Thasunda Brown Duckett is a powerhouse in the corporate world. After excelling at JPMorganChase, she became CEO of TIAA five years ago, managing over $1.6 trillion in assets. Today, she ranks among only three Black women leading Fortune 500 companies, and is one of just five Black women to achieve this milestone in history.

Duckett attributes much of her success to her father, Otis Brown. Despite facing segregation and never attending college, he encouraged his talented daughter to aim high, assuring her that even if she fell short, she’d still achieve greatness.

This advice has proven invaluable.

Inspiration from Humble Beginnings

Growing up in Texas, Duckett remembers a childhood filled with love but lacking financial stability. “My dad signed us up for karate lessons, but I never advanced beyond the white belt, yellow stripe,” she shares, “because we couldn’t afford it.”

There were times when they had electricity, and times when they didn’t. “Sometimes the fridge was empty, but my parents always found a way to feed us,” Duckett recalls.

A pivotal moment occurred during college when Duckett reviewed her father’s financial records. Despite decades of hard work, he had never contributed to his 401(k). “Perhaps he didn’t realize it was for him,” she reflects. After explaining it to him, he quickly began maximizing his contributions.

Entering the Corporate Arena

While her family anticipated a future in law due to her debating skills, a college program called Inroads opened the door to the corporate landscape for Duckett. A recruiter from Fannie Mae saw potential in her and created a second internship position to bring her on board.

Duckett credits her journey to understanding her “ownable assets,” including her intelligence and perseverance. This perspective helps her avoid the common pitfall of over-identifying with her job. Her mantra? “You rent your title but own your character.”

“As you climb the leadership ladder, you may find yourself unexpectedly reassigned. But remember, that title doesn’t define you,” Duckett explains. “You can return the business card, but your curiosity, character, and determination remain with you.”

Ascending the Ranks

Duckett transitioned from Fannie Mae to JPMorgan Chase, steadily climbing until she was appointed CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. In 2021, she took the helm at TIAA, navigating the challenges of a century-old institution through virtual meetings during the pandemic.

Although she faced a lack of representation among leaders, Duckett found mentorship and support along the way.

“Some of my biggest advocates have been men,” she states. “Yet, I recognize the significance of representation. We’re still striving for true meritocracy, broadening the possibilities for all talent—women, minorities, and those with diverse backgrounds.”

She adds, “You’ll see many men in leadership roles, and there are fantastic ones among them. I just want to ensure that I’m seen too.”

Cultivating Her Personal and Professional Life

A strong support system comes from her husband, Richard Duckett, a former Marine and engineer who chose to be a stay-at-home dad for their three children—a mutual decision they made together. However, balancing work and family has had its challenges.

Feeling overwhelmed with late hours and missing family moments, Duckett shifted her mindset. She rejects the notion of work-life balance, instead viewing her life as a portfolio.

“Be honest with yourself. There’s no such thing as giving 110%—it’s always 100%,” she advises. She strategizes how to allocate time among her children, work, and personal interests.

“This approach helps clarify what being over-allocated means. If I know my kids get a set percentage, and someone requests more of my time elsewhere, I recognize that I’m taking from my kids’ share, disrupting my balance.”

Her Mission to Inspire

Duckett’s Instagram page provides a comprehensive view of her life, intentionally showcasing more than the typical CEO image.

Her posts highlight TIAA’s mission and the significance of preparing for a secure retirement.

She also shares moments from her family life, celebrating her daughter Madison’s achievements as an All-American fencer at Harvard, her son Myles’s basketball endeavors, and her youngest daughter Mackenzie’s adventures.

Duckett expresses love for her husband and openly shares her faith. Additionally, her stylish fashion choices, featuring bright colors and designer pieces, are prominently displayed.

“I want to see more than 11% of women in leadership roles,” Duckett asserts, “and I don’t want them to feel they have to give up their aspirations because they think they can't manage multiple identities. I hope to inspire others genuinely.”

Her objective is straightforward: she wants women, particularly Black women, to understand that being a CEO can coexist with being a mother, a wife, and a person of faith. Sometimes, it takes a community to achieve that balance.

She wants them to see it, so they can be it.