248. Higher Contribution for Large-Scale Change with Dr. Rajiv Shah (Part 1)
Nov 16, 2023
36:57
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In this episode, Greg McKeown interviews Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, who shares his journey of making a higher contribution. They discuss topics such as Dr. Shah's family background and sacrifices, building confidence through high school debates, transitioning from medicine to public service, and the importance of having an exceptional team and listening to experts.
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Quick takeaways
Dr. Rajiv Shah's journey of inspiration and exposure to different experiences shaped his desire for public service and social justice.
At the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Shah learned the importance of setting ambitious goals for large-scale change and understanding the magnitude of global challenges.
Deep dives
Dr. Shah's Childhood and Inspiration
Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, shares his background as a child of Indian immigrants and the influence of his family's journey to America. He recalls his grandparents' belief in the possibilities of the American dream and the sacrifices they made to provide better opportunities for their children. Growing up, Dr. Shah was exposed to different experiences, from the auto industry in Detroit to participating in policy debates, which instilled confidence and a sense of possibility. He also reflects on a defining moment when Nelson Mandela's visit to Detroit inspired him to pursue a path of public service and social justice.
Involvement in Politics and the Gore Campaign
During his time in high school and university, Dr. Shah developed a keen interest in policy, politics, and addressing inequality. He participated in the Gore presidential campaign, initially as a volunteer and later in a policy and research role. Although the campaign ultimately faced defeat, Dr. Shah reflects on the impactful concession speech delivered by Al Gore and the profound lessons it offered in honoring the ideals of the country and handling defeat. This experience gave Dr. Shah a firsthand understanding of presidential campaigns, the importance of articulating beliefs, and the lasting friendships forged along the way.
Joining the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
After exploring various career options, Dr. Shah received a call from David Lane, a former chief of staff of the Gore campaign, inviting him to meet with the recently established Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Initially unfamiliar with the concept of philanthropy, Dr. Shah joined the foundation's team. Inspired by the bold ambition set by Bill and Melinda Gates and the foundation's mission to improve global health and education, Dr. Shah delved into the work of addressing major challenges at scale. He highlights the cultural tone set by Bill and Melinda Gates and the emphasis on understanding the magnitude of problems in order to make a meaningful impact.
Developing a Mindset for Large-Scale Change
Working at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Shah embraced the concept of 'Big Bets,' setting ambitious goals to effect large-scale change. By focusing on questions such as the cost of immunizing a single child, Dr. Shah and the foundation's team sought to understand the magnitude of global challenges. This mindset allowed them to develop strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing major issues like immunization and education. Driven by a commitment to make a meaningful difference, Dr. Shah's experience at the foundation provided invaluable insights into tackling complex problems and fostering collaboration across various sectors.
Have you ever wanted to make a higher contribution, a big impact in the world, but felt perhaps a little hopeless about it all? In today's episode, which is part one of a two-part interview, we're welcoming Dr. Rajiv Shah, who is the president of the Rockefeller Foundation. This is a global institution that has a mission to promote the wellbeing of humanity around the world, but even before that, a rather young looking Dr. Shah was also the USAID administrator where he was responsible for leading and reshaping the 20 billion dollar agency that has operations in 70 countries around the world to develop even stronger results. Dr. Shah is also the author of a new book, Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens. By the end of this episode, you will better understand the journey that Rajiv went on in order to be able to make this higher contribution.