In Gates’ case, she’s now putting the bulk of that responsibility — and billions of her own dollars — into Pivotal Ventures, a group of organizations focused on advancing the interests of women in the US and around the world. Recently, Pivotal announced $250 million in awards to women’s health organizations in 22 countries. Given the Trump administration’s continued attacks on women’s interests and diversity at large, as well as the friction between tech industry leaders (Gates’ former husband, Bill, has been part of that shift) and President Trump, checking in with Gates about all this felt like a particularly important moment.
From his own path through Big Tech’s macho “debate club” to those billionaire guys who aren’t paying big bucks, I found myself pleasantly surprised and even a little inspired by Gates’ candor in discussing the real challenges of this particular moment. So if you checked the news this morning and felt even a little angry, keep reading. It helps to remind that not all billionaires are created equal — and some of them are still pushing for more equality overall.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Katie Drummond: Melinda French Gates, you’re welcome big interviewThank you very much for coming here,
Melinda French Gates: Thanks for having me, Katie.
So we always start these conversations with a few quick questions. This is a warmup. Engage your brain, engage your muscles. Are you ready?
I am ready.
Okay, do this the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning.
Get my coffee.
A tech product you wish you could invent for women’s health.
Self-controlled reproductive device.
I want to hear more about it. What’s one myth about philanthropy that you wish people would stop believing?
That it can solve everything.
A book everyone should read.
book of awakening By Mark Nepo.
What’s one habit you refuse to give up?
Having a Coke, a real Coke over ice. I just had one.
Coke with sugar. Real…
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