Aggie Legends Podcast Shares Leadership Lessons from Top Industry Leaders

Leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about values. Mays Business School and our Flippen Leadership Institute launched a new podcast in 2026 that asks Aggie legends to go deep and share about the values that have shaped their careers and helped them overcome challenges in business and beyond. These are a few of our favorite takeaways from the first season. Catch up on Season 1 of Aggie Legends on YouTube or your favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 1

Darren Woods ’87

CEO, ExxonMobil

“It became very clear to me that you can be the best engineer in the world. If you don’t know how to make money, you don’t know how to fund your ideas, you’re never gonna be successful. So I decided I need to know how to make money. The business side of the equation.”

Episode 2

Wayne Roberts ’85

Former CEO, Abrigo

“One of the things I’ve struggled with my entire life is being a pleaser, which sounds like a great thing, but it has a dark side. I want to give everyone the freedom and the encouragement to maybe put yourself first a little bit. And say no.”

Episode 3

Dan Tinker ’96

President and CEO, SRS Distribution

“Don’t make them a pawn on the chessboard. Make them be the king and queen of their area and let them run. You tell them what the goals are, and then you let them be creative, because people are so much happier when they get to have a say.”

Episode 4

Bruce Broussard ’84

Former CEO, Humana; Interim CEO, HP

“This idea of servitude, of purpose, really is where I start from. And then it evolves to being a complex thinker and humble in my approach — and curious. Those are the areas that have defined my leadership style.”

Episode 5

Devina Rankin ’98

Former CFO, WM

“I think it’s important that we recognize that we make time for the things that we value and that are important to us. What I value is giving back to the university that gave me so much and a solid ground off of which to launch my own professional journey and career.”

Episode 6

Glenn Hegar ’93

Chancellor, Texas A&M University System

“If you just listen, it’s amazing what you can learn. Most people talk more than they listen. I think that’s No. 1. No. 2 is constantly being curious and asking questions because when you bring an answer back, it usually brings another question or two.”

Episode 7

David Cordani ’88

CEO, Cigna

“Leaders should be seeking and embracing change. Sometimes senior leaders stop learning. Sometimes senior leaders think they have all the answers. That’s an impossibility in my philosophy in this environment. Also, consistency and courage. Your words and your actions need to line up.”

Episode 8

Flip & Susan Flippen

Leadership experts; namesakes, Flippen Leadership Institute

“Think in terms of the people you’re serving. How does it impact them? Not just how does it impact me? As a leader, do not accept unacceptable behavior or tolerate intolerable behavior. It contaminates your team, insults the high performers and reinforces the low performers.”