Dr. John Zabasky is the visionary CEO of WorXsiteHR Insurance Solutions, Inc., an innovative firm that strives to extend healthcare services to underserved communities. Originating from Burtonsville, Maryland, John was deeply influenced by his Great Aunt’s love for history, which spurred his pursuit of knowledge, earning him degrees in History from UMBC, an MBA from Pepperdine, and a PhD in Information Systems from Concordia. He is also enhancing his expertise in the healthcare field as a PhD candidate in Health Sciences at Liberty University.
In 2013, he and Sharon Rowell established WorXsiteHR and launched the HealthWorX Plan, a groundbreaking no-cost medical program tailored for lower-income, part-time, and seasonal workers. This initiative reflects his profound dedication to social equity, with his organization contributing over $100 million each year to healthcare services and premiums, providing significant support to families in need. John’s personal passions—golf, bodybuilding, and baseball—not only underscore his commitment to personal health but also parallel the vigor he applies to his professional endeavors. Through innovative strategies and compassionate leadership, John’s efforts continue to significantly advance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early with a morning workout, which helps me clear my mind and prepare for the day. I balance my time between overseeing current projects at WorXsiteHR, strategizing future initiatives, and collaborating with my team. I make my day productive by setting clear priorities and staying focused on actionable goals that align with our mission of expanding healthcare access.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe in a collaborative approach to innovation. When I have a new idea, I discuss it with my team to refine it, test its feasibility, and ensure it aligns with our strategic goals. This process often involves gathering input from various stakeholders to optimize the concept before implementation.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The integration of AI and machine learning in healthcare is a trend that truly excites me. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize how we predict, diagnose, and treat illnesses, especially in underserved communities.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Discipline is my most productive habit. Whether it’s adhering to my schedule, meeting deadlines, or ensuring I stay on top of emails and communications, maintaining a disciplined approach ensures I stay productive and accountable.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about the things that didn’t go as planned. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, not just a hurdle.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that every individual, regardless of their economic status, has the right to quality healthcare. While this is increasingly supported, the extent to which I believe we should go—offering completely free medical services through non-profits—is still quite radical to some.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Reflect on your achievements and setbacks. Regular reflection helps you stay grounded, learn from your past, and better plan your future.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go back to the basics: prioritizing tasks, taking a step back to refocus, and if needed, taking a short break to clear my mind, often with a quick walk or a session at the gym.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships has been crucial. Networking and maintaining positive relationships with industry peers, mentors, and stakeholders have opened doors and provided insights that have been vital to my success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
In the early days of my career, I misjudged the market need for a particular insurance product which resulted in significant financial loss. I overcame this by taking a step back to thoroughly research and understand the market before launching new products. The lesson was clear: never assume, always validate.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that connects non-profit healthcare providers with donors in real-time, allowing donors to see the direct impact of their contributions on individual lives and community health.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Our proprietary software, HRX, is indispensable for implementing and managing every client and every project. It helps keep track of different stages of each project, assigns tasks to team members, monitors enrollments, and more, all in one visually intuitive interface.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Innovator’s Prescription” by Clayton M. Christensen has been incredibly influential. It offers insights into how disruptive innovation can transform the healthcare industry, which resonates deeply with my goals.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
‘Yellowstone.’ I mean the show focuses on the last of a breed: the billionaire cowboy. When faced with the choice of greedily holding on to something they know they cannot save, and rather than allow that greed to destroy everything they and their ancestors had worked and sacrificed for, they basically donated 90% of their wealth to the local Native Americans. This is similar to how I operate my businesses. I get a great deal of satisfaction from that; much like John Rockefeller was able to do before he passed. Life can offer unexpected opportunities at any stage. It reminds me of the importance of staying open to new experiences and learning from everyone around you, regardless of their age or background.
Key learnings
- Collaboration
- Importance of Relationships
- Continuous Learning