Thasunda Brown Duckett’s ascent to the position of president and CEO of TIAA in May 2021 marked a significant milestone in corporate leadership.
As one of only two Black women currently at the helm of a Fortune 500 company, (the other being Toni Townes-Whitley, CEO of SAIC), Duckett joined the ranks of esteemed leaders such as Rosalind Brewer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns, and Mary Winston, former interim CEO at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Founded in 1918 with a mission to assist educators in securing their financial futures, TIAA has evolved into a powerhouse in the financial services sector.
With a workforce of 15,000 employees, the firm now manages a staggering $1.2 trillion in assets annually, providing retirement solutions to 5 million professionals in academia, healthcare, culture, and government.
Duckett’s journey to the top echelons of corporate America is deeply rooted in her personal upbringing and professional experience.
Hailing from Texas, she often recounts her parents’ struggles to make ends meet — a narrative that fuels her drive to promote financial inclusion and diversity in the industry.
Witnessing her father’s lack of retirement planning served as a catalyst for Duckett’s commitment to bridging the gap in financial literacy and retirement preparedness, particularly among underserved communities.
With her newfound platform as CEO of a retirement company, Duckett advocates for comprehensive strategies to enhance financial well-being, urging both business leaders and policymakers to prioritize initiatives that promote retirement planning and investment literacy.
She states the importance of automatic enrollment in retirement plans, increased contributions, and the availability of guaranteed income products, such as annuities, to ensure a secure financial future for all individuals.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Duckett champions the concept of a “diversified life portfolio,” encouraging individuals to strike a balance between professional pursuits and personal fulfillment.
Rejecting the notion of work-life balance as an unattainable ideal, she advocates for the intentional allocation of time and energy, exemplified by her active engagement in family activities alongside her professional endeavors.
As Duckett continues to navigate the complex landscape of corporate leadership, her commitment to financial empowerment and holistic well-being serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders and industry stakeholders alike.
Through her advocacy and leadership, Duckett embodies a vision of inclusive prosperity and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Correction: An earlier version of this story reported that Thasunda Dockett Leads is the “only Black woman currently at the helm of a Fortune 500 company.” That information has since been updated to acknowledge that she is one of two Black women leading a Fortune 500 company, the other being the CEO of SAIC, Toni Townes-Whitley.
