Melinda Gates: A Decade of Unshakable "Self-Expression" [Forbes JAPAN]
This column is a full English translation of the article contributed to Forbes JAPAN on January 1st, 2021.
On December 7, 2021, Forbes U.S. released its annual list of the "100 Most Powerful Women in the World."
The top five women were:
MacKenzie Scott (U.S. / Philanthropist)
Kamala Harris (U.S. / Politician)
Christine Lagarde (France / Politician)
Mary Barra (U.S. / Business Executive)
Melinda French Gates (U.S. / Philanthropist)
Among these prominent figures, one individual stands out with a presence that feels different: Melinda French Gates. Having appeared on this list before, she is someone who consistently garners global attention.
What intrigues me most about Melinda is her apparent attitude toward her appearance, as if she believes it doesn’t require much thought. Observing her, one gets the sense that she’s deeply aware of her place in the world and the role she plays in society.
Does She Care About Looking “Fabulous”?
As co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda is one of the most powerful women in the philanthropic world. She has dedicated much of her life to advocating for women's and girls’ rights, driven by the foundation’s mission of "ensuring all people lead healthy, productive lives."
In May 2021, she announced her divorce from Bill Gates but remained as co-chair of the foundation. The divorce made headlines, not only due to the dissolution of one of the world’s most high-profile marriages but also because Melinda received $2.4 billion worth of stock, making her a billionaire in her own right.
Given her position, it’s no surprise that she frequently appears in the public eye. Yet, whenever I see her in the media, she’s never overly glamorous. It’s as if looking dazzling is irrelevant to her, and there are far more important things on her mind.
Aligning Profession with Presence
Looking at photos of Melinda used in media, one notices a lack of heavy makeup or meticulously polished style. She doesn’t appear “glamorous” in the conventional sense.
Even in the photograph from the "Generation Equality Forum" hosted by UN Women, used in the aforementioned "100 Most Powerful Women" feature, her look was understated.
Typically, as a person’s media exposure increases, so does the refinement of their appearance. Sometimes, this leads to an exaggerated, flashy look that seems disconnected from their role or profession.
But Melinda has undergone none of this transformation, in the best possible way. She clearly understands her purpose, her mission in life, and her role in society.
This grounded understanding gives her an air of calm confidence, reliability, and warmth—qualities that enhance her presence as a philanthropist. It’s clear that "fashionable" or "glamorous" isn’t a priority for her, whether in her personal life or her public role. It’s almost refreshing in its simplicity.
Perhaps it’s not in her nature to excel at these outward trappings in the first place.
Does Dressing Up Suit Her?
Of course, when she attends formal events or speaks at engagements with dress codes, she dresses appropriately, with her hair neatly styled. But there’s still a sense that this look doesn’t quite suit her.
When she speaks, the strength and depth of her character come through in her voice, expressions, and tone. These more profound aspects of her personality don’t seem reflected in her appearance, which is why I think a more relaxed, effortless style would be more fitting for her.
For someone working in a cutting-edge field, staying in touch with trends and fashion can be vital, seen as a key skill. But in Melinda’s case, this doesn’t seem to be the point.
What About Melinda Gates 10 Years Ago?
When did this aspect of Melinda’s presence first emerge?
If you watch her TED speech from about 10 years ago, you’ll see her wearing a taupe, collarless pantsuit paired with a green top, accessorized with a gold necklace and earrings. Her shoulder-length hair is neatly styled, and she’s wearing natural makeup.
Her speech is delivered in a calm, measured tone, with gestures that are deliberate and slow. I personally find this presentation appealing.
Overall, she looks chic and professional, with a stronger business presence than she projects today. Even back then, she wasn’t overly glamorous, but her awareness of her role and position in society was already clear.
Unshakable Self-Expression
Looking at Melinda today, it’s evident that her core stance hasn’t changed over the past decade.
The only visible change is her preference for brighter clothing and longer hair—perhaps reflecting the increasing casualness of business attire worldwide.
In today’s world, there’s a growing demand for a more relaxed and approachable image. By adopting a softer, more feminine wardrobe, Melinda may be trying to temper her strong public image and make herself more approachable. However, this softer style only seems to highlight the contrast with the inherent strength she exudes when she speaks.
Ultimately, for Melinda, adjusting her appearance isn’t about being glamorous or playing a starring role. That’s just not who she is.
Presence reflects a person’s way of living, their values, and their beliefs. While techniques to enhance one’s appearance matter, what’s most important is the state of a person’s heart. Melinda Gates embodies that truth.