305: “The work isn’t easy, but it’s clear”: How healthcare leaders are responding to the market

After years of uncertainty, many healthcare executives say they’ve experienced more change in the past five years than in their entire careers. Policy shifts, evolving patient expectations, and rapid advances in AI are all colliding at once — forcing leaders to rethink how they operate and where they invest. But here’s the surprising part: the overwhelming sentiment isn’t panic. It’s clarity. In this episode, host Rachel (Rae) Woods sits down with Advisory Board researchers Morghen Philippi and Marisa Nives to share what they’re hearing from months of research conversations with leaders across the ecosystem. Together, they offer a grounded look at how peers, partners, and competitors are thinking right now — where leaders are aligned, where they’re making different bets, and what they’re prioritizing next. We’re here to help: Episode | Ep. 303: The hard truths behind the fight for commercial volumes Episode | Ep. 232: The rise of ICHRAs: Why some employers are turning to the individual market Playlist | Strategy and Financial Outlook playlist Report | 12 things CEOs need to know in 2026 Report | Survey insights: The 5 trends redefining health system strategy in 2026 Tool | Check out Advisory Board’s Market Scenario Planner and other Advisory Board analytics and data tools to inform your strategy for growth, cost control and more. Ready-to-Use Slides | Market outlook for individual and small group health insurance Webinar | How to embrace a proactive (not reactive) approach to change Q&A with a clinical pharmacist: Reimagining diabetes care A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.