Jessica Brooks Woods | Trust, AI, Collaboration & The Future of Healthcare | The EOB Podcast

In this special Friends with Benefits episode of The EOB Podcast, Justin and Julie sit down with Jessica Brooks Woods, healthcare leader, executive, and Founder of the newly launched Health Intelligence Network (HIN). This episode was filmed April 16, 2026. Jessica has spent her career bringing together employers, policymakers, consultants, innovators, and healthcare leaders to tackle some of the industry's biggest challenges. In this conversation, she shares the personal experiences that shaped her mission, why collaboration is the key to meaningful healthcare transformation, and how AI may fundamentally change the way we solve healthcare's most complex problems. The discussion covers: 🔹 The story behind launching Health Intelligence Network (HIN) 🔹 Why healthcare doesn't have an information problem—it has a cohesion problem 🔹 Trust as healthcare's biggest challenge 🔹 AI's role in the future of healthcare and benefits consulting 🔹 Why collaboration beats competition when solving healthcare problems 🔹 The power of employer coalitions and collective action 🔹 Healthcare innovation, transparency, and leadership 🔹 Building businesses that create impact while remaining profitable One of the most memorable takeaways: "We're not lacking information. We're lacking cohesion." Whether you're an employer, benefits professional, consultant, healthcare executive, entrepreneur, or simply interested in the future of healthcare, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on leadership, innovation, and creating meaningful change. 🎙️ Subscribe to The EOB Podcast for conversations that pull back the curtain on healthcare benefits, costs, transparency, and the future of healthcare. 🎬 YouTube Chapters 0:00 – Welcome to Friends with Benefits ft. Jessica Brooks Woods 2:10 – From Pittsburgh to National Healthcare Leadership Jessica's journey into healthcare and what shaped her career. 3:09 – "Hashtag No Shrinkage" & Finding Your Purpose What drives Jessica and why she's dedicated her career to healthcare transformation. 4:03 – The Real People Behind Healthcare Problems Stories that shaped Jessica's mission and approach to healthcare. 6:34 – How Jessica Found Healthcare From Penn State to Highmark to the defense industry and back again. 9:22 – Health Reform, Consumerism & Industry Change Jessica's front-row seat to major healthcare transformation. 14:18 – Fighting Burnout While Trying to Change Healthcare The challenge of making progress in a system that never seems to move fast enough. 16:07 – The Power of Coalitions & Collective Action Why employers, consultants, and industry leaders accomplish more together. 18:26 – Saving One Person Can Change the World Julie and Jessica discuss advocacy, community, and helping people navigate the healthcare system. 21:08 – A $200 Million Healthcare Win A real-world example of collaboration creating meaningful change for employers and patients. 23:12 – Why Collaboration Beats Competition Jessica's philosophy for creating lasting healthcare transformation. 24:53 – Trust Is Healthcare's Biggest Competitor A powerful conversation about trust, influence, and leadership in healthcare. 27:09 – Introducing Health Intelligence Network (HIN) Jessica unveils her vision for a new healthcare collaboration platform. 29:28 – Healthcare Has Plenty of Data—Now What? Why information isn't the problem and what the industry is actually missing. 31:15 – AI, Innovation & The Future of Healthcare How technology is reshaping the healthcare landscape. 34:35 – "We're Innovating on Top of a Hot Mess" One of the episode's most memorable soundbites. 38:00 – Making Healthcare Understandable Why complexity remains one of healthcare's biggest barriers. 40:08 – AI-Powered Advocacy & Patient Appeals Using technology to help patients navigate complicated healthcare systems. 42:01 – Can AI Replace Advisors and Brokers? Jessica, Justin, and Julie debate the future of trusted advisors. 47:14 – AI Doesn't Replace Trust A thought-provoking discussion about trust, technology, and leadership. 51:05 – The Future of Health Intelligence Network What's next for HIN and how people can get involved. 53:48 – Final Thoughts: Doing Well by Doing Good Jessica's closing message on stewardship, impact, and building a meaningful legacy. #EOBPodcast #HealthcareBenefits #JessicaBrooksWoods #HealthIntelligenceNetwork #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareLeadership #EmployeeBenefits #AIinHealthcare #HealthcareTransformation #HealthcareTransparency