In her commencement speech at Stanford University, Melinda French Gates acknowledged the big step that the Stanford graduates were taking, including her own daughter, Phoebe Gates, who earned her undergraduate degree. She reflected on her own personal transitions, including her divorce from Bill Gates and leaving her role at the Gates Foundation to pursue her own philanthropic efforts focused on family issues and women’s reproductive rights. French Gates shared a story about waves to illustrate the experience of going through enormous transitions without losing one’s core identity, emphasizing the importance of what one does after enduring tough changes.
French Gates offered three lessons for the graduates to take with them. The first lesson was to sit with the transition rather than race to the next challenge. She shared how her work at the Gates Foundation shifted focus from vaccines to contraceptives after realizing their transformative impact on women’s autonomy and future. French Gates encouraged the students to keep an open mind about their career paths and to remember that they are not defined by a single identity. She emphasized the importance of being open to change and learning from new experiences.
The second lesson French Gates offered was to find “small waves” to help on one’s journey and to be a small wave for others. She shared a personal story about a colleague who helped her navigate the culture at Microsoft without losing her own identity, allowing her to imagine a future at the company. French Gates highlighted the importance of building a supportive network of individuals who can provide guidance and encouragement in times of uncertainty.
The third lesson French Gates shared was to build a web of deserved trust, referencing a concept from Charlie Munger. She advised the graduates to work towards creating a society in which people can rely on each other for support and in working towards a greater good. French Gates emphasized the importance of community in rebuilding broken things and encouraged the graduates to continue building relationships that will help them navigate challenges in their personal and professional lives.
In conclusion, Melinda French Gates’ commencement speech at Stanford University focused on the theme of navigating transitions and embracing change with resilience and grace. She shared personal anecdotes and valuable life lessons with the graduates, emphasizing the importance of sitting with transitions, finding support from others, and building trust within communities. French Gates encouraged the students to remain open-minded, adaptable, and supportive of others as they embark on their own journeys beyond graduation. Her words served as inspiration for the graduates as they prepare to enter the next chapter of their lives.
