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Billion Dollar Moves™ with Sarah Chen-Spellings
Dec. 21, 2023

The Power of Making Big Bets with Dr. Rajiv Shah, Rockefeller

Dr. Raj Shah's journey comprises numerous transformative endeavors, spanning his roles at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, to his current position as President of the Rockefeller Foundation. 

 

In his recent publication, "Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens," he illuminates the power of the big bet mindset—a belief that addressing problems boldly, rather than settling for incremental improvements, attracts partners capable of achieving transformational change. 

 

In this week's episode, we had the honor of exploring the significant big bets he made throughout his career. The shared big bet mindset aims to inspire leaders at every level to reimagine possibilities on a grand scale. You won't want to miss this.

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1/ The three key elements of big bets: innovative solutions, unlikely partnerships and alliances, and a real focus on data results, measurement, and tracking.

Unlikely alliances are frequently undervalued, yet their success hinges on cultivating personal relationships and fostering genuine connections. In the realm of philanthropy, where endeavors aim for grand-scale changes, there is a critical need to prioritize authentic public-private partnerships over solitary efforts to effectively address complex issues.

 

2/ It is realistic to be optimistic about grand-scale changes.

Being realistically optimistic is crucial for effecting grand-scale changes. Addressing global challenges like hunger, climate change, and health necessitates a proactive approach, prompting the need for bold, innovative initiatives.

 

3/ We know we can be successful, but it takes a big bet mindset to embark on these efforts.

Big bets are rooted in the belief in the possibility of solutions, rigorous analysis, and intense dedication. From there, advocacy and hard work are needed to integrate solutions into policies and the nation's character for widespread implementation.

 

4/ Keep taking the risks you took in your twenties and thirties as you get a little older, so that you can give yourself a chance to earn those rewards.

Continuing to take risks, akin to the bold choices made in one’s formative years, is vital for achieving substantial rewards. Maintaining optimism and confidence in the ability to pursue something greater could be the driving force to keep positive changes happening.

 

5/ Crossing boundaries and taking risks to reach your goals, to make things work.

Success often involves crossing boundaries and undertaking calculated risks. Nevertheless, persistence, optimism, and confidence remain key components in navigating challenges and achieving ambitious goals.

 

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Dr Rajiv ShahProfile Photo

Dr Rajiv Shah

President of Rockefeller Foundation

Dr. Rajiv J. "Raj" Shah was born to Indian immigrant parents who settled in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the late 1960s. He joined the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2001, serving in a range of leadership roles including Director of Agricultural Development, Director of Strategic Opportunities, Deputy Director of Policy and Finance and Chief Economist. During his time in Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he was also responsible for developing the International Finance Facility for Immunization, which raised more than $5 billion for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).

Throughout Obama administration, Raj was nominated to serve United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As Administrator of USAID, he restructured $2.9 billion of global health investments to focus on cost-effective ways to save lives of children under the age of five in priority countries.

On January 5, 2017, Raj Shah was sworn to serve as the 13th president of the Rockefeller Foundation, continuing the mission of the foundation to improve the lives of humanity around the world.

In 2023, he authored the book "Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Occurs,”, offers insights into some of his experiences in philanthropic and public service work, as well as the lessons he has learned throughout his career on how to drive transformational change through a big-goal mindset.