Ron Suskind on the Timeless Principles of Paul O'Neill

Habitual Excellence, Presented by Value Capture

Show notes: https://www.valuecapturellc.com/he57

Welcome to Episode #57 of Habitual Excellence, presented by Value Capture.

Our guest today is Ron Suskind, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and investigative reporter.

Ron has been a contributor for The New York Times Magazine and Esquire. Ron was the Wall Street Journal’s senior national affairs reporter from 1993 until his departure in 2000…

Ron is the best-selling author of six books on topics ranging from terrorism to autism — his 2004 book The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O’Neill is why we’re talking today. We're also commemorating what would have been Paul's 86th birthday this past Saturday.

In the episode, Ron discusses his decades-long relationship with the late Paul H. O'Neill, Sr., what he learned about his leadership and principles, and how that can (and does) apply to healthcare — with our host, Mark Graban.

Also check out the bonus episode, where Ron shares more of the story about meeting O'Neill and writing the book.

Topics and questions include:

• In a Fresh Air interview with Terry Gross, you said Paul was “the king of facts” - tell us what you meant by that and how you learned that.
• Was it difficult for O'Neill to shift from being a CEO to being part of President Bush's cabinet?
• How much did you talk about healthcare with him? "Endlessly."
• Why was O'Neill a "skunk at a garden party"?
• O'Neill influenced many healthcare CEOs (as we've interviewed in this series) -- why aren't more leaders on board with his approach?
• During the virtual memorial service, you stated that Paul’s mark would endure… why is that and what qualities?