Showing Up for Life: Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime

William H. Gates, Mary Ann Mackin

Crown Publishing Group, Apr 28, 2009 - Self-Help - 208 pages

A heartfelt, deeply personal book,Showing Up for Lifeshines a bright light on the values and principles that Bill Gates Sr. has learned over a lifetime of “showing up” — lessons that he learned growing up in the Great Depression, and which he instilled in his children and continues to practice on the world stage as the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Through the course of several dozen narratives arranged in roughly chronological fashion, Gates introduces the people and experiences that influenced his thinking and guided his moral compass. Among them: the scoutmaster who taught him about teamwork and self reliance; his famous son, Trey, whose curiosity and passion for computers and software led him to ultimately co-found Microsoft. Through revealing stories of his daughters, Kristi and Libby; his late wife Mary, and his current wife Mimi; and his work with Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter, among others, he discusses the importance of hard work, getting along, honoring a confidence, speaking out, and much more.

Showing Up for Lifetranslates one man’s experiences over four score years of living into an inspiring road map for readers everywhere.

As Bill Gates Sr. puts it:

I’m 83 years old. Representing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and everyone who is a part of it has given me the opportunity to see more of the world and its rich possibilities than most people ever do. I never imagined that I’d be working this late in life, or enjoying it so much.

What people are saying

Review: Showing Up for Life: Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime

User Review  - Alexis - Goodreads

I don't really like these types of books but some insights into how one successful family operates were interesting. I would have liked it more if it didn't smack so much of the motivational circuit ...

Review: Showing Up for Life: Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime

User Review  - Tamara - Goodreads

I liked it mostly. I love Mr. Gates Sr's idea of showing up...be reliable, be part of something. I love his family values. He has great passion for his causes. I don't especially agree with all his ...

About the author

WILLIAM GATES Sr., a prominent lawyer, civil activist, and philanthropist, is co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

MARY ANN MACKIN provides speechwriting services to CEOs of foundations and corporations in a number of industries.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Showing Up for Life: Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime
• Authors: William H. Gates, Mary Ann Mackin
• Contributor: Bill Gates, Sr.
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group, 2009
• ISBN: 0385527012, 9780385527019
• Length: 208 pages
• Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs; Self-Help / Motivational & Inspirational; Social Science / Philanthropy & Charity