Are you a perfectionist?
Do you ever spend time alone in silence?
Today, Jay sits down with Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and founder of Pivotal Ventures to talk about her journey from studying computer science at Duke University to working at Microsoft, and eventually transitioning into philanthropy.
Melinda highlights the importance of goal setting and quiet reflection, practices instilled in her from a young age; the challenges women and people of color face in achieving equality, emphasizing the need for more inclusive policies and support systems; and the importance of diverse representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Melinda shared insights into her parenting approach, emphasizing the importance of instilling values of kindness, responsibility, and giving back to society. She also shared her journey of grappling with the decision to publicly support contraceptive access, which conflicted with her Catholic faith. This decision involved deep reflection, discussions with family and friends, and a significant amount of time spent questioning and reconciling her beliefs.
Later in the conversation, Melinda highlighted several key lessons she learned later in life, such as the realization that the world is not equally accessible to everyone, particularly women and people of color. This understanding fueled her advocacy for creating more inclusive environments and breaking down barriers that prevent these groups from reaching their full potential.
In this interview, you'll learn:
How to embrace change positively
How to spend time alone
How to set and achieve goals
How to overcome imposter syndrome
How to teach children the value of service
How to build a culture of giving
How to foster kindness and gratitude
Take a moment to reflect, give yourself grace, and celebrate your authentic self. Let’s grow together, one imperfect step at a time.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
What We Discuss:
Episode Resources:
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