B R O W N & B R O W N
Mindful Balance Seminar
Thursday, May 8, 2025 | Sanctuary Golf Course
Meet the Keynote Speakers
We've brought together an eclectic group of keynote speakers - each with a unique perspective on the broad topic of mental health and how it relates to the workplace. Each will be diving into their specialty areas to provide a wholistic story around the continued importance of mental health.
Sean Astin
Acclaimed American Film and Television Actor
Astin is best known for his classic and beloved characters – the ever faithful Samwise Sam Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and American working class hero, Rudy. Astin made his feature film debut in the wildly popular 80’s classic The Goonies as the leader of an unlikely band of adolescent treasure hunters. In 2004, Astin flexed his comedy muscles as the steroid challenged Doug Whitmore in the Sony Pictures hit comedy 50 First Dates.
He went on to become a fan favorite portraying Bob Newby, in Season 2 of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. Astin's tenured career in the film and television industry has garnered him many popular on-screen roles and directing and producing successes. But his talents extend far beyond that of the big screen.
Sean is a vocal advocate for literacy, mental health awareness, bi-polar disorder, civic engagement and other issues. Astin is an energetic, passionate speaker who promotes a culture of volunteerism, exemplifying the values Brown & Brown cherishes and champions.
Josh Rydberg
Senior Vice President of Underwriting Services, Brown & Brown
As Senior Vice President of Underwriting Services at Brown & Brown, Josh’s primary role is to design and implement financial management strategies for clients across the country. He also develops, maintains and delivers financial tools and methodologies that assist in the effective management of employer-sponsored health plans. Josh routinely provides internal and external education regarding unique opportunities for groups to improve health plan structure.
Today, Josh is addressing care gaps and how to help support employees amidst rising plan costs. Topics include:
- Are your health plans improving outcomes – or creating barriers to care?
- What we have learned about delay of care and how to avoid potential pitfalls
- How common financial strategies amplify the inflationary effects of medical trend
- The staggering growth of high-cost claimants and what you can do about it
Dr. Colleen Saringer
Global Organizational Health Leader, Consultant and Published Author
Dr. Colleen Saringer classifies herself as a blue-collar woman wrapped in a PhD package.
Many would say what qualifies her to stand in front of audiences and speak on mental health in the workplace, is because she's weathered the challenges of two family-owned construction businesses; one of which came close to ending due to a death by suicide. Others would argue it’s her 25-year tenure as a Global Organizational Health Leader and Consultant, who dedicated her career partnering with companies to better the health of their people and profits. Some would say it’s because she's a published, peer reviewed author on workplace culture and health behavior policy. Friends and family would double down with “she walks the talk when it comes to health and well-being.”
Colleen would argue it's each of these - and her story. Today, Dr. Saringer dives into her story while exploring the following topics:
- The challenges in seeking mental health support (e.g. learned behaviors, lack of trust to come forward, retaliation, etc.).
- The job-related psychosocial factors that impact a person’s mental and physical health.
- How to assess a workplace and/or team for these psychosocial factors.
- Solutions (e.g. communication, accountability) to address and eliminate these psychosocial factors.
