# Bill McNabb: Insights from Vanguard's Former Chairman and CEO Exploring leadership, fintech, and corporate governance with Bill McNabb. - **Source:** [The Big Picture](https://ritholtz.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-05 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7df25f58-4b32-4d7c-9a45-58b3bbdfe06f ## Introduction to Bill McNabb Bill McNabb, former Chairman and CEO of Vanguard, shares his extensive experience spanning over three decades at the company. He now serves on the boards of UnitedHealth, IBM, Axiom, and Altruist, bringing his expertise to various sectors. ## Vanguard's Growth Under McNabb Under McNabb's leadership, Vanguard grew from managing under a trillion dollars before the financial crisis to over $13.3 trillion today. This remarkable growth highlights his strategic vision and effective management. ## The Power of 'We' vs. 'I' McNabb emphasizes the importance of collective effort over individual achievement in corporate success. This philosophy has been a cornerstone of his leadership style and Vanguard's corporate culture. ## Corporate Governance Insights McNabb discusses his book 'Talent, Strategy, Risk: How Investors and Boards Are Redefining TSR,' which delves into the evolving landscape of corporate governance and the role of boards in shaping company strategies. ## Boardroom Experience Post-Vanguard, McNabb has been actively involved in boardrooms, advising startups in fintech and other sectors. His insights are invaluable for emerging companies navigating complex financial landscapes. ## Current Reading and Recommendations McNabb shares his current reading list and favorite books, providing a glimpse into the resources that have shaped his thinking and leadership approach over the years. ## Podcast Availability The full conversation with McNabb is available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Bloomberg. This podcast offers deeper insights into his career and perspectives. ## Importance of Leadership and Strategy McNabb's journey underscores the critical role of leadership and strategic planning in driving corporate success. His experiences offer valuable lessons for current and aspiring leaders in finance and beyond. ## Sources covering this story - https://ritholtz.com/2026/09/mib-bill-mcnabb-postvanguard/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._