Chat the Chief

If everyone has access to the same AI tools and information, what gives someone a competitive advantage?
In this episode of Chat the Chief, Insight Global CEO Bert Bean is joined by Steve Wasik and Katie Hillary to explore why commitment might be the biggest differentiator in the age of AI.
From the dangers of outsourcing our critical thinking to the power of curiosity, the conversation explores what separates people who simply use AI from those who are using it to push themselves further. Because having access to information is one thing. What you choose to do with it is another.
Listen to the full episode as they dive into:
Why commitment could be your greatest competitive advantage in the age of AI
The difference between having access to information and actually turning it into knowledge
How to use AI without losing your ability to think critically
Why curiosity and a willingness to take risks matter more than ever
What the entrepreneurial journeys of Bending Spoons and Nike teach us about commitment
How leaders can build teams that embrace AI while maintaining ownership of their work
Why experience and reflection are essential to personal growth
About the Podcast:
Chat the Chief is your microdose of leadership and culture, straight from a CEO navigating one of the fastest-changing markets today. Bert Bean became CEO of Insight Global after starting as an entry-level recruiter over 20 years ago. Now he’s giving listeners an unfiltered look into decision-making, purpose, resilience and modern leadership. Alongside Technology Solutions expert Steve Wasik and Strategic Accounts VP Katie Hillary, the show explores the principles that make teams thrive and companies grow.
About the Hosts:
Bert Bean is the Chief Executive Officer of Insight Global, one of the world’s leading talent, consulting and AI companies. He joined the company in 2005 as an entry-level recruiter and became CEO thirteen years later. Under his leadership, Insight Global has more than doubled revenue, from $1.9 billion in 2017 to $4.8 billion in 2025, and grown to 5,500 employees and 33,000 consultants worldwide.
Steve Wasik is a technology and AI leader at Insight Global who brings his perspective on innovation, business and leadership to Chat the Chief.
Katie Hillary is a sales veteran of Insight Global and now oversees the company’s Strategic Accounts division. A former standout sales executive, she specializes in building systems that accelerate development, growth and long-term success for some of Insight Global’s largest strategic partners.
📩 Have a question for Bert? Send it to chatthechief@insightglobal.com. It might be featured in the next episode!

What does it take to make a comeback? In this episode of Chat the Chief, Insight Global CEO Bert Bean is joined by Steve Wasik and Katie Hillary to count down Bert’s Top 10 comebacks of all time, from business and sports to entertainment and history.
But behind each comeback is a bigger conversation about resilience, reinvention and what it takes to keep going when things don’t go according to plan.
Listen to the full episode as they dive into:
Why sometimes you have to say no to what made you successful to become something more
Why investing in your people can transform an entire business
What Kerri Strug’s iconic Olympic moment teaches about grit and perseverance
Why timing can change whether someone is the right leader for the moment
How setbacks can create the opportunity to reinvent what comes next
Bonus: They also debate whether flip phones, Myspace and physical media are ready for their own comeback.
You don't want to miss this one!
About the Podcast:
Chat the Chief is your microdose of leadership and culture, straight from a CEO navigating one of the fastest-changing markets today. Bert Bean became CEO of Insight Global after starting as an entry-level recruiter over 20 years ago. Now he’s giving listeners an unfiltered look into decision-making, purpose, resilience and modern leadership.
Alongside Technology Solutions expert Steve Wasik and Strategic Accounts VP Katie Hillary, the show explores the principles that make teams thrive and companies grow.
About the Hosts:
Bert Bean is the Chief Executive Officer of Insight Global, one of the world’s leading talent, consulting and AI companies. He joined the company in 2005 as an entry-level recruiter and became CEO thirteen years later. Under his leadership, Insight Global has more than doubled revenue, from $1.9 billion in 2017 to $4.8 billion in 2025, and grown to 5,500 employees and 33,000 consultants worldwide.
Steve Wasik is a technology and AI leader at Insight Global who brings his perspective on innovation, business and leadership to Chat the Chief.
Katie Hillary is a sales veteran of Insight Global and now oversees the company’s Strategic Accounts division. A former standout sales executive, she specializes in building systems that accelerate development, growth and long-term success for some of Insight Global’s largest strategic partners.
📩 Have a question for Bert? Send it to chatthechief@insightglobal.com. It might be featured in the next episode!

