Navigating Change
Melinda French Gates
Founder of Pivotal. Co-founder of the Gates Foundation. Author of The Moment of Lift.
There have been a lot of changes in my life recently. I stepped down from the foundation I co-founded and led for nearly 25 years. I started a new chapter in my philanthropy. And in just a few days, I turn 60.
When I had the chance to sit down with iconic changemakers for “Moments That Make Us,” I knew I wanted to ask how they navigated change in their own lives.
Unsurprisingly, Oprah was filled with profound insights.
“Change is there to evolve you,” she said, adding that everything that shows up in our lives is meant to help us grow. So for anyone facing a moment of transition, she encourages people to get quiet and listen: “Open yourself up to whatever the change is whispering to you.”
Gayle King also believes that change can be a good thing, and I love her approach to it. “I believe in taking risks,” she said. “I believe in betting on myself.”
For most of us, leaning into change like that can be scary. Sometimes though, the opposite is true; we’re desperate to move forward, but we’re afraid to take that first step.
That’s one of the many reasons I admire Ava DuVernay. She’s now a visionary, award-winning filmmaker, but she didn’t pick up a camera until she was 32, when she already had a full-time career as a publicist. Instead of quitting her job right away and upending her entire life overnight, she simply began exploring her passion on the side. ?
“When I look back…it was a lack of expectation that there would be a certain outcome,” she said. “I followed my interest.”
Even if you’re not navigating transitions in your personal life, a lot of us are eager to help change the world around us. But it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges at hand.
Michelle Obama had a lot to say about “the power of small,” how major progress starts with small actions. She said that changing a school system can feel daunting, but you could volunteer to mentor a child in your neighborhood. “We all own that small power,” she said. “Don't get overwhelmed by the big.”
As I head into this next decade, that's what I'm trying to do. To remember the power of everyday actions and to follow my passions. To listen. To bet on myself.
That’s what change looks like for me.
What does it mean for you?
You can watch all of these powerful conversations on the "Moments That Make Us" YouTube page.
A lifelong learner improves healthcare operations and outcomes.
1 周My insights resonate deeply with Melinda Gates' reflections on change and personal growth. She emphasizes that transitions, such as stepping down from a long-held position, can be profound opportunities for self-discovery and renewal. I believe that embracing change is essential for evolving both personally and professionally. I also echo that the sentiment that each shift in our lives presents invaluable lessons, encouraging individuals to remain open and receptive during these transformative moments. By fostering a mindset of curiosity and reflection, people can navigate transitions with grace and emerge stronger, equipped for the next chapter of their journey. So glad and grateful to be here.
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2 周Change is good n well.. The constant evolution of life is to assimilate best of our INDOMITABLE spirit!! Only we do our "" BESTESTEST!"" We will n cannot fail..there is a constant ""good!!"in the world...we demand the best for our world...help in all stratosphere. Longitudinal. The long term goals a vital to our success... Thank you Melinda for ur etheral n external Vision. Your mantra
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3 周Thanks Melinda, mentors and colleagues to support each other through changes are priceless!
A Messiah King, in the name of God. at 1
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