In a rare and heartfelt conversation, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai opened up about his early life in India, reflecting on how the everyday struggles of his childhood sparked a deep fascination with technology — one that would ultimately guide his rise to the helm of one of the world’s most powerful tech companies.
Appearing on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Pichai shared memories from his formative years in Chennai — formerly known as Madras — where even basic amenities were scarce, and the notion of instant communication seemed a distant dream.
“There was a five-year waiting list. And we got a rotary telephone. But it dramatically changed our lives,” he recalled. “You know, people would come to our house to make calls to their loved ones.”
Long before smartphones and broadband, routine tasks were often exhausting and time-consuming. Pichai described the effort it once took to collect simple medical records. “I would have to go all the way to the hospital to get blood test records, and it would take two hours to go. And they would say, ‘Sorry, it's not ready; come back the next day.’ Two hours to come back. That became a five-minute thing,” he said, illustrating the transformative impact of even the simplest technological advancements.
Water, too, was a daily challenge. “We had no running water. You know, it was a massive drought. So they would get water in these trucks, maybe eight buckets per household. So me and my brother, sometimes my mom, we would wait in line, get that,” Pichai recounted.
These lived realities, he said, were foundational to his belief in the power of innovation. “As a kid, even this light bulb went in my head, this power of technology to kind of change people's lives,” he reflected.
When asked what guidance he would offer young people aspiring to make a global impact, Pichai underscored the significance of both intellect and intuition, and the courage to pursue personal fulfilment.
“You have a lot of luck along the way, but you obviously have to make smart choices,” he said. “Your brain is telling you something. But when you do things, I think it's important to listen to your heart and see whether you actually enjoy doing it.”
According to the Google CEO, doing work one genuinely enjoys is key to realising one’s fullest potential. “If you love what you do, it's so much easier, and you're going to see the best version of yourself,” he noted. At the same time, he acknowledged that discovering one’s passion is often a challenge. “That’s the hard part — finding it,” he admitted.
Pichai also emphasised the importance of humility and continual growth, advising young people to surround themselves with those who challenge and inspire them.
“At various points in my life, I've worked with people who I felt were better than me. You almost are sitting in a room talking to someone, and they're like — wow,” he said.
He encouraged others to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for self-development. “Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, working with people who stretch your abilities — that’s what helps you grow,” he said. “Often, you'll surprise yourself.”
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