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9 to 5ish with theSkimm · Aug 27, 2025 · 24 min

Phoebe Gates on Proving Herself Beyond Her Family Name

When Phoebe Gates started her company, Phia, her parents – yes, those Mr. and Mrs. Gates – wished her good luck and didn’t invest a penny. And while her last name lends it self to opportunities other people might not get. But instead of letting the nepo-baby convo overshadow her entrepreneurship, Phoebe shares why the pressure to live up to her family name actually is a positive thing. In this episode, Phoebe also shares: The values her parents instilled in her that have nothing to do with money or business Why she started a business with her roommate-turned-best-friend-turned- co-founder The most surprising founder skill she had to learn Her number one tip for speaking with confidence in business meetings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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transcript

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show notes

When Phoebe Gates started her company, Phia, her parents – yes, those Mr. and Mrs. Gates – wished her good luck and didn’t invest a penny. And while her last name lends it self to opportunities other people might not get. But instead of letting the nepo-baby convo overshadow her entrepreneurship, Phoebe shares why the pressure to live up to her family name actually is a positive thing.

In this episode, Phoebe also shares:

  • The values her parents instilled in her that have nothing to do with money or business

  • Why she started a business with her roommate-turned-best-friend-turned- co-founder

  • The most surprising founder skill she had to learn

  • Her number one tip for speaking with confidence in business meetings

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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