In this inspiring episode of Aggie Legends, Ben Wiggins sits down with Flip and Susan Flippen, founders of the Flippen Group and namesakes of the Flippen Leadership Institute at Texas A&M. United by a shared belief in the transformative power of character, education, and authentic connection, the Flippens recount their journeys from overcoming childhood challenges through building world-changing programs to creating a leadership legacy at Texas A&M. Discover the hidden assets that matter most in business and life, learn how to build trust and relationships intentionally, and hear how gratitude, honor, and living with purpose shape both the next generation and the leaders of today. Whether you’re a student, educator, or business builder, their insights into resilience, ethics, and valuing others illuminate what it means to lead with integrity and make a lasting impact.00:00 Intro: Meet Flip & Susan Flippen

01:15 Bringing Leadership Development Home to Texas A&M

02:27 Why Kids Matter: The Power of Shaping Young Lives

02:53 Adversity and Compassion: Childhood Challenges

05:03 Foster Care, Brokenness, and Potential

06:21 Bringing Out the Best: Unique Approach to Leadership & Marriage

07:56 Building High-Trust Teams: Relationships and Retention

09:25 Impact at Scale: Worldwide Reach

11:49 The Science of Connection: Neuroscience & Emotional Resonance

14:42 Good Things, Gratitude, and Reframing Hardship

16:26 The Assets That Matter Most: Character, Purpose, and Living Well

18:26 From Transactional to Transformational: Trust in Business

23:05 Ethical Dilemmas and Values in Action

24:25 Leadership Lessons: Honor, Alignment, and Accountability

25:58 Values in Practice: Building Team Culture

26:45 Closing Wisdom: Education, Character, and Purpose

In this episode of Aggie Legends, Ben Wiggins ’07 ’18 welcomes David Cordani ’88, chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group, back to Aggieland. From his blue-collar roots in Connecticut to the Fortune 500 C-suite, Cordani’s journey embodies hard work, service, entrepreneurial grit, and unyielding integrity. Discover how his formative years and A&M experience shaped a philosophy that leadership is a sacred privilege, not a right. Cordani shares stories from the boardroom and the race course, reflects on leading through crisis, and champions the power of micro-communities, inclusion, and perpetual personal growth. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, seasoned executive, or purpose-driven Aggie, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on authentic, resilient, sustainable leadership.

00:00 Intro: Meet David Cordani of Cigna

01:02 Blue-Collar Beginnings & Family Lessons

04:28 Choosing Texas A&M & A Values-Based Path

10:33 Purpose & Progress: Entering Health Care Leadership

12:21 Leading Health Forward: Innovation, Challenge & Choice

16:29 The New Frontiers: AI, Personalization & Inclusion in Leadership

30:32 Tested Values & Turning Points in Crisis

34:17 Endurance, Service & the Art of the Possible

43:56 Inclusion & Micro-Communities

50:41 Top Lessons in Leadership

In this episode of Aggie Legends, host Ben Wiggins sits down with Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar ’93. From his humble roots on a family farm to holding one of the most influential roles in Texas higher education, Chancellor Hegar shares the lessons and leadership principles that shaped his path. He discusses the importance of community, staying grounded, the value of curiosity, and leading with character and humility. Through stories of balancing public service and family life and building teams with diverse strengths, he reveals what it truly means to be an Aggie leader. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or seasoned executive, this episode offers insightful, actionable advice on authentic leadership, overcoming adversity, and building a legacy that lasts.

00:00 Intro: Meet Glenn Hegar

00:48 Rural Roots to Texas A&M

03:09 The Aggie Network: Lasting Community & Values

04:26 Curiosity & Questioning: Foundations for Leadership

06:22 Balancing Family and Public Service

08:08 Leading with Character and Humility

10:51 Stepping into the Chancellor Role

16:04 Building Teams and Listening

20:50 Leadership in Action

23:26 Perspective & Life Hacks: Resetting During Crisis

24:31 The Highest Purpose of Higher Education

25:47 Closing Wisdom: Advice for Students and Young Professionals