In the final episode of 18-Minute Experts for 2025, hosts Michael Kettner, Jeff Bremner, and Matthew Butters come together for an end-of-year conversation reflecting on the business books that shaped their thinking this year.

Their discussion explores the relentless pace of today’s news cycle and the growing challenge of separating facts from fiction in an era of AI-generated content. Against this backdrop, they underscore the enduring value of books as tangible, trustworthy sources of insight.

Books featured in this conversation:

Disney War, by James Stewart

• A deep dive into corporate strategy and leadership.

Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight

• Behind the scenes of Nike’s rise to global prominence.

Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss

• Practical techniques for effective negotiation.

The Mind of the Strategist, by Kenichi Ohmae

• Frameworks for strategic problem-solving.

The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures, by Henri Lipmanowicz & Keith McCandless

• Innovative formats for more engaging meetings.

Tune in for a conversation that explores why learning never stops and how to turn insights into real-world impact. Discover practical ways to make books, podcasts, and conferences as part of your growth journey.

Want to hear more? Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform, leave us a review, and visit peoplecorporation.com/18minexperts to learn more!

In this episode of 18 Minute Experts, host Jeff Bremner sits down with Benoit Dulong, Vice President of Brokerage Distribution at People Corporation in Quebec, for a deep dive into the unique landscape of group benefits in the province. From licensing requirements and RAMQ regulations to cultural nuances and market opportunities, Benoit shares expert insights every advisor should know before entering Quebec's benefits space.

Whether you're an advisor expanding into Quebec, a plan sponsor managing a multi-province workforce, or just curious about how group insurance works in la belle province, this episode offers practical guidance and real-world examples to help you navigate the complexities with confidence.

Some of the topics covered include:

• Key differences in Quebec's group benefits regulations

• RAMQ and mandatory drug coverage

• Licensing challenges and mentorship requirements

• Cultural and regional variations in plan design

• How out-of-province advisors can collaborate effectively

Join us for a compelling conversation that redefines conventional thinking and delivers practical strategies for evolving your benefits approach.

Like what you hear? Subscribe using your favourite podcast platform, leave us a review, and visit us at peoplecorporation.com/18minexperts to learn more!

In this episode of 18 Minute Experts, host Matthew Butters sits down with Taylor Valee, VP of Client Management at People Corporation, to explore a timely and thought-provoking topic on how generational assumptions shape and sometimes distort the design of group benefits plans.

Taylor shares insights from nearly a decade of experience working with large plan sponsors across industries, offering a fresh perspective on how to build benefits programs that are both cost-effective and genuinely valuable to employees.

In this discussion, they delve into:

• Why employers should avoid making generational assumptions in benefits planning

• What it really means to "modernize" benefits for deeper relevance

• How advisors can stand out by taking a thoughtful, data-driven approach rather than following a rigid "rule book."

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo and offers actionable strategies for modernizing benefits programs.

Like what you hear? Subscribe using your favourite podcast platform, leave us a review, and visit us at peoplecorporation.com/18minexperts to learn more!