Google CEO Sundar Pichai says this one uncomfortable habit gets young workers ahead—and helped build his $1.6 billion fortune

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google, shared his career insights on a 2025 podcast. He attributed his success to "a lot of luck" but emphasized the importance of listening to one's heart to find enjoyable work. Pichai, who rose to prominence during his two-decade career at Google, advised young professionals to surround themselves with individuals who excel beyond them.

He suggested that such an environment fosters personal growth and pushes one out of their comfort zone. Pichai, born in Chennai, India, to a middle-class family, had limited access to computers during his childhood. This experience, he said, sparked his interest in technology and inspired the introduction of Chromebooks in the U.S. After earning his master's degree in materials science from Stanford University and his MBA from Wharton School, Pichai joined Google in 2004.

Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned the significant changes in Google over the years, while maintaining that his passion for the company remains the same.