What does it actually cost to become the person you want to be?
 
In this episode of Chat the Chief, Insight Global CEO Bert Bean is joined by Katie Hillary and special guest Ryan Hawk, executive coach, podcast host and bestselling author of his new book, The Price of Becoming, for a conversation about what it really takes to pursue excellence in work, leadership and life.
 
After interviewing hundreds of leaders and coaching executives across some of the world’s most impactful companies, Ryan has seen the same pattern again and again: meaningful growth doesn’t come from a quick hack. It comes from doing the work, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and consistently getting a little better over time.
 
They dive into:
Why writing can make you a clearer thinker, communicator and leader
How curiosity and asking better questions can change the way you lead
Why being uncomfortable can be a sign that you’re exactly where you need to be
Why commitment can be a competitive advantage
How to know when to stay the course and when it’s time to pivot
Why consistency matters, especially when you aren’t seeing immediate results
How doing hard things creates evidence that builds real confidence
Why great leaders push people to see more in themselves than they see on their own
How small actions and daily habits compound into meaningful growth over time
Why the best leaders stay close to their people and the work
One of Ryan’s biggest lessons? Confidence needs evidence. You build it by keeping promises to yourself, choosing hard things and proving, one day at a time, that you can handle what comes next.
 
You don't want to miss this one! 
 
About the Podcast:
Chat the Chief is your microdose of leadership and culture, straight from a CEO navigating one of the fastest-changing markets today. Bert Bean became CEO of Insight Global after starting as an entry-level recruiter over 20 years ago. Now he’s giving listeners an unfiltered look into decision-making, purpose, resilience and modern leadership.
Alongside Technology Solutions expert Steve Wasik and Strategic Accounts VP Katie Hillary, the show explores the principles that make teams thrive and companies grow.
 
About the Guests and Hosts:
Bert Bean is the Chief Executive Officer of Insight Global, one of the world’s leading talent, consulting and AI companies. He joined the company in 2005 as an entry-level recruiter and became CEO thirteen years later. Under his leadership, Insight Global has more than doubled revenue, from $1.9 billion in 2017 to $4.8 billion in 2025, and grown to 5,500 employees and 33,000 consultants worldwide.
 
Katie Hillary is a sales veteran of Insight Global and now oversees the company’s Strategic Accounts division. A former standout sales executive, she specializes in building systems that accelerate development, growth and long-term success for some of Insight Global’s largest strategic partners.
 
Ryan Hawk is an executive coach, bestselling author and host of The Learning Leader Show. He has interviewed hundreds of accomplished leaders and works with executives and leadership teams to help them perform at their best. His new book, The Price of Becoming, explores the habits, choices and commitments required to pursue excellence in both work and life.
 
📩 Have a question for Bert? Send it to chatthechief@insightglobal.com. It might be featured in the next episode!

