9 Signs You’re Settling For Less In Your Career | Melinda French Gates Is Changing Her Philanthropic Giving | 2022's 50 Over 50 Nominations Are Open | And More

Plus: The 50 Best Jobs In America For 2022

Yesterday, billionaire philanthropist (and fifth-most powerful woman in the world) Melinda French Gates made an announcement that shook the world of philanthropy: she is no longer planning to distribute the bulk of her wealth through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and instead will shift her donations to other philanthropic organizations.

“I’ve learned that it’s equally important to place trust in the people and organizations we partner with and let them define success on their own terms,” she wrote in an update to the Giving Pledge, which she cofounded in 2010. “Philanthropists are generally more helpful to the world when we’re standing behind a movement rather than trying to lead our own.”

Her words struck me as echoing the philosophy of another high-profile philanthropist: MacKenzie Scott. As we noted last year, Scott’s power as a philanthropist is centered in her unfettered access to funds and the “no strings attached” mindset in her giving; organizations can use the funds however they see fit. Whether French Gates follows this exact model remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: these two women are at the forefront of changing the way we think about high-impact philanthropy.

Cheers!
Maggie

P.S.: In case you missed it last week, nominations for the 2022 Forbes 50 Over 50 are officially open! Nominate yourself or an over-50 woman you admire today.

ICYMI: Stories From The Week

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ForbesWomen got a peek into the world’s first Women’s Age Lab, which launched last October at the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto. It was founded by Dr. Paula Rochon, a geriatrician who’s been researching the specificities of how women age for decades.

Studies estimate that California women lose $87 billion per year due to the gender wage gap. Last week, the state took a step to reduce that staggering number by signing the California Equal Pay Pledge.

Minnie Mouse, famous for her red and white polka dot dress, will be sporting a blue Stella McCartney pantsuit to celebrate Women’s History Month and Disneyland Paris’ 30th anniversary. A marketing gimmick, yes, but a nod to the ways in which the pantsuit has helped women blend into male-dominated spaces.

Check List

#1: Understand the difference between decency and equity. If you committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion during 2020’s social justice protests, here are three specific techniques you can use to ensure your actions aren’t just performative, but actively advancing antiracism.

#2: Promote “deliberate self-innovation.” If your company or team is losing talent to the “Great Resignation,” help your colleagues and direct reports avoid the sense of stagnation that can lead to attrition by letting them learn and master new skills for personal and professional development.

#3: Figure out if you’re settling for less in your career. If you find yourself saying, “I can make this work,” “I’ll just wait it out,” or any of these other phrases, chances are you’re selling yourself, and your career, short.

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