Most recently a liver sr. therapeutic specialist at Gilead Sciences, Khanh Horne, covered the Los Angeles area, serving clients including key academic institutions UCLA, USC, and Cedar Sinai Medical Center. Khanh Horne was responsible for the promotion and sales of multiple products, as well as growing volume and market share above the company averages.
Ms. Horne’s performance across several years earned her numerous awards, including the Impact Award, Values at Works Award, HVC Key Contributor Award, Director’s Award, HBV Market Share Contest Award, and Vice President’s Council. Previously, Khanh Horne served as territory sales manager at AceLL. She was responsible for nurturing existing clients and seeking new clients to increase sales of the company’s healthcare products for soft tissue reinforcement and advanced wound management.
She overcame the loss of the No. 1 account and grew sales year over year by 185 percent. Ms. Horne was AceLL’s 2019 Rising Star recipient. She also worked as an associate sales consultant at Quintiles IMS. She obtained her BS in biology from the University of California, San Diego. Ms. Horne enjoys traveling abroad and spending time with her family.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early. I wake up, make a strong cup of coffee, and spend about an hour catching up on the latest news, reviewing emails, and organizing my daily to-do list. This quiet, focused time helps me prepare mentally and set priorities for the day. Having a clear game plan right out of the gate ensures that I stay on track and make the most of my time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start with the big picture—visualizing what success looks like and why the idea matters. Once I have that broad vision, I break it down into actionable steps. I find that mapping out the smaller components helps prevent overwhelm and builds momentum. I also like to get feedback early in the process to refine and improve the concept along the way.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’ve been really inspired by how Gen Z are bringing back health-conscious culture. It’s not just about hitting the gym— there is also using therapy to heal emotionally, practicing mindfulness, getting better sleep, balancing a healthy and sustainable diet, even saying no to alcohol without making any of it a big deal. There’s this growing vibe that taking care of yourself isn’t something to be embarrassed about, and that feels like a huge cultural shift. It’s refreshing, honestly—and it makes me want to do better too.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I tried to quit coffee once—but quickly realized it’s a necessary part of my morning routine. That cup of caffeine helps kickstart my focus and energy. It’s a small habit, but one that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Time moves faster than you think, and the things that seem big now often won’t matter later. Enjoy the moment, trust your path, and know that you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I genuinely think multitasking gets a bad rap. I know the science says it kills productivity, but I’ve found that pairing the right kinds of tasks—like listening to a podcast while walking or brainstorming while cleaning—actually helps me stay sharp and energized. I’m not saying it works for everything, but I think we underestimate how flexible our minds can be when we use them intentionally.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Exercise. It’s not just about physical health—it’s a mental reset. I try to get in at least four days of activity each week, whether it’s a brisk three-mile walk or a full gym workout. It clears my head and boosts my overall energy.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I remove myself from the environment and go outside for a walk. Changing the scenery helps reset my mindset. Sometimes, stepping away for even ten minutes can bring clarity and calmness back into focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Going above and beyond has always been my default. I’m results-driven, and that often means putting in extra time or effort—even if it occasionally cuts into personal time. That level of commitment has opened doors and built trust with clients and colleagues.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
In sales, failure is inevitable. I’ve had months where I didn’t hit my targets, which can be discouraging. But I’ve learned to use those moments as checkpoints—not dead ends. I take time to reassess, identify what went wrong, and adjust my strategy moving forward. Every failure carries a lesson if you’re willing to look for it.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Here’s one I’d love to see someone build: a Digital Heirloom Vault. It would let people create secure, multimedia legacies—videos, voice notes, letters, even advice or birthday messages—that get released to loved ones at certain milestones or dates. Imagine your future kid hearing a message from their grandparent on their graduation day or a couple receiving a video from their wedding officiant on their 10th anniversary. Emotional, meaningful, and timeless.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
The Notes app on my iPhone is my go-to. My brain is constantly thinking of ideas and tasks, and I’ve found that writing things down immediately helps me stay organized. It’s simple, always accessible, and incredibly effective for idea capture and planning.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I really enjoy The Moth podcast. The personal storytelling is moving, powerful, and human. It shows how stories—shared authentically—can connect us across experiences, backgrounds, and beliefs.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Bear completely pulled me in. It’s technically about running a chaotic restaurant kitchen, but underneath that, it’s about grief, legacy, pressure, and trying to care deeply in an environment that doesn’t always make space for it. The writing is sharp, the performances are raw, and it somehow manages to be both stressful and beautiful at the same time. It stuck with me long after the credits rolled.
Key learnings
- Start each day with structure and clear intention
- Physical activity is a powerful tool for maintaining both mental and physical well-being
- Don’t let setbacks define you—use them as opportunities to reassess and improve
- Going the extra mile builds trust, opportunities, and long-term success
- Generosity, even in small amounts, can make a profound impact