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Business Mayor
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Mayor
Here's JPMorgan's summer reading list for the wealthy for 2025
Along with the list of 16 books, and increase from prior lists, which had 10, this year's summer reading list also includes suggested summer experiences, from the Dataland exhibit at The Grand LA, to the SailGP racing series and the Hill Family Estate in Napa, California. 'Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life' by Shigehiro Oishi 'Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career' by Suzy Welch 'Reset: How to Change What's Not Working' by Dan Heath 'The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward' by Melinda French Gates 'Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible' by James Lawrence 'The Tell: A Memoir' by Amy Griffin 'Coming of Age: How Technology and Entrepreneurship are Changing the Face of MENA' by Noor Sweid 'The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West' by Alexander C. Karp and Nicholas W. Zamiska 'Inevitable: Inside the Messy, Unstoppable Transition to Electric Vehicles' by Mike Colias 'Raising AI: An Essential Guide to Parenting Our Future' by De Kai 'MirrorMirror: The Reflective Surface in Contemporary Art' by Michael Petry 'The Fricks Collect: An American Family and the Evolution of Taste in the Gilded Age' by Ian Wardropper 'Mars: Photographs from the NASA Archives' by Nikki Giovanni, James L. Green, Emily Lakdawalla, Rob Manning and Margaret A. Weitekamp 'Living with Flowers' by Aerin Lauder 'The Values Compass: What 101 Countries Teach Us About Purpose, Life, and Leadership' by Mandeep Rai 'Economic Spotlight: Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider's View of the Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead' by Kenneth Rogoff READ SOURCE
IOL News
20-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Confidence reimagined: My Journey with Roxie Nafousi
Confidence is your roadmap to knowing your worth and living unapologetically. Patterns kept repeating. Old ways of thinking, self-doubt, and that nagging voice of low self-esteem seemed stuck on a loop in my mind. I had just put down The Next Day by Melinda French Gates – a book full of inspiration and forward momentum – when I picked up Roxie Nafousi's Confidence. The title itself felt like a play on words, almost a gentle nudge: confidence isn't a destination, but a continuous process, a daily choice to rise. From the very first pages, Confidence felt less like a book and more like a coaching session with a wise, compassionate friend who truly understands the struggle of feeling 'not enough.' Roxie's approach is refreshingly grounded. She shatters the myth that confidence must be loud or flashy, instead inviting us to cultivate a steady, inner knowing rooted in self-respect – not external validation. As she writes, 'True confidence is not about being the loudest in the room; it's about being the most comfortable in your own skin.' Three powerful takeaways stood out for me: the emphasis on confidence being quiet and grounded, the necessity of breaking the comparison cycle, and the realisation that confidence is a daily practice. These aren't just nice ideas; they're actionable principles that transform your mindset. Roxie's framework is built around eight practical steps that guide you through this transformation: Master Your Thoughts – Become aware of and shift negative self-talk. Act with Intention – Make choices aligned with your values, not fear. Stop Trying to Be Liked by Everybody – Release the need for external approval. Break Free from Comparison – Celebrate your unique journey. Celebrate Yourself – Practice self-appreciation and accept compliments. Do Hard Things – Build resilience by stepping outside your comfort zone. Be of Service to Others – Connect and find value through helping. Show Up as Your Best Self – Commit to consistent growth and authenticity. What struck me most was how she addresses the toxic cycle of comparison, especially in our social media-saturated world. Roxie doesn't just tell you to stop comparing; she offers practical exercises that feel doable, like gentle daily rituals to retrain your brain. This aligns beautifully with the neuroscience insights of Tara Swart, whom Roxie references, showing how our brains can literally be rewired through intention and practice. Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, feeling a pang of envy, and then spiralling into self-doubt? Roxie gets it, and she provides real tools to disrupt that pattern. 