Melinda French Gates on Secrets: ‘Live a Truthful Life, Then You Don’t Have Any’
Take it from me: Spend an hour with Melinda French Gates will restore at least an iota of your faith in humanity. The billionaire philanthropist, investor, and longtime advocate for women's and girls' rights is the rare example of a super-wealthy American who takes seriously the responsibility that gives her wealth.
In Gates' case, she's now channeling much of that responsibility—and billions of her own dollars—into Pivotal Ventures, a collective of organizations focused on advancing women's interests in the US and around the world. Most recently, Pivotal announced $250 million in prizes to women's health organizations in 22 countries. Given the Trump administration's ongoing assault on women's interests, and diversity writ large, as well as the dystopian hug pool taking place between tech industry leaders (Gates' ex-husband, Bill, has been part of that shift) and President Trump, it felt like a particularly salient moment to check in with Gates about, well, everything.
From her own path through the male “debate club” of Big Tech to the billionaire boys who don't give the big bucks, I found myself pleasantly surprised, and even a little inspired, by Gates' openness in discussing the very real challenges of this particular moment. So if you've been checking the news and feeling a little angry yourself this morning, keep reading. It helps to remember that not all billionaires are created equal—and that some of them are still pushing for more equality in general.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
KATIE DRUMMOND: Melinda French Gates, welcome The Great Interview. Thank you very much for being here.
MELINDA FRENCH GATES: Thanks for having me, Katie.
So we always start these conversations with some quick questions. It's a warm-up. Make your brain work, make your muscles work. Are you ready?
I'm done.
OK, the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning.
Take my coffee.
One tech product you wish you could invent for women's health.
Self-controlled reproductive tools.
I want to hear more about that. What is one myth about philanthropy that you wish people would stop believing?
That it can solve everything.
One book everyone should read.
The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo.
What is a habit you refuse to give up?
Having a Coke, a real Coke over ice. I just had one.
The cola with sugar. The real…
