Yesterday June 27, 2008 Gates stepped down from his top job at Microsoft to turn his attention to running his foundation, these are 5 things we should know about Bill an American business magnate and philanthropist.
From an interview in The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch
1. HE DOESN’T WANT TO BE THE RICHEST PERSON IN THE WORLD. I said to him, “You’re a competitive person, would it ever upset you if you weren’t the richest guy in the world?” And Gates’ responded, “I wish I wasn’t, there’s nothing good that comes out of that,” he said. “You get more visibility as a result of it.”
2. HE’LL NEVER RUN FOR OFFICE. When I asked Gates if he would follow in the footsteps of other wealthy Americans who have entered into the political arena, Gates told me, “I certainly will never be a politician”. When I pressed him and asked why he replied, “For every reason. I wouldn’t like it, I wouldn’t be elected. I’m better at what I’m doing.”
3. HE DOESN’T CARRY A WALLET. I asked him, “What did you carry around in your wallet…. how much cash are we talking here?” to which he replied, “I don’t carry a wallet around that often”. I guess when you’re that rich you don’t have to!
4. HE DOESN’T HAVE AN iPOD. Ok duh, this was a given but I had to ask just to hear what his response would be. “I don’t have an iPod. I think a phone is a nice portable device to have one’s music on…and I think some other people may do that in the future too, we’ll see.” he said.
5. HE LOVES GOING TO THE MOVIES. I asked him, “Is it tough for you go to a soccer game with your kids or to just go to the movies?” He told me, “No, the movies are great – they turn the lights out!” “I’m not bothered when I’m out in public or anything,” he said. “Somebody might ask for a signature, rarely, but that’s not a difficult thing.”
