Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin Bill Gates has a problem (E)
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Jun 5, 2024 The podcast discusses challenges faced by billionaires in philanthropy, questions traditional donation choices, explores measuring success, reevaluates societal priorities, and promotes diversity in engineering hiring practices.
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Giving Pledge Growth Problem
- The Giving Pledge invites billionaires to donate at least half of their wealth before death.
- Most pledged members give too little, causing their donated wealth to lag behind their asset growth.
Philanthropy Hesitation Explained
- Billionaires often hesitate to donate due to nonprofit effectiveness uncertainty and long impact timelines.
- More donate lavishly to sports than to critical social or health causes, showing a disconnect.
Status Drives Donation Choices
- Billionaires favor donations to colleges and hospitals despite inefficiencies and large existing endowments.
- Donations often fuel status symbols like named buildings rather than strategic impact.