Melinda French Gates, co-founder of Pivotal Ventures, shares her perspective on the role of billionaires in society. She emphasizes that wealth does not shield individuals from responsibility and encourages those with “absurd” amounts of wealth to give back.
In her new book, The Next Day, French Gates reflects on personal struggles, including her marriage to Bill Gates and the transition out of their philanthropic partnership. She highlights the importance of civil society and government funding in driving meaningful change, particularly in areas like maternal health and child welfare.
French Gates also discusses the need for women’s empowerment through access to reproductive healthcare, citing its significant impact on children’s health and family wealth. Despite her Catholic faith, she has adopted a stance that aligns with her values, prioritizing women’s rights over dogma.
As she navigates her role as a mother, philanthropist, and advocate, French Gates stresses the importance of living authentically and taking action to create positive change. Her experiences serve as a reminder that personal growth is essential for making a lasting impact on society.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/04/15/nx-s1-5364640/melinda-french-gates