Judy Faulkner, the 82-year-old CEO of Epic Systems, has built a $7.8 billion fortune through her 43 percent stake in the company. Remarkably, she has never taken a single share for personal use. Instead, she has committed to donating nearly all her wealth to philanthropic causes, signing Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge in 2015 to give away 99 percent of her fortune.
Beyond her finances, Faulkner has created a company culture that encourages creativity, curiosity, and learning. From fantastical office themes to innovative company-wide gatherings, she shows that leadership and generosity can go hand in hand. Her approach sets an example for other business leaders that success is measured not only in profits but also in positive impact on employees and society.
Faulkner and her husband launched Roots & Wings, a foundation that provides grants to nonprofits focused on the health, education, and well-being of children and families. Since its inception, the foundation has grown significantly. In 2020, it granted $15 million to 115 organizations, and by 2024, it projected $67 million in grants to 305 nonprofits nationwide. Faulkner aims to expand giving further, targeting $100 million in annual grants by 2027. To manage the sale of her non-voting Epic shares responsibly, she established a trust, ensuring her philanthropic mission continues without affecting Epic’s stability or growth.
Epic Systems’ 1,670-acre Wisconsin campus is far from ordinary. Its 28 buildings feature themes inspired by Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz, with mini-campuses like Prairie Campus and Wizards Academy. Employees contribute to the whimsical installations, including chocolate chip trails to a mock chocolate factory, hanging bridges to treehouses, and magical sculptures. This imaginative environment reflects Faulkner’s belief that creativity and play foster learning and productivity.
Once a month, employees gather in the underground auditorium called Deep Space for a meeting nicknamed “work church.” Faulkner adds unique elements such as grammar lessons alongside company updates, blending education with corporate strategy and reinforcing a culture of continuous learning.
By combining philanthropy, creativity, and employee engagement, Faulkner demonstrates that a CEO can achieve financial success while making a lasting impact on communities, employees, and society.
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