The “on-screen talent” talks and laughs as the production staff – members of the TPG marketing team – makes sure the mics are secured, the coffee cups are turned the right way, the hot lights above are angled perfectly. The stage is set for the latest recording of TPG’s newest medium, a filmed roundtable discussion on trending topics in employee benefits.

This is a one-take show – so, just imagine you’re on live TV and that you need to keep the conversation flowing. No big deal, right? Cameras are rolling and . . . go.

“Hello everyone, and welcome to our next episode of The TPG Difference.”

Many of you will remember The McLaughlin Report (1982–2016), a fast-paced political Q&A show that some say created the modern pundit roundtable. It brought together a diverse panel of experts, each with distinct perspectives and strong opinions. Complex issues were debated openly rather than presented as settled facts.

That exact spirit sparked the idea for The TPG Difference.

As show co-creator, panelist, and TPG Benefits Consultant Chad Kjemhus explains, “There’s a lot of hot topics in the market, a lot of changes in the employee benefits landscape. We thought this would be a fun way to pull some different TPG experts together to debate these topics.”

Chad saw the opportunity to create something different and more importantly valuable for employers: “A lot of brokers tend to pitch products to try and win new clients, but employers don’t necessarily get all different sides of a topic before making a decision.” The TPG Difference covers various perspectives of their issues – to date, they’ve recorded episodes on buzzy topics like ICHRAs, captives, and direct primary care, with others to follow.

Co-creator and TPG Employer Services Consultant Case Escher adds his two cents: “This is a group of people who are quite knowledgeable, and they just have a fair, honest conversation. You agree to disagree, but it’s a great way to hear all sides of an issue.”

By modeling civil discourse (special emphasis on civil), The TPG Difference fosters a culture of inquiry and learning. In today’s crowded landscape of business content, the show stands out – not just for the engaging camaraderie that comes through, but for the way it transforms a roundtable discussion into a powerful tool for creating trust and credibility via authentic thought leadership.

Elevating Industry Voices
Rather than relying on a single authority, The TPG Difference amplifies multiple voices – executives and consultants – who share real-world experiences and critical thinking. Along with Chad and Case, panelists include EVP of Employer Services Zach Fritz and Benefits Consultants Jane Perlas and Lily Beck-Price. As debate moderator, TPG President Sarah Friend rounds out the table.

“TPG has established great trust and brand equity over four decades, which we’re trying to build on,” explains Chad. “Our clients look to us to make the complicated easy and help them make sense of innovations or flashy marketing in the industry.”

Yet while panelists take their work seriously, they are not above good-naturedly provoking their colleagues on camera, referencing TikTok or even 1980s WWF events to make a point. (Steel cage death match, anyone? Have a listen to Episode 3 on direct primary care.)

Encouraging Critical Thinking
At its core, the show was designed to challenge standard industry mentality or approach. Case, a self-proclaimed “industry contrarian,” is candid about where that mindset came from: “Our industry is and has been plagued by a phenomenon called groupthink. Instead, we ask, ‘What’s the real story here or what are they not telling us?’”

Listeners are encouraged to think critically, question conventional wisdom, and consider the philosophical underpinnings of business decisions – in other words, to avoid groupthink. The show was devised as a catalyst for deeper consideration among its audience.

“In my mind,” says Case, “the best way to combat groupthink is to have a good, healthy discussion – an intellectually honest discussion about the merits, the pros, and the cons of whatever strategy is on the table.”

Building Community and Connection
Over the course of our first handful of episodes, it’s notable that panelists frequently reference the value of community – both within TPG and in the broader professional space.

“It was important to us to have a diverse personality base around the table,” Chad explains. “The various thoughts, opinions, past experience all lend themselves to the different perspectives of those in the communities that we serve.” The goal is that The TPG Difference creates a sense of shared purpose among participants and listeners, since all of us within the employee benefits and insurance space are navigating challenges. In other words, our opinions may differ, but we’re in this together.

Value to Our Audience
The show does not shy away from complexity or controversy. Panelists openly discuss the questions, trade-offs, and uncertainties inherent in their field.

Case explains that the value of the show is transparency. “If The TPG Difference does one thing, it helps a future client understand what it will be like working with us as consultants,” he says. “A lot of our competitors are just pitching the same stuff everybody else pitches, without really thinking about whether or not it is going to be really good for this client.”

Actionable Insights
Episodes are structured to move from debate to practical takeaways, equipping listeners with actionable strategies and frameworks. TPG’s emphasis on long-term planning, philosophical alignment, and multi-year conversations empowers our audience – clients, colleagues, and yes, potential prospects – with tools for real-world impact.

“We’re always looking for ways to bring guidance and counsel to employers and ideally help them make best decisions for their employees and the communities in which they live and work,” says Chad.

Have a Listen
The TPG Difference is not only fun to create and produce, but it’s an important tool, blending expert debate with engaging thought leadership and opinion. The point is to inspire the audience to think differently about their employee benefits – and yes, to reach out for a one-to-one debate with a TPG consultant, as well.

“We want TPG to be viewed as the true expert,” says Chad, “as well as the true partner in our clients’ navigation of employee benefits.” With The TPG Difference, you gain new takes on industry philosophy via an enjoyable, genuine discussion.

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Chad is happy to talk with you about his work in employee benefits and on being a new “show-runner.” Email him directly at ckjemhus@tpgrp.com.

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