Chris Van Gorder, President & CEO of Scripps Health — Serving His Way into Leadership

This podcast shares the habits and practices of peak performers and top leaders, from many walks of life; physicians, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and academics. And from every season, from the seasoned and sage to those emerging leaders and rising rock stars. All who are blazing trails and shining a light for others.

Chris has been the CEO of Scripps Health in San Diego for -- wait for it -- nearly two decades. Clearly, he must be doing something right.

He certainly made the Scripps community proud in the wake of the San Diego synagogue shooting  in April. With both the shooter and some victims having ties to Scripps, the whole tragic experience had a deep, profound impact on the community that Chris leads.

Over his tenure at Scripps, Chris has transformed the company culture through creating a Physician Leadership Cabinet and establishing transparency between the administration and  that cabinet. He’s also a believer in the power of middle management, and he’s initiated change and development through a leadership academy for middle management.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear about Chris’s humble beginnings and the wisdom he shares from his immigrant parents. Believing no one owes him a job, Chris has maintained the belief that he must work for his place at the table each and every day and that he should do what he can to give back to his community. This attitude has kept him sharp, instilled gratitude, helped him prioritize service, and has caused him to be mindful of those on the frontlines who seldom receive the recognition they deserve.

Is it any wonder Scripps wants Chris to stay at the helm?