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"IMHO there's a lot more that needs to be done w schools and education instead of just throwing more $s." "You would do well to read what the summit was about and what ALL Gates had to say. It's not just about $$$.

For one it's about a more vigorous curriculum to compete in an increasingly tech world."

Right on. Gates could be just sitting on a yacht and playing golf. If we're not listening here, I can guarantee they are listening in India, China and other developing countries.

I found this interesting:

"The first time Ravi Venkatesan, chairman, Microsoft India, met Bill Gates was when he was offered his current job by the software firm in 2003. …

Venkatesan was earlier the CEO of Cummins India and it took a great leap of faith for the 42-year-old to move from diesel engines to software. But Gates convinced him the risk was worth taking.

The meeting, which was supposed to last 30 minutes, extended to one-and-a-half hours and Venkatesan recalls: “He was very down to earth, which I wasn’t expecting at all. And he seemed interested in everything, from diesel engines to the political situation in India. He thought my lack of IT industry background could prove to be a advantage, and repeatedly said stuff about realising potential and impacting lives.” …

“Bill’s more visionary than most people in the industry. Our chats are about long-term opportunities, challenges ahead, that kind of thing. It’s my job to think of the short term. I focus on doing things that are right for Microsoft in India ,” says Venkatesan.

What also impresses Venkatesan about Gates is the latter’s promptness: “We exchange e-mails, and I get a response from him in less than an hour, no matter what time of the day it is,” he says.

“Bill thinks in very different time horizons. Three years is long term for me, but for him, it’s 30 years. He also has the latitude to think unconventionally.”

source: http://www1.economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-927374,curpg-1.cms

“Bill thinks in very different time horizons. Three years is long term for me, but for him, it’s 30 years. He also has the latitude to think unconventionally.”

Interesting story. Thanks

My impression having met and worked with quite a few of his employees is that he wants the best and the brightest.

Sure, MS has its flaws and problems, but isn't that to be expected when you're at the top of the hill and it's pervasive throughout the world? An easy target?

Flaws and differences of opinion about his political leanings aside, the guy does hire people and he can see the quality of the education they bring to the workforce.

If he says that education for a great many of those employees sucks he's certainly in a position to know. The annals of business magazines etc. are replete with stories of how employees can't write or speak well, have poor math skills etc. Gates is doing more than just writing about it he's taking a lead and voicing it in the mainstream media.

If nothing else maybe this will be the genesis for people to finally start dialoging in a meaningful manner about how to fix the problems, highlight those that do well and DO SOMETHING to improve all of them? So far the powers to be just CYA, fingerpoint, throw more money, and live in semi-denial that there really are problems. LOL