improving employee engagement, navigating information overload, and leveraging AI to foster productivity. It's packed with insights, ideas, and practical strategies for HR leaders looking for real talk and actionable solutions to today's workplace challenges.

Welcome to the bswift Beacon, a podcast designed to spark real, honest conversations about work, benefits, and the challenges HR leaders face. Hosts Denise Day and Joel Nihlean will explore bold ideas, dig into expert insights, and explore practical strategies—with no sales pitches or jargon—all to find the solutions that make work better for everyone. Tune in, subscribe, and discover what's next in the world of work and benefits.