What if the best thing you can do early in your career is stop trying to get everything right?
In this episode of Chat the Chief, Insight Global CEO Bert Bean is joined by Steve Wasik, Vice President of Technology Solutions, and Katie Hillary, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, to talk about what it really takes to build a successful career — especially when you’re just getting started.
From taking risks and finding the right mentors to navigating failure and figuring out what you’re actually good at, Bert, Steve, and Katie share the advice they wish they had at 22.
They dive into:
Why getting reps early in your career can matter more than getting everything perfect
Why work ethic and adaptability can take you further than talent alone
How taking risks helps you figure out what you’re good at — and what you actually enjoy
Why the people you work for and with can matter just as much as the job itself
How to seek out mentors, relationships, and opportunities instead of waiting for them to find you
Why AI could make communication, creativity, relationships, and other “intangible” skills even more valuable
The career advice they’d give anyone walking into their first day of work
Their biggest advice? Put yourself out there. Take the risk. Ask the question. Get the reps. You’re going to learn either way.
About the Podcast:
Chat the Chief is your microdose of leadership and culture — straight from a CEO navigating one of the fastest-changing markets today. Bert Bean became CEO of Insight Global after starting as an entry-level recruiter over 20 years ago. Now he’s giving listeners an unfiltered look into decision-making, purpose, resilience, and modern leadership. Alongside Technology Solutions expert Steve Wasik and Strategic Accounts VP Katie Hillary, this trio explores the principles that make teams thrive and companies grow.
About the Hosts:
Bert Bean is the Chief Executive Officer of Insight Global, one of the world’s leading talent, consulting, and AI companies. He joined the company in 2005 as an entry-level recruiter and became CEO thirteen years later. Under his leadership, Insight Global has more than doubled revenue — from $1.9 billion in 2017 to $4.8 billion in 2025 — and grown to 5,500 employees and 33,000 consultants worldwide.
Steve Wasik is VP of Technology Solutions for Insight Global’s Consulting division, where he partners with IG Labs, the company’s AI services and software practice, to bring scalable enterprise agentic solutions to customers across the world.
Katie Hillary is a sales veteran of Insight Global and now oversees the company’s Strategic Accounts division. A former standout sales executive, she specializes in building systems that accelerate development, growth, and long-term success for some of IG’s largest strategic partners.
📩 Have a question for Bert? Send it to chatthechief@insightglobal.com — it might be featured in the next episode!

Most of us spend 100% of our waking moments trying not to fail. But that that mindset may be holding us back from our full potential.
In this episode, Bert, Katie, and Steve discuss their personal relationship with failure and unpack how failure exposes truth, builds resilience, and often becomes the catalyst for our biggest breakthroughs. 
You'll here why: 
Failure is never what we want, but sometimes it's exactly what we need
What failure teaches us that success never will
Great leaders don't play not to fail. They play to win 
 
Whether you're in a leadership position, just getting started building your career, or are navigating a challenge, this conversation offers real stories and advice to embrace failure and not only survive it, but use it as fuel. 

Will AI replace millions of jobs...or are we asking the wrong question? 
In the Season 2 premiere of Chat the Chief, Insight Global CEO Bert Bean is joined by Steve Wasik, Vice President of Technology Solutions, and Katie Hilary, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, to debate one of the biggest narratives around AI: the idea that we're headed toward an AI-driven job apocalypse. Spoiler: “It ain’t real!”  
In this episode, Steve and Katie join Bert in his office to dive into:  
How AI is reshaping work without eliminating the need for people 
Why productivity should be every leader’s AI strategy right now  
Why enterprise AI adoption is much harder than most people realize 
The skills professionals should develop to stand out in an AI-enabled workforce 
About the Podcast:  
Chat the Chief is your microdose of leadership and culture — straight from a CEO navigating one of the fastest changing markets today. Bert Bean became CEO of Insight Global after starting as an entry‑level recruiter over 20 years ago. Now he’s giving listeners an unfiltered look into decision-making, purpose, resilience, and modern leadership. Alongside Technology Solutions expert Steve Wasik and Sales VP Staff Katie Hillary, this trio explores the principles that make teams thrive and companies grow.  
About the Hosts:  
Bert Bean is the Chief Executive Officer of Insight Global, one of the world’s leading talent, consulting, and AI companies. He joined the company in 2005 as an entry-level recruiter and became CEO thirteen years later. Under his leadership, Insight Global has more than doubled revenue—from $1.9 billion in 2017 to $4.8 billion in 2025—and grown to 5,500 employees and 33,000 consultants worldwide. 
Steve Wasik is VP of Technology Solutions for Insight Global’s Consulting division, where he partners with IG Labs, the company’s AI services and software practice, to bring scalable enterprise agentic solutions to customers across the world.  
Katie Hillary is a sales veteran of Insight Global and now oversees the company’s Strategic Accounts division. A former standout sales executive, she specializes in building systems that accelerate development, growth, and long-term success for some of IG’s largest strategic partners.  
📩 Have a question for Bert? Send it to chatthechief@insightglobal.com — it might be featured in the next episode! 

