Podcast Summary: Earn Your Leisure

Episode: SECRETS Of The ONLY Black FEMALE CEO

Hosts: Rashad Bilal & Troy Millings (iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Thasunda Brown Duckett (TIAA CEO; Fortune 100's only Black female CEO)
Release Date: April 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This compelling episode of Earn Your Leisure features Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA and notably the only Black female CEO among Fortune 100 companies. The hosts, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, dive deep into Duckett's extraordinary professional journey, exploring the influence of her upbringing, critical turning points, the importance of information and advocacy, and her philosophy on paying it forward. The episode is both motivational and practical for aspiring business leaders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Weight of Representation and Legacy

[01:51–02:42]

• The hosts begin by framing Duckett’s achievement: leading a company that manages over $1.2 trillion and being one of only three Black CEOs, and the only Black female CEO, in Fortune 500/100 history.
• Rashad asks for actionable lessons and the true backstory behind her rise—“What’s your path that you took to become the CEO?” ([01:51]).

2. Grounded in History and Family Roots

[02:42–... approx 07:00]

• Duckett's Opening Reflection:

  “It doesn't escape me in corporate America that it was the cooks, the janitors, and the secretaries that introduced my gender and my melanin to corporate America.” ([02:55])

• She attributes her foundation to her parents and the generations that struggled before her:

  • Father (Otis Brown): Warehouse worker, no college degree, “scanning boxes and driving trucks.”
  • Mother: Educator, anchored Duckett in faith and character.

• Key Principle: “Be grounded in context, especially in your history, and let your history fuel your passion.”

• Notable Quote (on unseen contributors):

  “People may see your glory, but they don't know your story.” ([03:23])

3. Critical Lessons from Early Life

• Duckett emphasizes the value of expectations and vision passed down by her parents.

  • Her father urged, “Reach for the moon because even if you missed, you would be among the stars.” ([04:15])

• She highlights the profound impact of coming from “first-generation integration”—parents who grew up in the segregated South.

4. Importance of Sports and Teamwork

• Sports instilled grit, tenacity, and a team mentality, which Duckett carried into her business life.
  • “On any given day, everyone plays a role. Grit, tenacity, teamwork, perseverance.” ([05:10])

5. The Game Changers: Information and Advocacy

• Information: Her trajectory changed when she learned about corporate America through a diversity program called Inroads, thanks to the Pattersons.

  • “Without the power of information, I never even heard the word corporate America.” ([05:44])

• Advocacy: Cites Valerie Manning, who advocated for Duckett—when Fannie Mae only had one internship slot, Manning insisted, “But there’s this other girl.” ([06:40])

  • As a result, Duckett became the second intern and gained her introduction to corporate America.
  • Insight: “Do not wait for your rented title to feel like you have power. You have power to advocate...” ([08:12])

6. Duckett’s Career Milestones

• Fannie Mae: Entry into finance; formative years in corporate America.
• JPMorgan Chase: Progressed from mortgage division to CEO of Auto (first African American to run a business line), then to CEO of the consumer bank.
• TIAA: Eventually became CEO, shattering glass ceilings and continuing to influence the financial industry.

7. Giving Back—Information & Advocacy

• “Give away information and then advocacy. ...You may be the reason that history is made.” ([09:10])
• She credits much of her success to others who shared knowledge and advocated, urging listeners to do the same.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Humble Beginnings and Legacy:

  “I am on the shoulders of giants... It doesn't escape me that the cooks, the janitors, and the secretaries introduced my gender and my melanin to corporate America.” — Thasunda Brown Duckett ([02:55])

• On Parental Influence:

  “My dad had an expectation that he didn't even understand what that could realize.” — Duckett ([04:18])

• On the Power of Advocacy:

  “Valerie Manning advocated for me when I didn't even understand what advocacy was about. ...Because Valerie Manning said, 'but there's this other girl,' Fannie Mae added the second intern.” — Duckett ([06:44])

• On Sharing Opportunity:

  “Give away information and then advocacy. Do not wait for your rented title to feel like you have power. ...You may be the reason that history is made.” — Duckett ([09:10])

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:51 | Host introduction and framing Duckett’s significance | | 02:42–04:30 | Duckett’s family's influence, history, and grounding | | 04:30–05:44 | Sports, teamwork, and first lessons | | 05:44–07:00 | Discovery of Inroads and power of information | | 06:40–08:12 | Life-changing advocacy from Valerie Manning, Fannie Mae internship | | 08:12–09:10 | Progression through JPMorgan Chase and becoming TIAA CEO | | 09:10–09:40 | Advocacy and the call to pay it forward |

Episode Tone & Closing Thoughts

Thasunda Brown Duckett’s presence is both humble and powerful—her story is deeply personal, rich in gratitude, and driven by a sense of responsibility. The conversation flows with inspiration but remains practical, delivering actionable wisdom:

• Embrace your full history and let it drive you
• Share knowledge freely, especially with those who may not know what is possible
• Use your influence—however small—to advocate for others

For listeners: If you’re seeking a blueprint for resilience, leadership, and making a difference beyond titles, this episode stands as a beacon for personal growth, community upliftment, and the importance of breaking—and widening—doors.