A
fixture on Forbes’ list of the
world’s most powerful women since its inception in 2004, Melinda Gates is not
just the wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. She is a powerhouse. A
visionary. A philanthropist. And a mother.
The
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
In
1994, Bill and Melinda began a foundation that eventually focused on putting
computers (and Microsoft products) in every library in the United States. As
the foundation evolved, Melinda’s influence became more profound, expanding the
foundation’s reach to include initiatives in education, world health, and
global poverty. In 2011, the foundation added a local focus of supporting
at-risk families in Washington State and Oregon, where the Gates family makes
its home.
Looking
at the Human Condition
I
had always admired her from afar, but as I researched Melinda Gates for our
Altrusa Leadership blog, I found that one particular trait stood out for me:
While husband Bill Gates is a statistics kind of guy, Melinda Gates targets
world problems based on the human condition. (See this article in the Seattle Times.) Their gazillion-dollar
foundation will change the world based on the needs that exist, which I find
noble and inspiring in itself.
Applying
Melinda Gates’ Leadership Style
Want
to be more like Melinda Gates? Her leadership style has been described as inspired and hands-on. She applies her perspective and beliefs as a woman and a
mother into her work as a philanthropist. With an overriding belief that no one
life is more valuable than another, Melinda set her vision and is chasing it
daily. She has been quoted as saying that she is an experiential learner: As a
hands-on leader, she visits the places where she has determined her help is
needed to get firsthand experience and better apply her strengths to help eradicate
wrongs throughout the world.
What
are your unique perspectives that can
be segued into your work as an Altrusan? How does that shape your vision for
Altrusa’s success?
Follow
Melinda Gates on Twitter: @melindagates
Please comment below to
share your own wisdom and thoughts.
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