Change happens to all of us whether we choose it or not. What’s the best way to go through transition, especially when it’s something we didn’t want?

Melinda French Gates has seen her fair share of big transitions. A philanthropist, author, and champion for female empowerment, she spent decades building the Gates Foundation into one of the mightiest charitable organizations in the world. But after 25 years, she decided it was time for a change. Leaving the Foundation and her marriage to Bill Gates behind, she struck out on her own for a new decade of philanthropy.

I was delighted to sit down with Melinda to talk about how we can successfully navigate the big changes in life, and why finding your allies during tough transitions is the best way to start a new chapter.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Melinda French Gates and her work, check out:

her book, The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward

her investment and philanthropy organization, Pivotal Ventures