# 64. Breaking Free from the Broker Trap with Lori Kleiman

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-business-of-benefits-podcast-6744252/64-breaking-free-from-the-broker-trap-with-lori-kleiman.md
Podcast: [The Business of Benefits Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-business-of-benefits-podcast-6744252)
Published: 2025-11-13T14:00:08+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/64-breaking-free-from-the-broker-trap-with-lori-kleiman--68549293
Audio file: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/68549293/episode_64_lori_kleiman.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2532

## Resource

In this HR Special, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with friend and industry leader Lori Kleiman to talk about what it takes to level up from HR department-of-one to strategic business partner, without losing sight of day-to-day realities. We cover how small to mid-size employers can decide when to hire fractional or in-house HR, why headcount matters more than revenue, and the rising complexity of multi-state compliance. We also unpack the hidden opportunity for HR to lead on healthcare and benefits strategy. Chelsea explains renewal “stall” tactics, fiduciary responsibility on health plans, and practical steps HR can take to earn a seat at the table with data and action. What you’ll learn: When a company truly needs fractional HR vs its first in-house generalist Why certifications like PHR and SHRM-CP help smaller employers hire confidently How tech can increase HR workload and employee questions, not reduce them A simple path to move from tactical HR to strategic HR that drives ROI The fiduciary duty HR has on health plans, what to ask from brokers, and how to escape the 60-day renewal crunch Practical ideas HR can implement now: communications, data access, compliance checklists, and off-cycle planning Time Stamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Business of Benefits 01:08 – Meet Lori Kleiman 04:45 – Building an HR Business from the Basement 07:15 – When Small Businesses Really Need HR 10:02 – Technology’s Impact on HR Workloads 12:18 – Tactical vs. Strategic HR 15:26 – What to Look For When Hiring HR 18:41 – How Much HR Certifications Cost 21:10 – Using ExamEdge and Affordable Prep Options 23:20 – Moving from Tactical to Strategic HR 27:00 – Understanding Fiduciary Duty in Health Plans 30:36 – How HR Can Drive Benefits Strategy 33:22 – Why Benefit Renewals Feel Impossible 36:…

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