Join us for an evening with Melinda French Gates in conversation with Hoda Kotb as they discuss Melinda’s book, The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward.

In The Next Day, Melinda offers a rare window into some of her life’s pivotal moments, drawing from previously untold stories to offer a new perspective on encountering transitions. Melinda reflects, for the first time in print, on some of the most significant transitions in her own life, including becoming a parent, the death of a dear friend, her life after divorce, and her departure from the Gates Foundation. The stories she tells illuminate universal lessons about loosening the bonds of perfectionism, helping friends navigate times of crisis, embracing uncertainty, and more.

This event is designed as a dynamic, forward-looking panel discussion that brings together top voices from Chicago’s business and economic community. Drawing insights from World Business Chicago’s 2050 report, the session will explore key trends, innovative strategies, and policy initiatives that are fueling Chicago’s economic transformation.