Arvind Jain, a former Google colleague and now a successful co-founder of cloud data management firm Rubrik and AI startup Glean, has shed light on the leadership philosophy that propelled Sundar Pichai to the helm of Google. Jain's observations, shared in an interview with Fortune, highlight that sheer hard work alone isn't sufficient for monumental success.
Jain recounts feeling like an 'imposter' when he first joined Google, surrounded by highly accomplished individuals. This led him to quietly observe what truly distinguished those who soared. Among them was Sundar Pichai.
Beyond Hard Work: The Pichai Principle
According to Jain, Pichai demonstrated a combination of intense persistence, unwavering confidence, and, crucially, an ability to think big—even 'crazy'—when others saw only obstacles. This lesson became particularly clear to Jain during the early days of Google Chrome.
When Pichai championed the idea of Google developing its own web browser, skepticism was rampant. Browsers were considered Microsoft's domain, Netscape had already faltered, and many within Google, including Jain, viewed it as a poor investment. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer famously dismissed Chrome as a 'rounding error'.
The Chrome Example: Thinking 'Crazy'
Despite the widespread doubt, Pichai's conviction in Chrome endured. The browser went on to become the world's most widely used by 2012, significantly strengthening Pichai's standing within Google and paving the way for his eventual appointment as CEO in August 2015.
“You have to think crazy,” Jain quoted Pichai, reflecting on the experience. “We’re going to do this thing which everybody thinks is stupid, maybe unrealistic… That’s when magic happens.”
Jain noted that this 'disregard for normalcy and regular constraint thinking' was a trait he also observed in Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. It reinforced his belief that pursuing unconventional, even seemingly absurd, ideas is as vital as persistence.
Continued Learning and Entrepreneurial Success
After his tenure at Google, Jain applied these insights to his own ventures. Rubrik, his cloud data management company, had a successful IPO in 2024, valuing it at approximately $5.6 billion. He later founded Glean, an AI startup focused on enterprise search, now valued at $7.2 billion.
Jain emphasizes that learning is an ongoing process, even today. He frequently learns from his youngest Gen Z hires, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge conventional thinking, echoing the very lesson he learned from Sundar Pichai.