The Broker Edge

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.

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.

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.

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.