RM 82-Year-Old CEO to Donate 99% of Her $7.8 Billion Fortune Through the Giving Pledge
Judy Faulkner, the 82-year-old founder and CEO of Epic Systems, has built an impressive $7.8 billion fortune through her 43% ownership in the healthcare software giant. Yet despite her immense wealth, she has never sold a single share for personal profit. In 2015, Faulkner joined Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, vowing to give away 99% of her fortune to charitable causes.
Faulkner’s influence goes beyond financial success—she has also shaped a workplace culture rooted in creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. From imaginative, themed office spaces to company-wide educational gatherings, she demonstrates that leadership and generosity can coexist. Her example shows that true success isn’t only measured by profits but by the positive impact a company can have on its people and the broader community.
Giving Back Through the Roots & Wings Foundation
Together with her husband, Faulkner created Roots & Wings, a philanthropic foundation that supports nonprofits focused on children’s health, education, and family well-being. The foundation has grown steadily: in 2020, it distributed $15 million to 115 organizations, and by 2024, that number had risen to $67 million across 305 nonprofits nationwide.
Faulkner plans to expand giving even further, aiming to donate $100 million annually by 2027. To ensure her donations don’t disrupt Epic’s operations, she placed her non-voting shares in a carefully structured trust, allowing her to fund charitable work while maintaining the company’s long-term stability and independence.
A Campus That Sparks Imagination
Epic Systems’ 1,670-acre campus in Wisconsin is anything but ordinary. Its 28 buildings feature fantastical themes inspired by stories like Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz. Themed “mini-campuses” such as Prairie Campus, Wizards Academy, and Storybook Campus bring a sense of magic to the workplace.
Employees actively contribute to this creative environment—helping to choose artwork, design installations, and even build whimsical touches like a trail of chocolate chips leading to a mock chocolate factory, hanging bridges connecting treehouses, and playful sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. For Faulkner, this imaginative atmosphere fuels creativity and collaboration, turning the workplace into a space for both innovation and inspiration.
“Work Church”: Monthly Meetings With a Twist
Each month, Epic employees gather in the underground auditorium known as Deep Space for a mandatory all-staff meeting affectionately called “work church.” While these sessions cover standard business updates and company goals, Faulkner adds her own creative twist—such as grammar lessons that explore the correct use of “who” versus “whom.”
By weaving education into corporate communication, Faulkner fosters a culture of continuous learning and intellectual engagement, reminding employees that precision, curiosity, and clear communication are just as important as technical expertise.
A Broader Shift Toward Creative Workspaces
Epic Systems isn’t alone in reimagining the modern workplace. Across industries, organizations are adopting unconventional office designs to boost employee satisfaction and innovation.
For instance, Wellstar Health System offers wellness rooms with massage chairs, calming music, and healthy snacks—leading to a 10% reduction in employee turnover in 2024. The nonprofit Understood tailors its offices for neurodivergent employees, adding flexible lighting, temperature zones, and assistive listening systems. Even leaders like Jeff Bezos promote “messy meetings,” where unrehearsed discussion encourages open debate and fresh thinking. These examples illustrate how creative environments can enhance productivity and engagement.
Redefining Billionaire Leadership
Unlike many wealthy philanthropists who make symbolic gestures, Judy Faulkner stands out for her authentic commitment and thoughtful action. By pledging nearly all her wealth to philanthropy, cultivating a joyful and intellectually rich workplace, and encouraging innovation through design and education, she has created a lasting blueprint for responsible leadership.
Faulkner’s story proves that success and generosity are not opposites but complementary forces. Her vision for Epic—and her dedication to giving back—show that a business can thrive financially while uplifting employees, communities, and society as a whole. Her legacy challenges future leaders to pursue not just profit, but purpose, creativity, and compassion.
