The Broker Edge

How can ROI really be measured for workforce mental wellness solutions? Learn how brokers can connect productivity and engagement to significant medical cost savings — and confidently demonstrate to their clients why investing in them explains the data behind mental health solutions.    

We sit down with Jeff Giovannelli, Head of Group Benefits Distribution, to break down the latest market trends shaping the broker landscape. Jeff shares what brokers need to know to strengthen client relationships, stand out in a crowded market, and position themselves for long-term growth.

Discover how Guardian and ThreeFlow Connect help brokers quote faster, simplify renewals, and turn better data into better client conversations — without adding work to their day.  

As a broker, you may see paid leave as a mandate‑only issue or assume state plans are enough. In this episode, we unpack why that thinking can limit growth — and how paid leave helps you start stronger absence conversations as client and employee expectations evolve.

This episode zeroes in on the pivotal role of the finalist meeting. The discussion explores how the outcome of these meetings can significantly influence a client’s decision-making process, often determining whether a broker secures or loses new business.  

Rising dental care costs are putting pressure on employers. Learn how brokers can use smart plan design and clear messaging to retain clients and drive growth.

This episode makes ben tech practical through real broker–client scenarios. We break down when APIs matter, where EDI still fits, and how brokers can guide clients toward the right ben admin and HCM setup. You’ll also hear best practices from finalist meetings and a consultative playbook brokers can use right away.  

The rise of gig work, solopreneurs, and digital platforms is driving a shift toward retail-style benefits offerings. Rick Porterfield explores how brokers can tap into new markets, including non-traditional workers and platform users, by leveraging retail products and alternative distribution channels. Learn how to create value for clients in a world where benefits are increasingly direct-to-consumer.

Explore how supplemental health products strengthen broker portfolios. This episode covers bundling strategies, member experience improvements, pricing trends, carrier partnerships, and practical ways to position supplemental health as a value‑driven benefits solution in a competitive market. 

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the insurance and benefits industry. Rick Porterfield discusses the latest innovations, from agentic AI to care navigation, and what brokers need to know to stay ahead. This episode explores how AI is impacting client service, plan design, and even the structure of employment itself, offering actionable strategies for brokers to adapt and thrive.

Guardian’s new hospital indemnity offering goes beyond coverage — supporting fertility health, caregiving, mental health, and more. Brokers, here’s how to position this holistic solution for today’s workforce. 

Want to thrive as a benefits broker? Learn how top performers build lasting success through client-first thinking, strong carrier relationships, and bold growth moves. Guardian’s top sales rep shares practical tips and inspiration for new brokers and mentors alike.

Discover how Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) are transforming employee benefits and reshaping broker strategies. In this episode, Rick Porterfield shares expert insights on leveraging PEO partnerships to boost profitability, optimize distribution, and thrive in a consolidating market.

Dental networks are changing fast. In this episode, we break down the shift from fully owned to hybrid (rented and contracted) networks, what it means for brokers, and how to guide clients through the new landscape. Get practical tips, key questions to ask, and strategies to stay ahead in today’s evolving dental market.

On this episode our guest Josh Roland, CLMS, GBDS, VBS from Centro Benefits Research discusses why dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits matter more than ever — and why “cheaper” isn’t always better. Tune in for fresh insights and what’s next for brokers and employers.

In this episode of Ask the Underwriter, we explore the shifting landscape of life and disability insurance costs. Our panel of experts dives into post-pandemic mortality trends, demographic shifts, and the economic pressures influencing participation rates and underwriting decisions. We also unpack actionable strategies for brokers to improve enrollment outcomes, secure competitive quotes, and understand the deeper drivers behind disability claims. Whether you're a seasoned broker or new to the space, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate today’s complex benefits environment. 

Our guest, Michelle Bertrand, a technology practice leader at Guardian, explores the transformative power of API integrations in the employee benefits industry. Join us to hear insights on how APIs can help streamline the plan build and eligibility processes, ultimately shortening setup time, reducing errors, and improving overall efficiency.

