Sundar Pichai Wharton Graduation Keynote Conversation One Wharton Ceremony

Now, please join me in welcoming Sundar and Mercedi. Thank you, Dean James, for the kind introduction. And Sundar, thank you for joining us today to commemorate the Class of 2021. We are incredibly honored. Well, Mercedi, thank you for doing this, and I couldn't be more excited. Thank you all for having me. So we'll start off with life at Wharton. It's been 19 years since you were sitting in our seat. Looking back, what got you here today? And what are the big ideas from your days at Wharton that have played a key role? I've always been passionate about using technology to improve people's lives. First hand, growing up in India, I definitely had experience getting access to technology and seeing it change. So it's the journey I wanted to do. I think mainly being at Wharton, walking down Locust Walk, thinking back about it, it really expanded. I ran into people doing so many different things, passionate about different things. I think it gave me a window into the wider world beyond technology, which actually helped me because technology, at the end of the day, is an enabler. I think it broadened my perspective overall about pretty much everything in life. We're both tech optimists. It's clear to us how technology can address some of the most pressing challenges we face as a society. So rather than ask you about what technology can solve, tell us about the boundary. What can technology not solve? That's a great question. Technology is an enabler. It's a profound enabler. It can help solve problems. No better time to think about technology than how mRNA, new technological advance helped give us vaccines at this critical time. So technology is a powerful enabler. It can give opportunities to people, but ultimately, I think it can't solve the deeper things that matters to humanity, for example, giving purpose to someone's life or that deeper sense of satisfaction and happiness. So that is on us, I think, for humans to solve. So I think that's where the boundaries are. Okay, so switching gears a little bit, I would like to talk about leadership authenticity. So Jamie Dimon nominated you to Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020. And what really struck me in his description of your leadership is that you're analytical, you're humble, you're inclusive. In particular, there is that these traits are some that the world could use a lot more of. So tell me, how did you step into and grow your authentic leadership style, especially when looking around, it was and is so unique? You know, one of the things which I wish someone had told me earlier, you know, there are many different ways to be a good leader. And I think too often, it's more narrowly defined. And, you know, so you just have to find what works for you. And I think it's a process. And, you know, and the more authentic it is to you, I think others feel it too. And so it's part of for me, it was a journey in realizing that and then just being true to yourself and learning and growing at being a leader. Thank you. OK, so I've got another question here that's being asked of every keynote speaker. A year from now, what do you believe will be the one thing that you carry forward from the past year and why? You know, it's been a painful year in many ways. And, you know, but for me, when I look back, you know, it was the perspective I got through a year last year was I cherish the simple things in life, more time with my family, the few chances I got to hang out with friends or going for a simple walk in nature. And so the thing I would take away the most is there's so much complexity in our lives. But when you peel it all, you know, it's the simplicity, it's the simple things that matter. And so that's something I, you know, hopefully I'll keep reminding myself of as we go ahead. So do you, Sundar Pichai, solemnly affirm that your ultimate favorite graduating class of the Wharton School is this fearless, brilliant crowd of leaders assembled before you, the class of 2021? Yes. Just don't tell the class of 2022 or any other class. Oh, that's awesome. Sundar, while the class is happening right now, we just can't hear it. Thank you so much, Mercedes. I appreciate it. On behalf of the class of 2021, it has been a pleasure. Thank you again, Sundar, for celebrating with us.