What if the most powerful leadership strategy in a tech-saturated world is as simple—and as challenging—as listening? In this episode, Scott talks with Dr. Cynthia Horner, Chief Medical Officer at Amwell, about what it takes to lead 3,000+ clinicians in a virtual-first healthcare company without losing the human connection. From her work building a hospital in post-war Sierra Leone to her efforts transforming care delivery through AI and virtual tools, Cynthia shares why active listening, humility, and compassion are still the most high-impact tools a leader can use.
Listen here:
Show Resources:
About Dr. Cynthia Horner:
Check out Amwell: business.amwell.com
Connect with Cynthia on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cynthia-horner-m-d-faafp-3653143b/
Time Stamps:
(03:18) What Amwell actually does and why Cynthia made the leap
(08:59) Friction in healthcare: How technology can help, and when it hurts
(12:41) Website manner: The art of connection in a virtual environment
(20:45) Competing commitments: Safety, outcomes, and business goals
(23:48) Building a hospital in Sierra Leone
(28:33) Capacity over charity: Redefining sustainable impact
(34:49) The role of volunteer leadership in shaping world-class leaders
(36:03) What’s next in virtual care: Smart beds, AI, and hybrid models
(47:21) Burnout in healthcare and how virtual care can help
(52:39) Cynthia’s non-negotiables for staying grounded and sharp
Show Transcript: