David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Carlyle Group: Pursue Something Meaningful

In this View From The Top interview, Sanil Rajput, MBA ’26, speaks with David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Carlyle Group. David shares his journey from a modest upbringing in Baltimore to the White House and ultimately to building one of the world’s leading private equity firms. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including early failures, the role of luck and resilience, and how he broke into an industry he initially knew little about. He also offers a candid look at the evolution of private equity – from leveraged buyouts to value creation – and how firms like Carlyle are thinking about AI. Throughout the conversation, Rubenstein emphasizes persuasion, leadership, and adaptability – lessons drawn from his time in government, business, and as a prolific interviewer. He shares insights on fundraising, building credibility, and navigating power at the highest levels. He closes with a reflection on what matters most: using your time and talents to do something meaningful and create lasting impact.