In a one-off and intimate interview, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai spoke of his humble beginnings in India and how his experiences shaped his values and leadership up to this present moment. In a chat with Lex Fridman on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Pichai shared personal anecdotes about growing up in Chennai, previously known as Madras, and how the hardships he faced as a child fostered his passion for technology.
Life Without Basic Amenities
Pichai remembered growing up in an era when even the most basic services came in short supply or were simply non-existent. “We didn’t have running water. You know, it was a huge drought. So they would bring water in these trucks, perhaps eight buckets to a house. So my brother and I, sometimes my mom, we would stand in line, get that,” he said, reciting the daily routines of years of acute shortage.
Communication was also a luxury. His family took years to get a landline connection. “There was a five-year waiting list. And we got a rotary telephone. But it dramatically changed our lives,” he said. “You know, people would come to our house to make calls to their loved ones.”
Power to Transform
These experiences made a lasting impression on a young Pichai. Long, exhausting errands were the rule, particularly in seeking healthcare. “I would have to travel all the way to the hospital to pick up blood test results, and it would take two hours to get there. And they would say, Sorry, it’s not ready; come back tomorrow. Two hours to return.”. That used to be a five-minute thing,” he explained, pointing out how digital means have since transformed such processes.
Looking back at those times, Pichai said, “As a kid, even this light bulb went in my head, this power of technology to kind of change people’s lives.”
Pichai’s Advice to the Next Generation
When asked what advice he would give young people who want to have a global impact, Pichai stressed having to work in something that they actually are excited about. “You get a lot of luck along the way, but obviously you have to make good decisions,” he said. “Your brain is advising you something. But when you actually do things, I think it is a good idea to listen to your heart and consider whether you actually like doing it.”
He feels that passion is what allows a person to perform at his or her best. “If you love what you’re doing, it’s so much easier, and you’re going to see the best version of yourself,” he explained, acknowledging that finding out what one loves may be an arduous process.
Role of Mentorship and Growth
Pichai also talked about the need to constantly learn and to seek mentorship. “At different times in my life, I’ve worked with individuals who I felt were superior to me. You’re literally sitting in a room talking with someone, and they’re like…wow,” he said.
He encouraged future professionals to venture out of their comfort zones. “Situating yourself in situations that are uncomfortable, working with individuals who challenge your skills that’s what makes you grow,” he stated. “You’ll often surprise yourself.”
Through his personal stories, Sundar Pichai’s message was clear: perseverance, curiosity, and a genuine passion for innovation can take one a long way even from a house with no running water to the helm of one of the world’s most powerful tech companies.