An assignment for June 26th, 2008 in a Business Class in Harvard University, about an interview with Gates and Buffet in June 26th, 2006. These questions are for guiding purpose, class discussion was followed.
An Exclusive Hour with Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gate Material: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=515260011274566220
1. What is the significance of what has happened, according to Warren Buffet and Melinda and Bill Gates?
2. What are the guiding principles of the Gates Foundation?
3. Gates' response to Buffet' decision According to Warren Buffet, what led to his decision to give his fortune to the Gates Foundation?
4. Have there been any hurdles with the mechanics and logistics of
5. Was Buffet’s to donate his fortune to the Gates Foundation truly
6. How will Berkshire Hathaway be affected by Buffet’s decision?
7. How is Bill Gate's role going to change at the Gates Foundation, given his choice to leave Microsoft?
8. What was Bill Gates’ response to Charlie Rose’s statement, “Because
of your business techniques, you have introduced a new model of
philanthropy”?
9. What are Warren Buffet’s views on estate planning?
10. Do Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates share the same priorities?
11. What will the influence of Buffet’s donation be on the growth of the Gates Foundation?
12. What was Warren Buffet’s reaction to the question regarding the need to see immediate payoff on his investments?
13. What are some of the curable diseases on which the Gates Foundation has focused its attention?
Answers for your reference:
1. What is the significance of what has happened, according to Warren Buffet and Melinda and Bill Gates? Warren passed his fortune back to the society and donated over 30 billion to Bill & Melinda Foundation.
2. What are the guiding principles of the Gates Foundation? The guiding principles of Gates Foundation are all lives are equal.
3. Gates' response to Buffet' decision Buffet’s decision passes a huge responsibility, which makes feel thrilling. According to Warren Buffet, what led to his decision to give his fortune to the Gates Foundation? This decision was made early between Warren and his wife. The decided to pass the money back to the society.
4. Have there been any hurdles with the mechanics and logistics of the donation? They had paid lawyer's bill and gone through paper work, but generally speaking the process is simple.
5. Was Buffet’s to donate his fortune to the Gates Foundation truly a selfless act? Buffet said yes, and I almost agree. If their purpose is on TV, there could be much more chaos went on around their donation action.
6. How will Berkshire Hathaway be affected by Buffet’s decision? 31% of Berkshire Hathaway’ share which worth 37 billion now goes toward Buffet, and he passed through that amount of money to the Gates’ Foundation. He thought is will not affect Berkshire.
7. How is Bill Gate's role going to change at the Gates Foundation, given his choice to leave Microsoft? In June 2008 he will become full-time of the foundation. The huge responsibility he had in the Gate’s Foundation requires he learn more. He and Melinda are travel, visiting schools and be with people in that area.
8. What was Bill Gates’ response to Charlie Rose’s statement, “Because of your business techniques, you have introduced a new model of philanthropy”? Bill Gates said there is nothing especially new. He said in the foundation, great partnership achieves a lot. It is true that as a business operation, the foundation is results oriented and brings the best people together. But generally there is no break through new model applied to the philanthropy. In fact I think he does. Brings the efficiency and result oriented business mindset into non-profit organization is a new model of philanthropy.
9. What are Warren Buffet’s views on estate planning? He doesn’t think children should follow their parents’ business. He thinks that children have the right to choose what to do. Personally, he will leave a certain amount of money for his children so they can do something – but interestingly, he also emphasized that, they can’t do “nothing”.
10. Do Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates share the same priorities? Yes they share exactly the same priorities.
11. What will the influence of Buffet’s donation be on the growth of the Gates Foundation? Buffet’s donation will double the impact of Gates Foundation.
12. What was Warren Buffet’s reaction to the question regarding the need to see immediate payoff on his investments? The really philanthropy takes a long time, so you need patient to get the best result. Warren said himself is horrible at philanthropy because he prefers immediate payoff. Therefore, he would willing to pass the responsibility to who are better at it.
13. What are some of the curable diseases on which the Gates Foundation has focused its attention? The curable diseases on which Gates Foundation has focused its attention including diarrhea and respiratory disease.
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