Take it from me: Spending an hour with Melinda French Gates will restore at least a little of your faith in humanity. This billionaire philanthropist, investor and longtime advocate for women’s and girls’ rights is a infrequent example of an extremely wealthy American who takes the responsibility that wealth brings seriously.
In Gates’ case, she now hands over much of that responsibility – and billions of her own dollars – to Pivotal Ventures, a collective of organizations focused on advancing the interests of women in the U.S. and around the world. Recently announced Pivotal Prizes worth $250 million women’s health organizations in 22 countries. Given the Trump administration’s continued assault on women’s interests and diversity broadly, and the dystopian cuddle puddle going on between tech industry leaders (Gates’ ex-husband Bill was part of that shift) and President Trump, it seemed like an especially critical time to talk to Gates about the whole thing.
From her own path through the Large Tech men’s “debate club” to the billionaire boys who don’t give away the substantial bucks, I was pleasantly surprised and even a little inspired by Gates’ candor in discussing the very real challenges of this particular moment. So if you checked the news and felt even a little livid this morning, read on. It is worth recalling that not all billionaires are created equal and that some of them continue to call for greater equality overall.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
KATIE DRUMMOND: Melinda French Gates, welcome Great interview. Thank you very much for being here.
MELINDA’S FRENCH GATES: Thank you for having me, Katie.
That’s why we always start these conversations with a few quick questions. This is a warm-up. Get your brain working, get your muscles working. Are you ready?
I’m ready.
OK, first thing you do when you wake up in the morning.
Take my coffee.
One technology product you wish was invented for women’s health.
A self-controlled reproductive tool.
I want to hear more about it. What myth about philanthropy would you like people to stop believing?
That it can solve everything.
One book everyone should read.
Awakening book by Mark Nepo.
What habit do you not want to give up?
Drink a Coke, a real Coke with ice. I just had one.
Coke with sugar. True…