Childhood and Adolescence
From a young age, Bill showed a sensitivity to numbers and logic, while also being a curious child. His parents were intellectuals, and his mother's experience working in charitable organizations profoundly influenced him. At 13, he encountered a computer for the first time, which changed the trajectory of his life.
Entrepreneurial Legend
Dropping out of Harvard to found Microsoft marked the first major turning point in his life. At that time, he was focused and diligent, investing nearly all his time into the company’s development. However, as the company grew, he began to feel the loneliness and pressure that came with power.
Shift to Philanthropy
In 2008, he made one of the most important decisions of his life—gradually stepping back from the daily management of Microsoft to devote himself entirely to philanthropy. This transition prompted him to reassess the definition of success and to explore a broader range of interests.
Midlife Crisis and Rediscovery
Around the age of 50, he went through a profound midlife crisis. He realized that while he had achieved success in his career, there was a significant void in his personal life and development of interests. He then embarked on a frenzied exploration of new activities—from samba dancing to rare book restoration, from K-POP dancing to medieval mysticism.
Current Career as a Consultant
At 55, he chose to become a career consultant in hopes of helping others avoid the regrets he once had. He integrates his rich life experiences and wide-ranging interests into his consulting work, providing clients with comprehensive life planning advice. He believes that true success is not only about career achievements but also about a rich life and inner satisfaction.