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Google Co-founder: Think 'Crazy' Like Pichai for Success
28 Jun
Summary
- Arvind Jain learned 'crazy thinking' from observing Sundar Pichai.
- Google Chrome's success stemmed from a 'stupid' or unrealistic idea.
- Jain built two billion-dollar startups after Google.
Arvind Jain, co-founder of Rubrik and Glean, shared insights on success gained from observing colleagues like Sundar Pichai at Google. Jain noted that while hard work is essential, the ability to 'think big' and embrace unconventional ideas—even those initially perceived as 'crazy' or unrealistic—is paramount.
Pichai's championing of Google Chrome, a project dismissed by many internally and externally as a 'rounding error,' serves as a prime example. Despite initial skepticism, Chrome's eventual dominance as the world's most-used browser validated Pichai's bold vision.
Jain internalized these lessons, leaving Google to co-found Rubrik, which achieved a $5.6 billion IPO in 2024, and Glean, an AI startup now valued at $7.2 billion. He also highlighted learning from younger, Gen Z employees who bring fresh perspectives.
Jain's core takeaway is the importance of combining intense effort with a willingness to challenge conventional thinking and constraints, a trait he also observed in Google's co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
