David Cordani ’88 | Integrity and Leading through Crisis

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