Taking on a leadership role is hard. There are days when the mountain just feels too high, the problems too complex, and you’re not sure if you can keep going.

Dr. Amy Thompson has keenly felt those moments of uncertainty over the last decade or so as she has moved from practicing pediatrician to her current role as CEO of Covenant Health.. I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside her, and she is one of the most grounded and thoughtful leaders I’ve known.

In our conversation, we talk about how she brings purpose and intention to her work, what it means to mentor well and invest in senior leadership, the real secret sauce of successful organizations, and the quiet signs that culture is breaking down.

If you’ve ever wondered if you really have what it takes to lead, this episode will give you practical advice for carrying the weight as well as a renewed sense of what’s possible, even in the hardest seasons.

Dr. Amy Thompson M.D. F.A.A.P has been part of Covenant Health since 2009 when she

began with Covenant as the Chief of the Division of Inpatient Medicine at Covenant Children’s

Hospital. She still holds this important title as well as becoming the CEO for Covenant

Children’s Hospital in 2016, and later the Chief Executive for Covenant Health Lubbock Service

Area in 2022.

Dr. Thompson serves on the American Board of Pediatrics and has received numerous awards

and honors throughout her education and career. She is a member of the American Academy of

Pediatrics, Society of Hospital Medicine, Academic Pediatrics Association, and AAP Section on

Hospital Medicine. She serves on the Medical Executive Committee for Covenant Children’s

Hospital and the Quality Review Committee for Covenant Children’s Hospital.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The keys to her leadership development
• How Covenant Health fosters deeper connections to their mission and values for everyone
• The importance of pausing to acknowledge what’s working during challenging times
• How breakdowns in communication signal an eroding culture and what leaders can do to help reopen the channels
• Why team leaders are the key to making people feel connected to their organization

Learn More About Dr. Amy Thompson and Covenant Health:

• Covenant Health

Learn More About Heather Smith:

• Talent Elevated