'Comparison is the thief of joy,' she reminds us, 'but it's also a habit we can unlearn.' I also appreciated the integration of trauma-informed perspectives, echoing the work of Gabor Maté. Roxie acknowledges that many of us carry deep wounds that fuel low self-esteem and people-pleasing behaviours. Her emphasis on self-compassion and breaking free from these patterns feels both healing and empowering. I remember her sharing her vulnerability regarding low self-esteem stemming from childhood insecurities and feeling like an outsider. Have you found yourself feeling that way? It made her advice feel so authentic. 'Healing begins when we stop fighting ourselves and start embracing our stories with kindness,' she writes. One of the most refreshing aspects is Roxie's reminder that confidence grows not just from within but through connection and service to others. She highlights that 'being of service to others' can surprisingly boost your own confidence by reminding you of your value in meaningful ways. This outward focus adds richness and depth to the journey, countering the common notion that confidence is purely self-focused. The book was a reminder for me, as I've delved into this work before, and I appreciated revisiting these concepts with fresh eyes. It reinforced the importance of daily intentionality and self-compassion in building confidence. Roxie's practical exercises and compassionate tone make this more than just a read-it-once book – it's a guide to return to whenever those old patterns threaten to resurface. Even so, I won't pretend the journey is easy. There were moments when old doubts crept back in, reminding me that confidence is a lifelong practice, not a quick fix. Roxie's openness about her own struggles made me feel less alone in those moments and encouraged me to keep showing up for myself. 'Confidence is not the absence of fear,' she says, 'but the courage to move forward despite it.' I found myself resonating deeply with her call to 'celebrate yourself' - something I had long neglected. Learning to accept compliments without deflecting them felt revolutionary. It's a simple but profound step toward honouring your worth. For me, Roxie's insights were the perfect companions to Melinda French Gates' call to action—deeply personal invitations to rise, every day, in my own quiet power. This book wasn't just about confidence; it was about honoring my own path and showing up fully, even when no one is watching. Thank you, Roxie, for this gift * Confidence by Roxie Nafousi can be obtained at Exclusive Books.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Navigating change: Insights from Melinda French Gates' The Next Day
The divorce, especially, was a raw, vulnerable chapter marked by sleepless nights and emotional upheaval. Yet, through that darkness, she discovered a surprising sense of freedom. This renewal marked a pivotal moment in her journey—proof that the end of one chapter often makes way for a truer one to begin. From there, the narrative moves into the profound changes Melinda faced: her divorce after nearly three decades of marriage and her decision to step away from the Gates Foundation. These aren't just headlines or public milestones. They are seismic shifts in identity and purpose. She writes candidly about the pain, fear and uncertainty that accompanied these transitions. What struck me first was Melinda's tender reflection on her relationship with her father. She honours him as a steadfast advocate—kind, generous, always pushing to improve—much like Malala Yousafzai's father, who fiercely supported his daughter's courage. This tribute hit home for me, stirring memories of my own dad, now gone, whose gentle support and unwavering belief shaped who I am. Fathers like these are rare gifts, our first champions in a world that doesn't always listen to daughters. Melinda's acknowledgment of that love and advocacy sets a deeply human tone for the entire book. When I read The Next Day, it felt like sitting down with a close friend who's been through the storm and come out the other side with quiet strength and a heart wide open. The Role of Relationships Leaving the foundation was another bold step, choosing to redefine her philanthropic journey on her own terms, focusing more deeply on women's empowerment through Pivotal Ventures. What I found especially inspiring was how Melinda leans into relationships as lifelines during these upheavals. Her friendship with John Neilson, a dear colleague and family friend, is woven throughout the book with warmth and sorrow. John's battle with cancer while Melinda was pregnant with her son Rory, whom she named in his honour, captures the bittersweet interplay between loss and new beginnings. It reminded me how change is never just about endings or beginnings, but the messy, beautiful overlap of both. Lessons in Vulnerability Melinda also speaks to the power of women's groups and friendships—those circles of empathy and strength that buoy us when life feels