‘Really successful people say no’: How this advice from Warren Buffet changed Melinda Gates’ life

Melinda Gates has revealed a career-defining lesson she learned from legendary investor Warren Buffett—one that transformed the way she approaches work, priorities, and success.

Warren Buffet’s advice? The secret to true achievement isn’t doing more—it’s knowing what not to do.

In a recent LinkedIn News interview, the philanthropist and former co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, recalled how Buffett once urged her to focus on her “bullseye”—the core issues she cared most about—and let go of distractions. “You’ll feel better if you keep your talents in that bullseye and work on those issues,” she quoted Buffett as saying. “And you’ll feel less bad about letting other things go.”

Buffett’s wisdom wasn’t just career guidance—it was a principle he embodied. As a trustee and major donor to the Gates Foundation from 2006 to 2021, he played a crucial role in shaping its environmental, economic, and humanitarian initiatives. By 2022, his contributions had exceeded $36 billion, but according to Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman, Buffett’s most valuable offering wasn’t just financial—it was his time and insight.

For Melinda, who also happens to be Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ former wife, Buffett’s advice is more than just a strategy—it’s a survival mechanism. In today’s high-pressure professional world, she noted, the constant influx of requests, responsibilities, and distractions can overwhelm even the most disciplined leaders. The key to long-term success, she argued, lies in setting clear boundaries and learning to say no.

“If something isn’t the right fit from the start, there’s no point dragging it out—just say no and move on,” she said.

Buffett himself has long championed this philosophy. His famous mantra, as quoted in James Clear’s Atomic Habits, draws a sharp distinction between the accomplished and the truly exceptional: “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.”

In an era of relentless demands and digital distractions, Melinda sees Buffett’s advice as more relevant than ever. True success, she suggests, isn’t about doing everything—it’s about making space for what truly matters.

For her, that lesson isn’t just advice—it’s a way of life.

Melinda Gates’ pathway has itself been nothing short of inspiring. From a Catholic girls’ high school to the forefront of technology and philanthropy, her’s is a story of ambition, innovation, and impact. After graduating from Ursuline Academy, she pursued computer science and economics at Duke University, earning a B.S. in 1986 and an M.B.A. the following year. She joined Microsoft in 1987 as a product developer, quickly rising through the ranks to become general manager of information products.

Her trajectory took a new turn in 1994 when she married Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Together, they established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which grew into one of the world’s most powerful philanthropic institutions, tackling global health, poverty, and education. Under their leadership, the foundation reshaped the landscape of philanthropy, directing billions of dollars toward transformative initiatives.

In May 2024, Melinda announced her departure from the foundation, closing a defining chapter of her career. While stepping away from its leadership, her influence on global philanthropy remains undeniable, as she continues to champion causes close to her heart.