Most companies invest heavily in benefits, but employees still don’t understand or use them.

In this episode of MustardHub Voices: Behind the Build, Curtis Forbes sits down with Spencer Linsley, Head of Partnerships at Bright Benefits, to explore why the gap between benefits strategy and employee experience is, in fact, a communication problem. Drawing on his journey from ski patrol to SaaS partnerships, Spencer shares how empathy and clear messaging shape employees’ perception of value.

They discuss why benefits often feel “broken,” even when strong packages are in place, and how a lack of understanding leads to low participation, poor utilization, and missed ROI. Spencer explains why leaders must move beyond treating benefits as a line item and instead see them as part of a broader employee value proposition.

The conversation also covers how culture forms at the team level, why employees underestimate their total rewards, and how better communication can quietly improve trust, retention, and engagement.

This episode is a must-watch for HR leaders, founders, and operators looking to turn benefits into a meaningful driver of culture and performance.

About Spencer:

Spencer Linsley is a seasoned business leader and partnership strategist with deep experience driving growth at the intersection of sales, partnerships, and tech-enabled solutions. Currently leading Partnerships at Brite Benefits, Spencer works at the forefront of modern benefits education — helping brokers, HR teams, and employers better communicate and engage around benefits in ways that are clear, confident, and impactful.

Before joining Brite, Spencer spent several years shaping strategic alliances and revenue growth in the HR tech space, including leadership roles in sales and partnerships at Awardco, where he connected innovative solutions with enterprise customers and ecosystem partners.

His career journey — from sales leadership to partnership development — underscores his belief in building trust, aligning cross-functional teams, and leveraging strategic collaboration to unlock long-term value.

Originally from the Bay Area, Spencer now calls the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Front home. He enjoys all things outdoors — skiing, hiking, camping, and spending as much time outside as possible, especially playing and adventuring with his two daughters.