Discover the innovative features of the new Workday Wellness benefits platform and how it integrates with Guardian's solutions to help provide a seamless experience for planholders. Learn about the latest API technology that can help ensure better support and engagement for wellness-related benefits.

In this episode, we dive into the strategic decision-making behind offering ASO (Administrative Services Only) dental plans to clients. Brokers will learn how to identify the right timing and client profile for ASO dental, understand the pricing dynamics, and explore how to limit risk while maximizing value. Whether you're advising a mid-sized employer or a large organization, this episode will help you guide clients toward smarter, more informed dental coverage choices.

Join Sarah Mitchell, Benefits Technology Practice Leader, Guardian and Meredith Block, Manager, Client Relationship Management, The Cason Group In this engaging conversation, we explore the current state of Evidence of Insurability (EOI) and how outdated processes are creating pain points across the benefits ecosystem.

Hear Ashlee Carroll, Head of Network Practices and Field Support, discuss the delicate balance when considering network size, access, and discounts. A smaller network can have better access (targeted) and deep discounts which provide more savings for planholders and members.

Hear Mark Harris, Executive Sales Consultant and Megan Richard, Client Manager, Premier, Group Benefits at Guardian discuss how to build value and efficiency by building your carrier relationships.

Discover how Guardian’s Paid Leave Benefit Rider is transforming traditional short-term plans to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. This episode explores how the rider fills critical gaps in both states with and without paid family and medical leave (PFML) laws — offering a more complete and equitable leave solution. Learn how brokers can leverage this innovative offering to help clients support multi-state employees with consistent, inclusive leave policies. 

Our underwriters Dan Tessitore, Leader/Regional Underwriting Director and Jack Burke, Head of West Advisory, Premier, & Select Underwriting as they discuss the dental pricing trends, the impact of AI and technology, and how Guardian is supporting brokers, planholders, and providers.   

There’s often more to dental network size and coverage than meets the eye.  Understanding how dental networks count and report on provider locations can be tricky as there isn’t consistency across carriers. But understanding the potential for disruption … and how carriers address gaps or issues with network coverage is critical to the plan member experience and employer satisfaction.    

Hear Dave Roby, Head of Technology and Specialty Solutions, Group Benefits, discuss tech that’s making it easier for brokers and their clients to work with Guardian. Tech, especially APIs, can help increase efficiency by cutting down the time spent on admin tasks and improving accuracy of information – which eliminates re-work and service issues and improves the overall employee experience.    

Hear Kristy Helkenn, Head of Absence and Disability Practices, Group Benefits at Guardian discuss why employers need both STD and PFML. She will address how to have productive conversations with your clients, strategies for addressing common objections, and why just having an STD program might not be enough.

Hear Ryan Nelson, Senior Regional Absence Practice Leader discuss why using a private plan for paid family leave may be a better option than the state plan for your clients. He’ll cover how using a private plan can help control costs as well as improve your clients’ and their workers’ experiences.  

Hear from Brian Morin, MBA, Head of Disability and State Programs, Product & Digital Strategy at Guardian on advising clients on the expanding PFML landscape.

Join our speaker, Craig Stubler, Principal at OneDigital, as we discuss how to help clients regularly re-assess their benefits strategy

Guardian talks with Mark Rybal, Regional Vice President at Guardian, as he shares insights into helping your clients go beyond matching existing benefits and providing enhancements that can better support teachers

Guardian sits down with Dayton Hoffman, Sales Executive at Guardian, to talk about how schools and school districts cope with budget cuts, and the latest in-demand benefits he’s seeing districts offer.

Kaley Doherty, Sales Representative at Guardian, joins us to discuss how school districts make benefits decisions, the importance of mental health benefits, and how employee well-being has changed in the past few years.

Guardian chats with Reese Davidson, Client Executive, Education Practice at MMA, about teachers’ unique needs, why benefits are especially important in the education sector, and guiding employers toward the most impactful benefits for teacher attraction and retention.