Should not overthink big decisions, advices Google's Sundar Pichai. Here's the simple formula he follows instead

Time of India

19-06-2025

As the CEO of Alphabet and Google, Sundar Pichai is no stranger to high-stakes decisions, tight deadlines, and intense pressure. Yet, the leader of the $1.92 trillion tech giant says his ability to stay composed and act decisively stems from habits he formed long before reaching the top. In several recent public interactions, including at Stanford Business School, Bloomberg's Tech Conference, and on the Lex Fridman podcast, Pichai has shed light on the mindset and principles that help him lead effectively.
A Simple Two-Step Approach to Pressure
At the core of Pichai's
leadership
is a straightforward mantra: make a decision quickly and remember that most choices are not permanent. He learned this during his time as a graduate student, and it remains his go-to method in high-pressure environments. When faced with conflicting suggestions from teams, Pichai prefers to act swiftly rather than get stuck in prolonged analysis. According to him, the very act of deciding is what keeps projects moving.
Reflecting on his approach, he said that what may feel like a weighty decision in the moment often turns out to be less consequential in hindsight. He sees mistakes as part of the process, not something to fear — a mindset that enables learning and course correction when necessary.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The Influence of Bill Campbell
Pichai attributes much of his leadership growth to the late Bill Campbell, the former Intuit CEO and advisor to several Silicon Valley leaders. During his time at Stanford, Campbell would regularly meet with Pichai and ask him one particular question: 'What ties did you break this week?' The question left a lasting impression. It helped Pichai understand that effective leaders don't just guide teams — they step in to resolve deadlocks.
This weekly challenge from Campbell trained him to get comfortable with final decisions, even in moments of uncertainty. Over time, this habit became central to how he handles leadership at scale, especially at a company like Google where hesitation can slow down innovation.
Choosing Growth Over Comfort
Beyond handling pressure, Pichai also shared his perspective on professional growth. Speaking on the Lex Fridman podcast, he encouraged young professionals to work with individuals who push them out of their comfort zones. In his view, working with people who are more skilled or knowledgeable can stretch one's own abilities and unlock personal growth. He stressed the importance of entering challenging environments and being willing to feel uncomfortable — because that's often where development happens.
Pichai also touched on the importance of finding joy in work. He believes that people should listen to their inner instincts when choosing a career path. While it can be difficult to identify work one truly enjoys, he recommended paying attention to what feels meaningful, as it can make a significant difference in the long term.
Balancing Work and Rest
Despite the demands of his role, Pichai doesn't ignore the basics. He shared that sleep remains a priority in his routine, even if it's not always ideal. His goal is to get six hours of sleep each night, and while that may not sound like much, he sees consistency as key. It's one of the ways he maintains focus and energy in a role that requires constant attention.
When asked about the future leadership of Google, Pichai humorously remarked at a tech conference that his successor will likely have an 'extraordinary AI companion.' His comment reflected how deeply artificial intelligence is being integrated into the company's operations. Yet, he emphasized that AI is not a replacement for human workers. Instead, he sees it as a tool that can enhance productivity — and he reaffirmed Google's plans to continue hiring engineers through 2026.