Person
Every book Melinda French Gates recommended on podcasts
Melinda French Gates appeared on On Purpose with Jay Shetty in July 2024 to discuss her personal journey, emotional healing, and vulnerability following her divorce. During the conversation, she shared several transformative books that provided her with profound guidance through difficult life transitions. French Gates highlighted the profound impact of Brené Browns work, specifically noting that Daring Greatly gave her the courage to step past her fears and address difficult issues, while The Gifts of Imperfection helped her embrace her flaws and address perfectionist tendencies. She also reflected on Awakening Joy by James Baraz, a book she carried in her bag for years that taught her the vital lesson of holding joy and sadness side by side. Additionally, French Gates mentioned Dale Carnegies How to Win Friends and Influence People, recalling it from a formative course in her youth that introduced her to enduring lessons on human connection and interpersonal influence.
Books recommended by Melinda French Gates
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Awakening joy
Awakening Joy by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander is a self-help and mindfulness guide designed to help readers cultivate lasting happiness and emotional resilience amidst life's challenges.
Recommended“Many years ago, I read a book called 'Awakening Joy' by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander. One thing I learned from that book—I carried it in my bag for years—is that you can hold joy and sadness side by side.”
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Coragem de Ser Imperfeito - Daring Greatly
Coragem de Ser Imperfeito, widely known as Daring Greatly by Brené Brown, is a non-fiction psychology book that explores how vulnerability, shame, and courage shape human connection and personal growth.
Recommended“I listened to a lot and read a lot of Brené Brown's work; 'Daring Greatly' was hugely helpful to me because I literally felt like I was going to step off a precipice and talk about this issue.”
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The Gifts of Imperfection
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown is a popular self-help guide focused on cultivating authenticity, resilience, and self-worth by letting go of perfectionism.
Recommended“I think the first Brené Brown book I picked up was 'The Gifts of Imperfection,' and I learned to embrace all these places in me that I do see as imperfect.”
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How to Win Friends and Influence People
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a timeless self-improvement guide focused on communication, empathy, and interpersonal relationship building.
Discussed“You just soaked it in, and they gave us a whole bunch of books to read. I remember reading Dale Carnegie's book on influencing people.”
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melinda French Gates Gets Vulnerable About Her Divorce "I never thought I'd be 60 and single" | On Purpose with Jay Shetty | 2024-07-08 | 5 |