unsteady. Reading The Next Day brought to mind Brené Brown's Daring Greatly, which teaches us that vulnerability is not weakness but the birthplace of courage and connection. Melinda embodies this truth, showing us how to meet uncertainty with openness rather than resistance. At the same time, Brianna Wiest's The Mountain Is You echoes in the background, reminding us that the hardest climbs are often within ourselves, and transforming self-sabotage is the key to growth. Together, these voices create a chorus of resilience, courage and hope. Melinda writes, 'Change doesn't demand perfection; it asks only for courage to begin again, one small step at a time.' This simple truth pulses throughout the book, reminding us that the next day is always waiting—an invitation to meet life with openness, kindness and hope. She shows us that vulnerability is not a crack in our armour but the light that guides us through the unknown, and that the quiet strength of those who believe in us—like fathers, friends and ourselves—becomes the foundation for every new beginning. Conclusion: A Companion for the Journey The Next Day is a warm, honest companion for anyone facing change, loss or uncertainty. Melinda French Gates reminds us that every ending holds the seed of a new beginning, and that with courage, connection and compassion, we can meet each next day ready to grow. This book isn't just about moving forward. It's about learning to begin again, wherever you are * The Next Day by Melinda French Gates can be obtained at Exclusive Books.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Melinda French Gates Says Bill Went To Work While She Was In Labor With First Baby —'Before You Roll Your Eyes, There Was Nothing For Him To Do Yet'
Most women in labor probably don't want their partner to leave them for a conference room and a cheeseburger. But Melinda French Gates? She had a book. And apparently, a high tolerance for both contractions and Microsoft boardrooms. In her new memoir, "The Next Day", French Gates shares a moment from the day her first child, Jennifer, was born—a moment that had the potential to spark social media fury if she hadn't beat everyone to the punchline. "On the morning of April 26, 1999," she writes, "my water broke." She and Bill made their way to the hospital, only to be told she wasn't quite ready. Doctors even considered sending them home. What followed was a compromise worthy of a marriage negotiation handbook: Don't Miss: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. "Ultimately, we settled on a compromise. I stayed at the hospital. Bill went to the office," she writes. And then, already anticipating the collective eye-roll, she added: "Before you roll your eyes, keep in mind that there really wasn't anything for him to do yet. Plus I had a good book with me." What could've read as neglectful instead comes off as pragmatic—especially the way Melinda tells it. "In the end, I spent most of that magical day cheerfully alone," she notes, offering zero resentment and plenty of perspective. But when active labor kicked in, so did the real discomfort—and Bill made it back in time for the action. That's when the cheeseburger incident happened. Melinda recalls asking her husband to remove his sweater "because it smelled like the hamburger he'd eaten on the way, and I was far too nauseated to deal with that." Her labor lasted more than 14 hours, and at one point, in an effort to avoid a C-section, the doctor attempted a vacuum-assisted delivery. The attempt was brief—and loud. "The doctor [was] shrieking, 'Turn it off!'" Melinda writes. Trending: The team behind $6B+ in licensing deals is now building the next billion-dollar IP empire — Jennifer was finally born at 6:11 p.m., and Melinda describes being "absolutely smitten." It was a transformative moment that marked the beginning of her journey into motherhood in her early 30s—one she now reflects on with clarity, humor, and blunt honesty. That story—and many others like it—takes on new weight knowing that Melinda and Bill finalized their divorce in 2021 after nearly three decades of marriage. She writes that she never expected to become a grandmother before turning 60, but in February 2023, she welcomed granddaughter Leila, followed by Mia just six months later. And just like the day she labored mostly solo while Bill went to work, she's handled this new chapter with grace and a little grit. "There's a lot that's happened in my life over the last few years that I didn't see coming," she writes in "The Next Day," which was released last month. "During this season, I've seen my life change in ways I hoped for, ways I fought against, and ways I never could have imagined." It's not the story of a tech titan's wife sitting at home—it's the story of a woman who made space for her own identity, one chapter at a time. And on that first chapter? A good book, some quiet time, and one very unwanted burger-scented sweater. Read Next:Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Melinda French Gates Says Bill Went To Work While She Was In Labor With First Baby —'Before You Roll Your Eyes, There Was Nothing For Him To Do Yet' originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Melinda French Gates shares the heartfelt story behind her son Rory's name
