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Bill Gates

About

Dedicated to tackling global health challenges and climate change through innovation and strategic philanthropy. Passionate about leveraging technology to solve humanity's greatest problems. Voracious reader with a personal blog where I share insights on books and global issues. Avid traveler exploring both developed and developing regions to understand local challenges firsthand.

Experience

  1. Jan 2000 - Present

    Co-chair · Gates Foundation

    • Guides the foundation's vision and strategic direction to tackle global challenges in health and poverty.
    • Advocates for initiatives in areas like disease eradication, vaccine development, and agricultural innovation.
    • Focuses on improving K-12 and postsecondary education in the United States.
  2. Nov 2015 - Present

    Founder · Breakthrough Energy

    • Leads a network of entities committed to accelerating innovation in clean energy and sustainable technologies.
    • Drives investment in and development of solutions to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
    • Works to make clean energy more reliable, affordable, and accessible for everyone.
  3. Apr 1975 - Present

    Co-founder · Microsoft

    • Co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen, building it into the world's largest PC software company.
    • Served as the original architect of the company's software, including writing the first BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800.
    • Led the company as CEO until 2000, overseeing the development of pivotal products like MS-DOS and the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Education

  1. Sep 1973 - Jan 1975

    Harvard University

    Studied Applied Mathematics & Computer Science (did not graduate); Awarded Honorary Doctorate in 2007.

    • Enrolled in the pre-law program before shifting focus to computer science and advanced mathematics.
    • Left after two years to start Microsoft with Paul Allen.
  2. Jun 1973

    Lakeside School

    High School Diploma

    • Developed early programming skills on the school's computer.
    • Met future Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Skills

  • Software Development

  • Business Strategy

  • Philanthropy

  • Public Health

  • Clean Energy

  • Technology Innovation

  • Public Speaking

  • Strategic Leadership

Certifications

  • Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Cambridge (2009)

  • Honorary Doctor of Medicine, Karolinska Institute (2008)

  • Honorary Doctor of Laws, Harvard University (2007)

  • Honorary Doctor of International Relations, Tsinghua University (2007)

  • Honorary Doctor of Laws, Waseda University (2005)

Achievements

  • Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016)

  • Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award (2013)

  • Time Person of the Year (2005, with Melinda Gates and Bono)

  • Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) (2005)

  • National Medal of Technology and Innovation (1992)