Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Purpose Driven Healthcare Leadership with Amber K. Brooks, MD, MS, Founder of Onward and Upward
Feb 28, 2026
Amber K. Brooks, MD, MS — anesthesiologist, NIH-funded researcher, and founder of Onward and Upward. She talks about building human-centered leadership, why purpose and trust matter more than charisma, and how executive presence grounded in kindness helps retain talent. Practical frameworks and advice for leaders transitioning from surviving to thriving are highlighted.
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Healthcare Needs Human Centered Leadership
- Healthcare leaders face extreme headwinds from financial cuts and administrative change that demand new leadership approaches.
- Amber K. Brooks launched Onward and Upward to help leaders shift from surviving to thriving by focusing beyond technical skills to human-centered tactics.
Prioritize Tactical People Skills Over Only Tech
- Prioritize tactical, human-centered leadership skills as much as technical capabilities like AI and tech fluency.
- Focus on skills that keep people showing up and morale high so teams can navigate fiscal and operational challenges.
Medical Education Lacks Leadership Training
- Medical training emphasizes diagnosis and clinical skills but often omits structured leadership development for future executives.
- Brooks identifies a systemic void in preparing clinicians for roles like CMO or medical director.