As health systems pursue growth beyond traditional avenues, the role of the strategic planner is becoming increasingly complex. High level directional data is no longer enough — achieving meaningful, differentiated growth now requires leveraging granular, sophisticated data to inform investment decisions.

In this episode, host Rachel Woods sits down with Advisory Board experts Sebastian Beckman and Ellie Wiles to explore how health systems can rethink strategic planning for 2026 and beyond. Together, they unpack what it should actually look like to democratize data, why data governance matters just as much as data access, and how service line leaders can partner with planners to make faster, more precise, margin savvy decisions.

We’re here to help:

Podcast | 289: What are health systems doing in 2026? Results from our survey are in.
Playlist | Radio Advisory Provider Strategy and Financial Outlook Playlist
Case Study | How UT Southwestern closed genomic testing gaps in prostate cancer care
ICYMI: Webinar | The top 10 trends impacting health systems in 2026
Tools | 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.

Comprehensive women’s healthcare: Redefining the standard of care

A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

290: How data‑savvy strategic planners will define the next era of health system growth