'Take it or leave it': Billionaire Melinda French Gates opens up about overcoming self-doubt

Appearing on a recent episode of "The Jamie Kern Lima Show," the 60-year-old philanthropist shared how she overcame years of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, which she said affected her for "many, many, many" years.

But as she has grown older, her perspective has shifted, she said, according to Business Insider. When asked whether she still struggles with imposter syndrome, she replied: "Not very often is the honest truth."

"I deserve to be where I am in life. Like, I've worked really hard to get here, and I know myself," she said.

Melinda added that she is no longer concerned about pleasing everyone. "If people don't like me or they don't like what I'm saying, I'm kind of at the point in life where I'm like, 'Take it or leave it,'" she said.

Melinda French Gates. Photo from Instagram

She attributed much of her confidence to turning 60, recalling a similar transformation in her mother at the same age. "I don't know what's gotten into me, but I just feel comfortable speaking my truth," she quoted her mother as saying. "And so maybe that's sort of the wisdom that comes with 60 — you just get very comfortable in your skin."

In her personal life, she is reportedly dating tech entrepreneur Philip Vaughn. During an April appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," she confirmed she is in a "pretty great" relationship and said she is "very, very happy."

Melinda married Bill Gates in 1994. They have three children together: Jennifer, 29; Rory, 25; and Phoebe, 22. The couple finalized their high-profile divorce in 2021.