Chapter 1: A Lunch at Google

Working from a shared space can be quite solitary, especially after spending over a decade in isolation while writing. The other day, I received an email notifying me of a lunch event at Google's headquarters in Switzerland, known for its excellent cuisine. I thought, why not give it a shot?

Upon arriving, I listened to a few Googlers, or as I like to call them, Zooglers (since we're in Zurich), discuss user experience. At one point, around eight team members stood before us, detailing their roles at Google.

They posed the question, “Which Google product do you love?” Naturally, there was a bit of flattery in the air. As attendees shared their favorites—Google Maps, Google Flights—I remained silent, soaking it all in.

Then came the question: “Which Google product do you believe needs some enhancements?” This was my moment. I hesitated but finally managed to blurt out, “Google Bar…” Just then, someone else chimed in with “Google Photos” and proceeded to elaborate for five minutes. My hunger was growing, so I kept quiet.

Finally, the moment arrived when they announced lunch was served. The food was undoubtedly fancy, presented on plates the size of espresso cups. After having my fill, I began chatting with the Zooglers.

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Chapter 2: Conversations with Googlers

The typical response to “What do you do?” at a startup is straightforward, like “I manage the app's design” or “I'm in sales.” However, the dynamic at Google was surprisingly different.

When I asked one employee, “What’s your role?” he replied, “I’m an engineer focusing on security.” Intrigued, I asked, “What if a major hack occurred while you're here?” He explained that he only handles server-side security, which requires an attacker to bypass multiple layers of defense—a complex task.

I responded jokingly, “So you’re safeguarding Google against potential threats.” He chuckled and asked about my work. “I’m a writer,” I said, “and I’ll be documenting all of this.”

The conversations flowed from there. I found myself explaining my startup ideas, including a project similar to Duet AI. Many Googlers seemed unaware of various Google products, often saying, “We’re a large team, but I only work on Google Flights.”

Despite this, the atmosphere was vibrant. Google fosters a fun culture, yet their expansive vision necessitates thousands of employees operating in narrow roles. The collective effort feels immense, but individual contributions often go unnoticed.

During discussions, I even dared to mention the ‘M’ word—Microsoft. Surprisingly, I wasn't reprimanded. One Googler even referenced PowerPoint, forgetting its name, which prompted a laugh.

Takeaway: Long tenure at Google might lead you to forget the basics of competing software. Many Googlers aspire to launch their startups, reflecting a common sentiment: being part of a large corporation, while educational, can leave one feeling like a small piece of a vast puzzle.

I recall a time when I ran a startup; missing a day of work would send the whole team into a panic. That urgency gave my mornings purpose. Here, employees share similar passions but often feel like cogs in a corporate machine.

While Google is engaged in a competitive landscape, most employees are simply pushing one of 180,000 buttons. Understanding this dynamic makes me wonder whether Google will continue to lead or if rivals like Microsoft and Amazon will take the reins in the tech sector.

So, if you happen to know Sundar, the CEO of this $1.7 trillion company, tell him I’d gladly join him for dinner—just make sure the plates are a bit larger!

It’s been a fascinating day, and while I won’t analyze businesses every single day, I find it essential to keep things engaging. What are your thoughts on Google's culture? Do you work in a large corporation? Do you share similar feelings or have a different perspective? I invite you to share your insights in the comments.

This first video offers a glimpse into a day in the life at Google's Zurich office, showcasing the unique work environment and culture.

The second video features a visit to Google Zurich, providing insights into the office setup and the interactions with employees.