In this episode of Chat the Chief, Bert Bean (CEO), Steve Wasik, and Katie Hillary dig into one of the most universal challenges leaders face today: navigating economic uncertainty. From downturns to shifting market signals to AI-driven disruption, uncertainty is everywhere but the great leaders are the ones who move toward it, not away from it. Bert, Steve, and Katie unpack how to recognize the early signs of economic change, how leaders should respond, which fundamentals never change, and how bold action creates opportunity even in downturns. You’ll walk away with a practical, battle-tested playbook for navigating uncertain times — for yourself, your team, and your business.
What You’ll Learn:
What “economic uncertainty” actually means in today’s market
How to know when to pivot vs. hunker down
The leadership behaviors that matter most in volatile times
Why action beats contemplation — every time
How staying close to the front lines helps leaders see the truth faster
The foundation you should never abandon, no matter the climate
How to craft a “break glass in case of emergency” plan
Why communication, consistency, and boldness separate top performers
The mindset that turns downturns into massive opportunity
About the Podcast:
Chat the Chief is your microdose of leadership and culture — straight from a CEO navigating one of the fastest‑changing markets today. Bert Bean became CEO of Insight Global after starting as an entry‑level recruiter over 20 years ago. Now he’s giving listeners an unfiltered look into decision-making, purpose, resilience, and modern leadership. Alongside Culture Expert Steve Wasik and Sales Chief of Staff Katie Hillary, the trio explores the principles that make teams thrive and companies grow — no fluff, no sugarcoating, just real talk from real leaders.
About the Hosts:
Bert Bean joined Insight Global in 2005 as a recruiter and became CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, the company has doubled in revenue and expanded to 70+ offices worldwide. Bert is passionate about culture, growth, and empowering people personally, professionally, and financially.
Steve Wasik is VP of Talent Services within Insight Global’s Evergreen division and founder of Compass, IG’s culture + performance consulting team. He works with Fortune 500 leaders to build cultures that take great care of people and deliver exceptional results.
Katie Hillary is Chief of Staff in the Sales & Revenue organization at Insight Global. A former standout sales executive, she specializes in building systems that accelerate development, growth, and long-term success for individuals and the broader business.
📩 Have a question for Bert? Send it to chatthechief@insightglobal.com — it might be featured in the next episode!

In this feel-good episode of Chat the Chief, Bert Bean (CEO), Steve Wasik, and Katie Hillary unpack one of the most powerful drivers of workplace culture: recognition. Why does praise matter so much? How does it impact performance, belonging, and even brain chemistry? We explore the art and science behind recognition and share practical leadership tips for giving authentic praise that sticks.
What You’ll Learn:
Why recognition is foundational to culture and performance
Public vs. private praise: which matters more?
The neuroscience of praise (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins)
How to give authentic, specific recognition
Why systems like awards matter—but spontaneous moments matter more
Key Moments:
00:00 Intro
01:00 The foundation of culture
05:00 Public vs. private praise
10:00 The science behind recognition
19:00 Praise vs. monetary rewards
24:00 How to give authentic praise
30:00 Titan
39:00 Bert's Spotify Wrapped
44:00 Looking ahead to 2026
About the Podcast:
Chat the Chief is your microdose of workplace culture and leadership insights—straight from a CEO of a multi-billion-dollar global company. Bert Bean worked his way up to CEO after first joining staffing and professional services company, Insight Global, over 20 years ago as an entry-level recruiter. Now, he’s pulling back the curtain for a raw and unfiltered peek into how Insight Global operates and his take on purpose, resiliency, and the future of work. Joining him are Culture Expert Steve Wasik and Sales Chief of Staff Katie Hillary as they dig into the principles that make companies thrive. No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just real conversations from real leaders, reshaping the way we think about work.
About the Hosts:
Bert Bean started as a recruiter at Insight Global in 2005 and became CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, the company has doubled revenue, expanding to 70+ offices worldwide. Passionate about culture, leadership, and growth, Bert drives Insight Global’s mission to empower people personally, professionally, and financially.
Steve Wasik is VP of Talent Services within Insight Global’s professional services division, Evergreen. In 2020, he launched Compass, now the division’s culture and performance consulting team. He consults with leaders across the Fortune 500 on how to build cultures that take great care of people and get great business results.
Katie Hillary serves as Chief of Staff in the Sales and Revenue office at Insight Global. Her success as a sales executive is driven by a deep passion for people. She builds scalable systems that accelerate business and professional development as well as revenue growth, ensuring long-term success for each individual employee and the entire company.
📩 Have a question for Bert? We want to answer it on the air! Email your questions to chatthechief@insightglobal.com

