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:
00:00 Intro
02:58 Takeaways From Dealing with Change
04:26 Positive Mindset on Change
06:54 Where Did Your Dream Start?
10:18 Spending Time in Silence
12:11 Cultivate Relationships with Trusted People
14:12 Lessons Learned as a Parent
16:05 Not Everyone is Given the Same Opportunity
18:20 Equality for All in the Community
20:24 The Demand of Contraceptives Worldwide
24:41 The Imposter Syndrome
27:20 The Beauty in the Imperfections
30:01 Spiritual Group of Different Religions
33:36 Wisdom from Different Age Group
34:59 Addiction to Perfection
37:05 Stop Judging Yourself and Others
40:56 Equating Grace to Guilt
42:53 Finding Grace After Divorce
46:48 Be Kind to Yourself While Processing Pain
48:36 You Will Find Happiness Again
51:13 Empowering Women and People of Color
54:12 Breaking Down Biased Excuses
59:29 Kindness, Talent, and Luck
01:00:54 Children of Famous Parents
01:04:24 Creating a Culture of Giving
01:12:45 Melinda on Final Five  

Episode Resources:
Melinda French Gates | Instagram
Melinda French Gates | Facebook
Melinda French Gates | TikTok
Melinda French Gates | LinkedIn
Melinda French Gates | X
Melinda French Gates | YouTube
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World 
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

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:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">00:00 Intro</li>
<li aria-level="1">02:58 Takeaways From Dealing with Change</li>
<li aria-level="1">04:26 Positive Mindset on Change</li>
<li aria-level="1">06:54 Where Did Your Dream Start?</li>
<li aria-level="1">10:18 Spending Time in Silence</li>
<li aria-level="1">12:11 Cultivate Relationships with Trusted People</li>
<li aria-level="1">14:12 Lessons Learned as a Parent</li>
<li aria-level="1">16:05 Not Everyone is Given the Same Opportunity</li>
<li aria-level="1">18:20 Equality for All in the Community</li>
<li aria-level="1">20:24 The Demand of Contraceptives Worldwide</li>
<li aria-level="1">24:41 The Imposter Syndrome</li>
<li aria-level="1">27:20 The Beauty in the Imperfections</li>
<li aria-level="1">30:01 Spiritual Group of Different Religions</li>
<li aria-level="1">33:36 Wisdom from Different Age Group</li>
<li aria-level="1">34:59 Addiction to Perfection</li>
<li aria-level="1">37:05 Stop Judging Yourself and Others</li>
<li aria-level="1">40:56 Equating Grace to Guilt</li>
<li aria-level="1">42:53 Finding Grace After Divorce</li>
<li aria-level="1">46:48 Be Kind to Yourself While Processing Pain</li>
<li aria-level="1">48:36 You Will Find Happiness Again</li>
<li aria-level="1">51:13 Empowering Women and People of Color</li>
<li aria-level="1">54:12 Breaking Down Biased Excuses</li>
<li aria-level="1">59:29 Kindness, Talent, and Luck</li>
<li aria-level="1">01:00:54 Children of Famous Parents</li>
<li aria-level="1">01:04:24 Creating a Culture of Giving</li>
<li aria-level="1">01:12:45 Melinda on Final Five  </li>
</ul>
Episode Resources:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Melinda French Gates | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melindafrenchgates">Instagram</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Melinda French Gates | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/melindagates/">Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Melinda French Gates | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@melindafrenchgates">TikTok</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Melinda French Gates | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-dial-34a9471a/">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Melinda French Gates | <a href="https://x.com/melindagates">X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Melinda French Gates | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@melindagates">YouTube</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moment-Lift-Empowering-Women-Changes/dp/1250313570">The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World </a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.gatesfoundation.org/">Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation</a></li>
</ul>

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace.

I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace.
I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

My name is Jay Shetty, and my purpose is to make wisdom go viral. I’m fortunate to have fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world, and on my podcast, I’m sharing those conversations with you. New episodes Mondays and Fridays. Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it. Live life today ON PURPOSE.

My name is Jay Shetty, and my purpose is to make wisdom go viral. I’m fortunate to have fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world, and on my podcast, I’m sharing those conversations with you. New episodes Mondays and Fridays. Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it. Live life today ON PURPOSE.

Melinda Gates: Why Your Perfectionism Has Been Draining You & 7 Reasons You Should Spend Time Alone in Silence Today

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/faef46df-2ccc-4e48-bd4b-b1a70054e509/transcript

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