Summary

Melinda French Gates had several conversations with women of all ages about “Moments That Make Us” — the experiences that impacted their lives.

Those conversations are below in the order they were originally posted, with the most recent at the top.

More will be added as they become available.

Resources

Individuals and discussion groups may find these links to related resources of interest.

• “Research has shown that firms with more women in senior positions are more profitable, more socially responsible, and provide safer, higher-quality customer experiences — among many other benefits.” (Forbes, 19 May 2024)
• “Research has shown that firms with more women in senior positions are more profitable, more socially responsible, and provide safer, higher-quality customer experiences — among many other benefits.” (Harvard Business Review, 6 Apr 2021)
• “Firms with More Women in the C-Suite Are More Profitable” (Harvard Business Review, 8 Feb 2016)

Introduction

“Introducing “Moments That Make Us” with Melinda French Gates” — To celebrate turning 60, Melinda French Gates sat down with iconic changemakers of all ages to talk about their biggest life transitions for a special series, “Moments That Make Us.” [Source]

Conversations

Billie Jean King

“Billie Jean King on Blazing a Trail for Future Generations” — To celebrate turning 60, Melinda French Gates sat down with iconic changemakers of all ages to talk about their biggest life transitions for a special series, “Moments That Make Us.” In this episode, she chats with tennis legend Billie Jean King about what it was like being outed in 1981, the power of living your truth, how sports help girls become leaders, and why she felt it was her job to change people’s hearts and minds in The Battle of the Sexes. [Source]

Michelle Obama

“Michelle Obama on Leaving the White House, Friends, & Power in Small Actions” — To celebrate turning 60, Melinda French Gates sat down with iconic changemakers of all ages to talk about their biggest life transitions for a special series, “Moments That Make Us.” In this episode, she chats with former First Lady Michelle Obama about leaving the White House, how small actions can lead to big change, the challenges and joys of raising a family, and why it’s important to remain open to making new friends. [Source]

Megan Rapinoe

“The Radical Empathy of Megan Rapinoe” — To celebrate turning 60, Melinda French Gates sat down with iconic changemakers of all ages to talk about their biggest life transitions for a special series, “Moments That Make Us.” In this episode, she chats with soccer star Megan Rapinoe about retiring from professional sports, becoming an activist, and why it’s important to try to understand people who disagree with you. [Source]

Oprah Winfrey & Gayle King

“How Friendship Helped Oprah Winfrey & Gayle King Navigate Life’s Big Changes” — To celebrate turning 60, Melinda French Gates sat down with iconic changemakers of all ages to talk about their biggest life transitions for a special series, “Moments That Make Us.” In this episode, she chats with the legendary Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King about the joys of getting older, the power of female friendship, and the lessons that moments of change can offer. [Source]

Ava DuVernay

“Ava DuVernay’s Path from Publicist to Visionary Filmmaker” — To celebrate turning 60, Melinda French Gates sat down with iconic changemakers of all ages to talk about their biggest life transitions for a special series, “Moments That Make Us.” In this episode, she chats with award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay about her journey from being a publicist to making films, her society-shifting vision for the industry, the habit she wished she’d started earlier in life, and why it’s important not to have a fixed idea about yourself—no matter your age. [Source]

Reese Witherspoon

“Reese Witherspoon Sees Women as the Heroes of Their Own Stories” — To celebrate turning 60, Melinda French Gates sat down with iconic changemakers of all ages to talk about their biggest life transitions for a special series, “Moments That Make Us.” In this episode, she chats with actress and producer Reese Witherspoon about her passion for sharing women’s stories, what it’s like being a working mom in Hollywood, the one question she asks before deciding whether to recommend a book, and how she feels when someone doubts her. [Source]