David Rubenstein

David Rubenstein is an American author, philanthropist and business executive. He is co-founder and co-executive chairman of the private equity firm The Carlyle Group, which he has helped build into one of the world's largest and most successful alternative asset firms. Rubenstein is known for his business acumen as well as for his philanthropic work.

Born on August 11, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland, Rubenstein grew up in a Jewish family. He was an excellent student and went on to attend Duke University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a BA in 1970 and a JD in 1973. He also competed in and won Duke's Moot Court competition which earned him a spot as a legal intern at the White House during the Nixon administration. After graduating, Rubenstein worked as an attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

In 1987, Rubenstein co-founded The Carlyle Group, which was initially focused on leveraged buyouts. His business savvy quickly propelled the firm to the top of the private equity industry. The firm's debut fund, which raised $5.8 billion in 2003, is the largest private equity fund ever assembled. Over the years, The Carlyle Group has invested in many businesses, including Helios and Matheson, Hca Holdings and Chrysler LLC. Rubenstein is credited with enabling Carlyle to become one of the largest and most profitable alternative investment firms in the world.

In addition to his business achievements, Rubenstein is also renowned for his philanthropic endeavors. In 2012, he founded The Carlyle Group Charitable Foundation to “support institutions and organizations that promote education, serve communities in need, protect the environment and support the arts.” Moreover, he has supported college scholarships, and in 2009 he donated $10 million to his alma mater, Duke University, towards the construction of a new building to house the school's Fuqua School of Business.

Rubenstein has written several books throughout his career. From the Great Depression to the Great Recession: What Everyone Should Know About Economics, published in 2013, is a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide to economics. The book explains key terms in finance, such as “inflation,” “supply and demand,” and “business cycles” as well as gives an overview of US economic history.

Another prominent book by David Rubenstein is How to Lead: Wisdom from the World’s Greatest CEOs, Founders, and Game Changers, published in 2017. In this book, Rubenstein interviews some of the most successful and influential leaders including Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Jack Welch, to uncover their secrets to success and leadership.

Rubenstein has also written two children’s books, Davy Crockett: A Life on the Frontier (2017) and George Washington: An American Patriot (2018). Both books strive to make historical figures and events accessible to younger generations, while emphasizing the values of courage, perseverance, and service.

Overall, David Rubenstein is a highly accomplished author and business executive. His books have helped spread knowledge to people of all ages, while his entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures has changed the lives of many. He is an inspiration for entrepreneurs, business executives and aspiring leaders alike, and his inspiring story is an example of the power of dedication and hard work.