Episode 1: Brian Macias [Chief Executive Officer, Embrace Pet Insurance]

Episode 1: Brian Macias [Chief Executive Officer, Embrace Pet Insurance]

Is the secret to better business outcomes tied to employee satisfaction? Can you build a better business by creating a happy and fulfilling work environment for your people?

In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Brian Macias , CEO of Embrace Pet Insurance —recognized 12 times as a top workplace—to discuss how prioritizing workplace culture can lead to extraordinary business results.

Brian has led Embrace through 300% growth in just four years—and in this conversation, he shares the real strategies behind that success: fostering deep human connections, encouraging a healthy return to the office, and cultivating a culture that inspires everyone to perform at their best.

He also spills how his team uses monthly “All Paws” meetings (yes, they really do call them that!) to keep everyone aligned on the company’s mission and values. He also offers a fresh perspective on hiring by looking for genuine grit and passion—rather than just experience on a résumé.

Episode Highlights

02:00 - Brian’s journey to CEO at Embrace and how embracing curiosity shaped his career

08:30 - Happiness vs. fulfillment: why they’re not the same—and why it matters for leaders

20:10 - The remote vs. in-office debate: Brian’s unique take on what really works for people

25:20 - One hilariously messy “Bring Your Pet to Work” moment (spoiler: it involves a giant dog and Halloween costumes)

32:45 - Key insights from Embrace’s engagement surveys and what they reveal about true culture

42:10 - Practical advice for leaders: making time to connect, building trust, and showing genuine care


Enjoyed this episode? Make sure you subscribe so you never miss real talk with top leaders on What’s Up at Work?. If you found value in Brian’s insights, please leave a review—it helps other leaders discover the podcast and join us on the journey to creating better workplaces.

Links

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t6GURLOYTqjAk7GGYofLq

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-up-at-work/id1791193745

ERC: https://www.yourerc.com

Embrace Pet Insurance: https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/

Carrie Morse

Chief Operating Officer

1 个月

Great insights here!

Valerie Lakios, SHRM-CP

HR Consultant at ERC

1 个月

Great info!!!

Ashtyn Morris

Senior Account Executive at VividFront | Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club Social Director | Podcast Host

1 个月

AMAZING episode, Sam Clyde Schroeder & Brian Macias! ?? ???

Liz Maier-Liu

Manager, Content Marketing

1 个月

These are some really great insights and perspectives, Brian Macias! Thank you for sharing them with us and other Northeast Ohio leaders on our podcast! ??

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