Are Gen Zs in the workplace truly “consciously unbossing,” choosing personal development over management positions and opting out of leadership? In this week’s Chat the Chief, Bert, Steve, and Katie unpack all things Gen Z in the workplace—the data, the narrative, and the reality they see inside our own walls. From the rise of individual contributors to why great leadership still wins (hello, 4:50 a.m. Starbucks patio story), we explore how purpose, development, and recognition turn “the 2%” into outliers who outperform.
About the Podcast: Chat the Chief is your microdose of workplace culture and leadership insights—straight from a CEO of a multi-billion-dollar global company. Bert Bean worked his way up to CEO after first joining staffing and professional services company, Insight Global, over 20 years ago as an entry-level recruiter. Now, he’s pulling back the curtain for a raw and unfiltered peek into how Insight Global operates and his take on purpose, resiliency, and the future of work. Joining him are Culture Expert Steve Wasik and Sales Chief of Staff Katie Hillary as they dig into the principles that make companies thrive. No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just real conversations from real leaders, reshaping the way we think about work.
About the Hosts:
Bert Bean started as a recruiter at Insight Global in 2005 and became CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, the company has doubled revenue, expanding to 70+ offices worldwide. Passionate about culture, leadership, and growth, Bert drives Insight Global’s mission to empower people personally, professionally, and financially.
Steve Wasik is the VP of Talent Services within Insight Global’s professional services division, Evergreen. In 2020, he launched Compass, now the division’s culture and performance consulting team. He consults with leaders across the Fortune 500 on how to build cultures that take great care of people and get great business results.
Katie Hillary serves as Chief of Staff in the Sales and Revenue office at Insight Global. Her success as a sales executive is driven by a deep passion for people. She builds scalable systems that accelerate business and professional development as well as revenue growth, ensuring long-term success for each individual employee and the entire company.
📩 Have a question for Bert? We want to answer it on the air! Email your questions to chatthechief@insightglobal.com

When's the last time you delivered a pitch that truly landed? What made it so successful? In this episode, Bert Bean, CEO of Insight Global, breaks down his approach to selling — whether it’s winning over a client, pitching an idea internally, or getting buy-in from the C-suite. Tune in to hear his three-step method for selling ideas, what makes him cringe in a meeting, and even his take on Taylor Swift’s new album. You don't want to miss this one! 
This episode's air date is November 11, 2025. On this Veterans Day, we want to take a moment to honor the men and women who have selflessly served our country. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
About the Podcast:
Chat the Chief is your microdose of workplace culture and leadership insights—straight from a CEO of a multi-billion-dollar global company. Bert Bean worked his way up to CEO after first joining staffing and professional services company, Insight Global, over 20 years ago as an entry-level recruiter. Now, he’s pulling back the curtain for a raw and unfiltered peek into how Insight Global operates and his take on purpose, resiliency, and the future of work. Joining him are Culture Expert Steve Wasik and Sales Chief of Staff Katie Hillary as they dig into the principles that make companies thrive. No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just real conversations from real leaders, reshaping the way we think about work.
About the Hosts:
Bert Bean started as a recruiter at Insight Global in 2005 and became CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, the company has doubled revenue, expanding to 70+ offices worldwide. Passionate about culture, leadership, and growth, Bert drives Insight Global’s mission to empower people personally, professionally, and financially.
Steve Wasik is the VP of Talent Services within Insight Global’s professional services division, Evergreen. In 2020, he launched Compass, now the division’s culture and performance consulting team. He consults with leaders across the Fortune 500 on how to build cultures that take great care of people and get great business results. 
Katie Hillary serves as Chief of Staff in the Sales and Revenue office at Insight Global. Her success as a sales executive is driven by a deep passion for people. She builds scalable systems that accelerate business and professional development as well as revenue growth, ensuring long-term success for each individual employee and the entire company.
📩 Have a question for Bert? We want to answer it on the air! Email your questions to chatthechief@insightglobal.com