Raised in Burtonsville, Maryland, John grew up in a family shaped by public service. His father and grandfather were career Washington, DC firefighters, which gave him an early understanding of duty, structure, and showing up when it matters. A serious sports injury ended his plans to pursue baseball professionally, pushing him toward academics and long-term thinking.
John’s education spans multiple disciplines. He earned a BA and MA in History from UMBC, an MBA from Pepperdine University, a PhD in Information Systems from Concordia, and is currently a PhD candidate in Health Sciences at Liberty University. This blend of history, business, technology, and health reflects his interest in how large systems succeed—or fail—over time.
In today’s workforce, where gig labor, seasonal jobs, and part-time roles continue to grow, John’s work has become increasingly relevant. Through WorXsiteHR and its role as the exclusive Third-Party Administrator for the HealthWorX Plan, his organization helps deliver no-cost healthcare to workers often excluded from traditional plans.
Through nonprofit partnerships, his organization donates over $100 million annually in healthcare services and premiums. Outside of work, John Theodore Zabasky enjoys golf, bodybuilding, boating, and reading history—habits that keep him grounded while navigating complex modern challenges.
Success looks different today than it did 20 years ago. How do you define it now?Success today is resilience. Systems break faster than they used to. Careers are less linear. If what you build can adapt to economic pressure, workforce changes, and rising costs—and still help people—that’s real success.
You’ve spent years studying systems. Why does that matter right now?We’re in a moment where people are losing trust in institutions. Healthcare, employment, and education all feel unstable to many families. Understanding how systems evolve—and how they fail—helps you build alternatives that actually work in the real world, not just on paper.
How has the modern workforce influenced your work?The workforce has changed dramatically. More people are part-time, seasonal, or working multiple jobs. Traditional benefits were never designed for them. Ignoring that reality creates gaps. I built WorXsiteHR because those gaps were growing, not shrinking.
What problem do you think most leaders are still underestimating?Burnout. Not just employee burnout—but systemic burnout. When systems become too complex, too expensive, or too rigid, people stop engaging with them. Simplicity and usability matter more now than ever.
Your background includes both history and technology. How does that shape your approach?History shows you patterns. Technology gives you tools. Most people focus on one or the other. I try to combine them. When you understand past failures and apply modern tools, you can avoid repeating mistakes at scale.
What’s one misconception about healthcare access today?That coverage equals care. Many people technically have insurance but still avoid doctors because of cost, confusion, or fear of surprise bills. Access only matters if people actually use it.
Your organization donates over $100 million annually in healthcare services. Why focus on scale?Small solutions don’t fix big problems. If you want impact today, you have to think in systems and volume. That doesn’t mean losing compassion—it means designing compassion that can reach millions.
What lesson has become more relevant in recent years?Slow thinking wins. In a world obsessed with speed and visibility, the leaders who pause, analyze, and build deliberately create the most durable outcomes.
What advice would you give professionals navigating uncertainty right now?Learn how systems work. Understand incentives. Don’t just chase opportunity—study structure. Success today belongs to people who can see where things are breaking and calmly build something better.
What keeps you motivated in this stage of your career?Relevance. Knowing that the work still matters right now, not just in theory. If what you’re building solves a present-day problem, motivation takes care of itself.