Ignite with a Spark

In Episode 10 of Ignite with a Spark, I'm joined by Andrew Gordon to explore the complexities of evolving an insurance product resistant to change. Andrew shares his journey from technology sales to healthcare, driven by a personal experience with unexpected medical costs. We delve into the challenges of transparency in healthcare and the misaligned incentives that complicate the system. Andrew discusses his research with the National Science Foundation's I-Corps program, focusing on understanding the market and the financial dynamics behind healthcare. We also highlight the inspiring model of Rosen Hotels, which invested in employee health to generate significant savings and...

In this episode of Ignite with a Spark, Ryan Jerico sits down with Patrick Reilly, co-founder of PeopleOne Health, to discuss innovative approaches to healthcare that are shaping the future. With over 30 years of experience, Patrick has been a trailblazer in the healthcare industry, driving the evolution toward value-based care and direct contracting. Together, Ryan and Patrick explore the SparkPittsburgh Initiative, a movement inspired by the legacy of Harris Rosen and his transformative work in healthcare and employee well-being. They dive into how business leaders can rethink healthcare solutions and create healthier, more productive communities through a focus on proactive...

Join me, Ryan Jericho, on Episode 8 of Ignite with a Spark as we review our transformative journey in healthcare. This episode, A Call to Light the Way, revisits our mission to reshape healthcare into a system that reinvests savings into people and communities. We'll explore how initiatives like Spark Pittsburgh are paving the way for healthier, thriving communities. Hear inspiring stories from past episodes, including Chris Sparkguy-Downey's movement of mutual support, Jamie Linkowski's insights on healthcare's financial toll, and Dr. Rami Khalil's vision of time-centered care. Together, we can ignite the transformation needed for accessible, equitable healthcare in Western Pennsylvania...

In this Halloween-themed episode of Ignite with a Spark, host Ryan Jerico discusses the critical need for healthcare transformation with guests Mark Weber, a reformed benefits consultant leading the PeopleOne Health sales team, and Dr. Ramy Khalil, PeopleOne Health's medical director of clinical informatics. The conversation highlights how deeply flawed, transactional healthcare models in the U.S. and globally fail to provide effective, preventive care. Dr. Khalil shares his insights from practicing medicine in Dubai, noting that the issues seen in American healthcare are similarly present abroad, largely due to insurance-driven models and siloed care. The episode delves into how...

In this episode of Ignite with a Spark, host Ryan Jerico connects with Ally Crowe and Megan Stuteville to discuss how the SparkAmerica Challenge is shaping the future of wellness. From the roots of SparkPittsburgh to the broader SparkAmerica initiative, they explore how these programs are fostering a culture of health at the community and corporate levels. Ally and Megan reveal what it takes to build a thriving wellness platform that resonates with individuals, companies, and communities alike, showcasing the role of collective wellness challenges in creating a healthier, more engaged workforce. Join us for an insightful conversation on sparking...

In this episode of "Ignite with a Spark," host Ryan Jerico sits down with Justin Leader, CEO of Benefits DNA to discuss his point of view on the current state of the healthcare system and how putting people first is paramount to ensuring the transformation of our unsustainable system. The two dive deep into the integrity and ethical challenges faced by healthcare professionals navigating a broken system. Justin outlines the stark realities of healthcare's evolution, where misaligned incentives and volume-driven care have eroded the quality of service, leaving many patients functionally uninsured. Join us as we explore solutions for creating...

In this episode of "Ignite with a Spark," host Ryan Jerico sits down with Russell Livingston, the CEO and President of Babb Inc. and Chairman of the Spark Pittsburgh Initiative Advisory Council. With over 40 years of experience in the healthcare and broker space, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge and insights into the current healthcare landscape. The pair dive into the pivotal role of the Spark Pittsburgh Initiative in creating a movement focused on improving health outcomes for employees and the wider community. This initiative advocates for collaborative approaches among business leaders, government organizations, and labor groups to foster a...

In this episode taken from of "Ignite with a Spark Live," we welcome Jamie Linkowski, a seasoned fiduciary with over 30 years of experience in financial planning and retirement consulting. Jamie specializes in helping employers and employees optimize their benefits systems, providing unbiased advice for company-sponsored retirement plans and individuals. The discussion dives into the critical convergence of financial and healthcare issues, particularly how these factors impact the well-being of employees and their employers. Jamie sheds light on the "ALICE" population a term he uses to describe individuals who are functionally uninsured, despite being employed and often earning decent incomes. Together...

In this first installment of "Ignite with a Spark Live," SparkAmerica's exciting new LinkedIn Live series focused on transforming healthcare and investing in communities through the SparkPittsburgh initiative. In each episode, we engage with healthcare leaders to explore innovative ways to improve our healthcare system, deliver better care for employees, and achieve significant cost savings. We'll also discuss how those savings can be reinvested to build healthier, more vibrant communities across Western Pennsylvania and beyond. This edition features Chris "Spark Guy" Downie, Founder of SparkAmerica and Executive Board Chairman at PeopleOne Health. Join us as we dive into work that...

In the first episode of Ignite with a Spark, host Mark Weber and co-host Ryan Jerico dive into the mission of transforming healthcare and empowering communities. Mark, a benefits consultant turned sales leader at PeopleOne Health, shares insights from his 20-year career in healthcare, highlighting the shift from unsustainable volume-based care to value-driven health solutions. Ryan introduces the SparkPittsburgh Initiative, a movement designed to improve healthcare outcomes and invest in local communities. Learn about the evolution from SparkPeople to SparkAmerica and PeopleOne Health’s holistic approach to wellness, and discover how this model can help reduce costs, improve lives, and dr...