David Rubenstein on Leadership, History, and Going Big

David Rubenstein has built an extraordinary career, from co-founding The Carlyle Group to becoming one of America’s most prominent philanthropists and students of history. But behind those accomplishments is a deeper fascination with what makes great leaders, institutions, and nations endure.

On this episode of the Going Big! podcast, Rubenstein shares lessons from studying figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson—and from decades of building organizations himself.

What Makes a Great Leader?

Rubenstein believes great leaders combine humility, vision, communication, and the ability to motivate others. They also need the willingness to surround themselves with talented people rather than feeling threatened by them.

He points to Abraham Lincoln’s humility as one of his defining qualities. Despite leading the country through the Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln did not spend his time boasting about his accomplishments.

Building for the Long Term

Rubenstein also applies an investor’s mindset to America itself.

Looking back at 1776, he notes that the country’s future was far from guaranteed. The young nation faced war, debt, slavery, foreign threats, and enormous uncertainty.

The lesson? Great things often take much longer to develop than we expect. The American experiment took centuries to become what it is today, and its future will depend on how effectively future generations address the challenges ahead.

A Life Beyond Wealth

Perhaps the most interesting part of Rubenstein’s story is what he has chosen to do with his success.

Through philanthropy, he has helped preserve landmarks and documents including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Monticello, and the Declaration of Independence.

For Rubenstein, giving back is closely connected to fulfillment. He argues that helping other people can provide a deeper sense of satisfaction than simply accumulating more wealth.

His story raises an important question for anyone thinking about their own life: What are you building that will matter long after you are gone?