Altabank Chief Lending Officer Ryan Jones Teaches UVU Students the Power of Curiosity and Challenging Assumptions

Guest speaker Altabank CLO Ryan Jones joined Utah Valley University's Halladay Executive Lecture Series to share an insightful framework that forges thoughtful organizational leaders.

   

Utah Valley University welcomed Ryan Jones, Chief Lending Officer at Altabank, as a guest speaker for the Reed and Christine Halladay Executive Lecture Series. 

Guest speaker Ryan Jones stands onstage speaking to an audience of UVU students in Vallejo Auditorium during the Reed and Christine Halladay Lecture Series at UVU Orem campus.

Ryan Jones oversees the growth, expansion, and strategic direction of Altabank's commercial banking business lines, including commercial and industrial banking, homebuilder finance, and commercial real estate. He also provides strategic input as a member of the bank's executive team. 

Curiosity in Action: The Importance of Asking Big Questions 

As a lifelong banker, Jones has experience growing real estate, builder finance, retail, and commercial banking business lines. Throughout his career, he has learned the importance of asking questions, challenging assumptions, and making thoughtful decisions based on evidence. 

A grid-style collage with three images. From left to right: Two students seated side by side sit in Vallejo Auditorium listening to Ryan Jones during the Q&A portion of his lecture during the Reed and Christine Halladay Executive Lecture Series. The student on the left is wearing a dark graphic T-shirt while speaking into the microphone, while the other student on the right is wearing a grey shirt and a black baseball cap. | Ryan Jones stands onstage in front of a tall podium, wearing a dark blue suit and light brown pants. In his right hand, he holds a small projector remote. | A student wearing a brown shirt and green pants speaks into a microphone during the Q&A portion of Ryan Jones’ lecture during the Reed and Christine Halladay Lecture Series at UVU Orem campus.

Maintaining an Open Mind While Moving Forward 

A major focus of Jones' presentation was the importance of curiosity. He encouraged students to remain curious while also being grounded enough to take action. He explained that curiosity can lead to better questions and new opportunities, but it must be paired with the willingness to make decisions and move forward. 

Three Questions That Change How You Think 

Jones emphasized three questions that can be applied to both business and everyday life: "What am I assuming? What does the evidence require me to conclude? What am I going to do about it?" He explained that these questions help people recognize their assumptions, evaluate information more carefully, and determine the next steps they should take. 

An audience of UVU students listen to Ryan Jones' lecture during the Reed and Christine Halladay Executive Lecture Series.

 Evidence-Based Thinking: A Framework for Thoughtful Leadership 

Jones' message encouraged students to avoid making decisions based only on what they think they know. Instead, he challenged them to seek evidence, remain open to learning, and use what they discover to take meaningful action. This approach can help individuals become more thoughtful leaders and better problem-solvers. 

Education, Publishing, and Life Outside the Office 

Jones is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle, Washington, and holds an MBA from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. His team's capstone case study was published in the second edition of the textbook "Understanding Business Strategy." He also earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Utah. 

Outside of work, Jones enjoys mountain biking, playing guitar, attending college football games, fly fishing, and disc golf. He and his wife have five children and two in-laws, whom he described as an important part of his life. 

Ryan Jones poses in a group photo with UVU students, staff, and faculty in front of a projection screen onstage at Vallejo Auditorium displaying the text,“Curiosity without judgment creates possibilities but not results. Judgment without curiosity creates compliance but not progress”at the Reed and Christine Halladay Executive Lecture Series.

The Woodbury School of Business thanks Ryan Jones for sharing his experience and perspective with UVU students. His message reminded students that curiosity, evidence-based thinking, and a willingness to act are valuable qualities in both business and life. 

Want to catch every insight from this year’s Halladay Lecture Series?

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL FALL 2026 HALLADAY LECTURE SERIES SPEAKERS HERE.

Watch Ryan Jones' full lecture below. 

 
 
 

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