In Part 2 of this two-part series, Vita Talks host Gianna Ricciardi welcomes back John Cochrane, Founder of JD Consulting, for the conclusion of a deep dive into group insurance funding models and risk evaluation.

Building on the foundational conversation in Episode 11, this episode breaks down the real-world results of a comprehensive benefits audit for a 600-employee organization. The outcome? A $350,000 cost reduction, enhanced control over reserves, and a shift to a customized ASO (Administrative Services Only) model, without adding undue risk.

Hear how the client, previously on a refund accounting model for over two decades, was guided through a detailed analysis of historical claims, pooling levels, and risk tolerance. John explains how organizations can assess whether they’re paying too much for too little flexibility—and how pooling levels, third-party administrators, and hybrid approaches all play a role in optimizing a benefits strategy.

The episode concludes with a clear takeaway: Every organization deserves a full understanding of its funding model options and the confidence to choose the one that aligns with its risk profile, size, and goals.

Who Should Listen?

• HR and finance professionals managing employee benefits

• Employers considering changes to their plan structure

• Advisors looking for deeper insights into funding model strategy

• Business leaders aiming to improve cost-efficiency without compromising employee experience

🎧 Listen to Part 2 now and revisit Part 1 for the full story.

Mentioned Links:

• JD Consulting
• John Cochrane’s LinkedIn

Stay Connected to Vita Assure: Insurance and Workplace Benefits

• Vita Talks Podcast
• LinkedIn
• Website

Ways to Support This Podcast:

💡 Share this episode with colleagues and leaders in your network
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🔔 Subscribe for future conversations about benefits, leadership, and workplace wellness

In Part 1 of this two-part series, host Gianna Ricciardi is joined by John Cochrane, Partner and Founder of JD Consulting, to explore the often-misunderstood world of group insurance funding and underwriting arrangements.

Drawing on over 25 years of experience in employee benefits consulting, John outlines the three primary funding models—fully insured, refund (retention) accounting, and administrative services only (ASO)—and explains how each structure allocates risk between the insurer and the client.

Listeners will hear a real-world scenario involving a 600-employee organization that has managed its plan directly with an insurer for over 20 years without advisory support. After agreeing to a confidential audit, the company uncovered significant inefficiencies in its funding model.

📆 Part 2, airing next month, will unpack the audit findings in more detail and share actionable insights for employers considering a funding model shift.

Who Should Listen?

• 🎯 HR and payroll professionals managing group insurance plans
• 🎯 CFOs and finance leaders focused on cost containment and plan ROI
• 🎯 Employers with growing teams and evolving risk profiles
• 🎯 Benefits consultants and advisors seeking clearer ways to explain funding models

Mentioned Links:

• JD Consulting
• John Cochrane’s LinkedIn

Stay Connected to Vita Assure: Insurance and Workplace Benefits

• Vita Talks Podcast
• LinkedIn
• Vita Assure Website

💡 Share this episode with colleagues and leaders in your network
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🔔 Subscribe for future conversations about benefits, leadership, and workplace wellness

In this episode of the Vita Talks Podcast, we sit down with Giovanna Buscemi, Executive Coach and Founder of Clareo Institute, to explore how executive coaching empowers leaders—especially women navigating complex leadership roles—to thrive through transition, overcome internal blockers, and lead with confidence.

Giovanna brings decades of experience in HR, leadership development, and counseling to her work with high-performing executives. She shares a compelling case study based on a composite of real clients—a seasoned female executive who reaches the C-suite only to be met with resistance, isolation, and self-doubt.

We explore what happens when traditional success strategies no longer work, and how coaching helps leaders unlearn old habits, develop managerial courage, and redefine what success looks like at the top.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your leadership journey or are supporting someone navigating change in a high-impact role, this conversation is full of wisdom and practical guidance.

• Female Executives Navigating Leadership Transitions
• HR Professionals supporting Senior Leaders
• Business Leaders and Founders Scaling Their Organizations
• Anyone interested in executive coaching, emotional intelligence, or personal leadership growth

Mentioned Links:

• Clareo Institute Website
• Connect with Giovanna on LinkedIn
• Clareo Institute LinkedIn Page

Stay Connected to Vita Assure; Insurance and Workplace Benefits

• Vita Talks Podcast
• LinkedIn
• Group Insurance and Group Retirement

💡 Share this episode with colleagues and leaders in your network
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🔔 Subscribe for future conversations about benefits, leadership, and workplace wellness