Success often comes from unexpected moments—and for Melinda French Gates, a single conversation with an IBM hiring manager altered the course of her career and life forever.
At the start of her professional journey, French Gates interned at IBM for two summers and eventually received a full-time job offer. But just before accepting, she mentioned in passing that she had one more interview with a small, relatively unknown company—Microsoft.
To her surprise, instead of persuading her to stay, her IBM hiring manager encouraged her to take the Microsoft offer if she received one.
“She said, ‘If they give you an offer, you should take it.’ And it dumbfounded me,” French Gates revealed in a recent interview with LinkedIn.
Following this unexpected advice, she joined Microsoft, where she built a remarkable nine-year career, eventually rising to the position of general manager of information products.
The decision proved to be life-changing—not only did she contribute to the company’s rapid expansion, but she also became one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. Today, her personal fortune stands at an estimated $15.2 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in America.
Taking a Leap of Faith
While IBM offered stability and prestige, Microsoft represented the unknown. The company was still in its early stages, and the move required relocating to Seattle—far from home and familiarity. But something about the opportunity excited her.
“I didn’t know anybody in Seattle. It was moving to the West Coast, but I was so excited about what they were doing. I was like, ‘I want to be part of that,’” she recalled.
The gamble paid off. She played a key role in shaping Microsoft’s future and, along the way, built an empire of her own. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that great opportunities often require stepping outside of comfort zones.
Bold Moves Lead to Big Rewards
Melinda French Gates is not the only billionaire whose career was shaped by unexpected advice. Several other high-profile business leaders found guidance in unlikely places.
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, once recalled receiving life-changing wisdom from an elderly gardener at a temple in Tokyo. While observing the man meticulously caring for moss with tiny bamboo tweezers, Huang asked how he managed such a vast space with such a small tool. The gardener simply replied, “I have plenty of time.”
Huang later said, “That’s the best career advice I can give you…Most of the time, I wait for things to come to me. I’m rarely chasing things.” Today, Nvidia is valued at over $3.3 trillion, proving that patience and precision can yield extraordinary results.
Similarly, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi found inspiration in an unexpected source—binge-watching Sex and the City. She credited the show’s four main characters for teaching her the importance of supporting other women in leadership.
Even Apple’s late CEO Steve Jobs sought unconventional advice. When debating whether to open Apple Stores—at a time when tech companies relied on third-party retailers—he turned to Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH. Despite initial skepticism, Arnault’s retail expertise helped shape Apple’s approach, leading to over 500 stores worldwide and contributing to the company’s $3.5 trillion valuation.
The Power of Unexpected Guidance
French Gates’ story is a testament to the power of taking calculated risks and listening to the right advice—even when it comes from an unexpected source.
She now encourages young professionals, especially women, to be open to change and embrace new opportunities.
“I remind them all the time—you can pivot careers. You can change. You can go over here,” she said. “It’s not just one or two paths that carry you forward, even if you had plans before this.”
Her decision to take a leap of faith not only reshaped her career but also helped shape the future of technology. And it all started with one surprising piece of advice.
