Electing Better Learning: Developing leaders and talent in the era of AI.
The Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
Release Date: 07/13/2026
The Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
In this episode of The Stretch, host Kevin Fyock sits down with Brandon Werber, CEO and founder of Airvet, to explore a fundamental question for today’s workforce: when employees see pets as family, what does that mean for employee benefits? With 70% of U.S. households now including pets—and that number expected to climb—traditional benefit designs are falling behind how people actually live. Kevin and Brandon unpack the financial and emotional strain of unexpected veterinary emergencies, from thousand‑dollar ER bills to the lost productivity that comes when 90% of vet visits...
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
In this episode, Kevin is joined by Elizabeth McSavaney, the Chief People Officer at Zurich Canada live on the floor of the Transform Conference in Las Vegas. With years of experience across multiple sectors, Liz shares why the commercial insurance industry ripe for transformation. Together, they frame a conversation about artificial intelligence around insights from Lance Armstrong’s keynote at the event. Liz breaks down the distinction between AI and "Augmented Intelligence"—pointing out that AI shouldn't be treated as a burdensome bolt-on, but rather as an integrated tool that...
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
What does it look like when learning at work feels less like a requirement and more like a choice? Live from Transform 2026 in Las Vegas, The Stretch host Kevin Fyock sits down with Jason Lavenduar—founder and CEO of Electives—to explore that question. Kevin and Jason started their careers together in benefits, now their paths cross again—this time on the conference floor talking about modern Learning & Development, manager support, and the role of AI. Kevin and Jason dig into what happens when L&D moves beyond pre‑recorded modules and “click to continue” training. They...
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
On this episode of The Stretch, host Kevin Fyock sits down with Jason Desentz, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Toshiba, to explore what it really takes for HR to lead in the age of artificial intelligence. Toshiba is a household name with a 150 year legacy of world-first innovations – including the very first laptop – and Jason shares how the company is now applying that mindset of groundbreaking innovation across everything from electronics to power and industrial systems. Together, Kevin and Jason unpack the spectrum of curious versus cautious when it comes to AI, and why HR...
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
In this episode of The Stretch, host Kevin Fyock sits down with one of the sharpest voices in modern HR: Hebba Youssef, Chief People Officer at Workweek and the creator of the newsletter and podcast I Hate It Here. Recorded live on the floor of the Transform conference in Las Vegas, Kevin and Hebba get straight to what HR leaders need to know to keep people engaged and keep the business moving forward. They compare what HR really looks like in large enterprises versus small firms and startups, unpack the role of vulnerability in leadership, and explore how agentic AI can take on the...
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
Season three of The Stretch kicks off live from the floor of the Transform conference in Las Vegas. Transform brought together thought leaders from across the HR universe and Kevin Fyock, the host of The Stretch, used the moment to tap into some of those innovative minds. This episode previews the conversations Kevin will be having in season three, bound by a common exploration of the best way to walk the line on innovation and AI, while elevating a sense of humanity.
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
In recent years, there’s been an explosion of solutions geared toward women’s health. This growth signals momentum and innovation within the market, but it’s also created fragmentation that can keep employees & their families from easily accessing care. To address this challenge, Aon invited innovative industry thinkers to join us for our inaugural Accelerate Labs Challenge. Our guests, joining the podcast today, devised several potential solutions that aim to create integration for women’s heal
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
Employers and consumers, inspired by a growing sense of personal agency in healthcare, are exploring new approaches to well-being. While traditional models emphasize reactive treatment, a rising focus on longevity encourages a more proactive mindset. Joining the podcast to explain how this shift enhances vitality, supports productivity, and improves outcomes is Dr. Tiffany Lester, Women’s Health Medical Director of Function Health.
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
Benefits have an outsized impact on the employee experience. Employees value benefits so much, in fact, that 39% say competitive benefits motivate them to stay in their current jobs, according to data from Bank of America. But how can employers ensure their benefits are truly competitive? Joining The Stretch to discuss the importance of innovative benefit
info_outlineThe Stretch: Workforce health and benefits – expanded
Digital health offerings exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic when employers were looking to increase access to care for their employees and battling to offer attractive programs in a tight labor market. But now, employers find themselves wondering if those point solutions they put in place are delivering real value to their health plans and their employees. Ed Liebowitz, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Solera Health, is here to discuss this evolution and the need for point solution payment model reform.
info_outlineWhat does it look like when learning at work feels less like a requirement and more like a choice?
Live from Transform 2026 in Las Vegas, The Stretch host Kevin Fyock sits down with Jason Lavenduar—founder and CEO of Electives—to explore that question. Kevin and Jason started their careers together in benefits, now their paths cross again—this time on the conference floor talking about modern Learning & Development, manager support, and the role of AI.
Kevin and Jason dig into what happens when L&D moves beyond pre‑recorded modules and “click to continue” training. They explore how to design training experiences that actually excite workforces and inspire a desire to take learning to the next level. They also discuss why so many new managers feel unprepared and how more employees are quietly turning to AI instead of their managers for everyday support.
If you’re rethinking how learning fits into your broader people and wellbeing strategy—and how to keep real connection at the center in an AI‑enabled workplace—this episode of The Stretch is a thoughtful, optimistic listen.