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The Tepper School of Business welcomed Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA, as a guest for the 2025-26 edition of the W.L. Mellon Speaker Series.

is a leading provider of retirement security and outcome-focused investment solutions for millions of individuals and thousands of institutions. Its mission is grounded in financial inclusion and opportunity, principles that have guided Duckett throughout her career, driving efforts to broaden TIAA鈥檚 reach beyond higher education and help all Americans prepare for retirement.

Speaking to students, faculty, staff, and alumni, Duckett shared powerful insights on vision-driven and people-centered leadership, the importance of financial literacy and security, and leading with authenticity and purpose in moments of change.

鈥淭o be a leader, it starts with vision. It鈥檚 not just about executing for today, but what is that longer-term strategy,鈥� Duckett explained. 鈥淰ision is about seeing something bigger than what is, and being anchored to what you do extraordinarily well.鈥�

Duckett reflected on the personal experiences that shaped this outlook, pointing to her family鈥檚 history and the sacrifices that made her own path possible. She said that it was the sacrifices of her parents that have unlocked her ability to dream.

鈥淢y father always told me to reach for the moon, because even if you miss, you鈥檇 be among the stars,鈥� she shared. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been a dreamer, but dreaming comes from curiosity of the possibility that you cannot see, but you demand it anyway.鈥�

Prior to joining TIAA in 2021, Duckett served in several senior leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, including CEO of the Consumer Bank and Auto Finance businesses. She has earned numerous honors, among them recognition on the TIME100 list of the world鈥檚 most influential people and election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Reflecting on how her organization, founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1918 and sharing a special connection with CMU, continues to fulfill its founding purpose, she described how its mission has broadened to meet the needs of a changing workforce.

"If you think about the spirit of a visionary, vision is supposed to expand 鈥� especially if the problem is still relevant,鈥� Duckett said. 鈥淎nd the problem is still very relevant. If you work, you should have dignity in retirement. We are on a mission to help all Americans have a secure retirement, because it is not just an ending 鈥� it is the next chapter of your life."

She stressed the long-term impact of early financial decisions and encouraged everyone to begin saving for retirement with their very first paycheck.

鈥淵ou won鈥檛 miss what you never had,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he best day to start is today.鈥�

The event was hosted by Dean Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou and moderated by Laurie Weingart, Richard M. and Margaret S. Cyert Professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory, and second-year MBA student Amber Lo. As part of the visit to campus, Duckett also met with Carnegie Mellon President Farnam Jahanian and other members of the University鈥檚 leadership team and benefits staff.

Beginning in 2006, the W.L. Mellon Speaker Series has provided an opportunity for students to interact with global leaders, CEOs, and management experts.