Accelerent Breakfast Brings Leadership Lessons and Strategic Insights to Nearly 700 Valley Leaders

This morning at the Accelerent Breakfast in downtown Phoenix, Benefit Commerce Group was honored to have Chris Hogan, EVP & Principal, address nearly 700 business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals gathered at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.

Hogan delivered timely insight into how rising premiums and market volatility can be mitigated through the successful execution of an employee benefits strategy—especially critical at a time when the national average employer renewal increase is hovering around 24%.

“With a strong, sound strategy, BCG was able to save a non-profit client over $600,000,” Hogan shared. “When employee benefits represent the second or third largest line item in a company’s budget, having a thoughtful plan in place is essential—not only for managing cost, but also for keeping employees engaged and preventing turnover.”

Real Results for Employers & Their Employees

Hogan highlighted a recent example demonstrating how the right strategy can fundamentally shift outcomes for both employers and employees:

• Saved the employer more than $600,000
• Significantly reduced employee costs
  • One of four plans now includes $0/month employee premiums
  • Other plans have reduced employee contributions, in some cases by half
• Increased employee understanding of their benefits and how to use them effectively

“Results are the bottom line,” Hogan emphasized. “At BCG, we focus on the ends—the outcomes our clients want to achieve. For us, that means:

• Better healthcare for employees
• Cost control for employers, employees and families
• And ultimately, a healthier bottom line for our clients”

BCG partners with each employer to develop strategies tailored to these objectives, ensuring a disciplined, data-driven approach to long-term stability.

Keynote Speaker Ret. Lt. Col. Patricia Northrup: Run Your Own Race

The morning’s keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Patricia Northrup, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, captivated the audience with powerful lessons on leadership, performance and resilience drawn from her extraordinary career. After flying six tours of duty in the Middle East, earning five Air Medals, and serving 21 years in the Air National Guard, Northrup shared how her experiences shaped her philosophy.

Her message was simple but deeply resonant: “Run your own race. Let the world chase you.”

Among her leadership insights:

• Effective leaders are never victims. They choose their response to every challenge.
• Every opportunity—good or bad—is a gift. It’s how you show up that matters.
• Progress stalls when we’re paralyzed by fear or lack of knowledge. Even seasoned leaders can get tripped up by small barriers.
• It’s not only okay—but essential—to ask your team for help. Bottom-up leadership builds stronger organizations.
• Make it look easy. When you demonstrate grace under pressure, people seek you out for guidance.
• Remember what you stand for. Ground your “why” in meaning that serves both you and your team.
• Silence the noise. Sometimes the most powerful leadership move is choosing not to be offended.
• Stay curious. Your team members in the trenches often have insights you can’t see from above.

Her energy and authenticity earned a standing ovation and left guests inspired to lead with courage, humility and clarity of purpose.

Accelerent Phoenix & BCG: A Year of Impact

Benefit Commerce Group is proud to serve as the Title Sponsor of the Phoenix division of Accelerent, the region’s premier business development organization. Throughout the year, Accelerent brings together leading employers and decision-makers to hear from renowned speakers, including recent guests such as Commander Kirk Lippold.

The 2025 Accelerent/BCG Breakfast Series has showcased an exceptional lineup of speakers, thought-provoking topics and high-impact discussions—and 2026 promises even more.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about Accelerent Phoenix/BCG Breakfast Events in 2026.