Credit: Instagram/@jenniferkgates Some names are chosen for tradition. Others for beauty. But every so often, a name is chosen to carry someone forward — a memory, a friendship, a loss. For Melinda French Gates , the name 'Rory' is inseparable from love and grief. In her new book The Next Day, the philanthropist and former Microsoft executive opens up about one of the most profound relationships of her life: her friendship with John Neilson , the man whose name she gave to her only son. The story, shared with the People and detailed in her memoir, is both deeply personal and achingly human. Melinda met Neilson shortly after joining Microsoft. Their friendship blossomed quickly, and they soon became a tight-knit foursome — Melinda and her then-husband Bill Gates , and John and his wife Emmy Ward Neilson. "I once told John that next to our children and families, Bill and I considered our relationship with John and Emmy to be one of the most important things in our life," Gates writes in The Next Day. "The four of us came together right at the threshold of adulthood, and in a way, we grew up together." But that season of closeness turned into one of sorrow when Neilson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma(a type of blood cancer). As the cancer progressed aggressively, Melinda, pregnant at the time, found herself facing the devastating intersection of birth and death. Credit: Instagram/@MelindaFrenchGates "The days that followed were restless and eerie," she writes. "Any day now, my son would be entering the world. Any day now, my best friend would be leaving it. There was anticipation and dread, joy and grief." As her due date neared, she and Bill decided she would be induced. Before heading to the hospital, she made sure to visit Neilson, unsure whether he'd still be alive when she returned. "I didn't want to miss my chance to say goodbye," she recalls. By then, Neilson didn't have the strength for long visits. Their final conversation was brief but left a lasting imprint. "It was short but wrenching," she writes. "I told him I loved him. And I told him I would be giving his name to my son." John didn't pass that night. In fact, the last photo Melinda French Gates has of them together is on Neilson's porch — she had just left the hospital, and her newborn son rested in Neilson's lap. 'There's joy in that picture, too,' she writes, 'because on his lap, he's holding my son, Rory Gates. Rory John Gates .' In an interview with PEOPLE, she admitted, 'That was really seminal in my life. And yet I felt so good about the way I wrote that chapter.' "I was like, 'Will John feel like I wrote it in a true, authentic voice?' Yes," she added. "And of course, I showed his wife and she didn't ask me to change anything." In honoring her friend with her son's name, Melinda French Gates didn't just memorialize a beloved figure from her past. She gave her child a legacy of connection, gratitude, and enduring friendship — the kind that shapes not only names, but lives. Credit: Facebook/ Melinda French Gates All about Rory John Gates Born on May 23, 1999, Rory John Gates has largely stayed out of the spotlight despite being the only son of two of the world's most well-known philanthropists. A dedicated scholar, Rory completed both a double major and a master's degree at the University of Chicago — all within just four years. His academic journey is a testament to his intellect and drive, but it's his character that Melinda French Gates has praised most publicly. In a 2017 TIME essay, she described her son as 'compassionate and curious,' adding that he's 'intelligent and well-read.' She also highlighted his strong commitment to gender equality — a value he's upheld since he was a teenager. 'Across 18 years of conversations, sharp observations and everyday actions, he's demonstrated his belief that gender equality is something worth standing up for,' she wrote. While Rory keeps a low profile and avoids public life, his professional path speaks volumes about his values. According to his LinkedIn profile, he currently serves as an analyst for the Afghanistan War Commission — a role that suggests both analytical rigor and a deep engagement with global affairs. Future-Proof Your Child with AI Skills | Limited Early Bird Seats – 33% OFF! | WhatsApp: 9560500838
