Authenticity, Curiosity, and Leadership with Michael Jones (Part Two)

In the second half of their conversation, Richard Walker and Michael Jones, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona, go deeper into servant leadership, company culture, and the balance between empathy and tough business decisions.

Michael shares how Delta Dental of Arizona logged nearly 1,000 volunteer hours and 27 community events in a single year, explaining why leading with service creates a ripple effect across teams and communities. He unpacks his non-negotiables as a CEO, the importance of aligning personal values with business strategy, and why respect and dignity must guide even the hardest calls.

The discussion also explores the long-term value of relationships, the danger of short-term thinking, and how technology, data, and AI are transforming healthcare. With practical lessons on leadership, authenticity, and intentional innovation, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with both heart and results.