Thanks Susan. I owe lots to you. Many individuals do. I’m pondering largely about your great household proper now, however I did need to share two of my favourite recollections. If somebody had been going to ask about my time with you at Google, I’d inform these tales.
The primary got here at the start whenever you pulled me into your AdSense product org. You may keep in mind that I’d at all times needed to do advertising and marketing at Google however began out on the enterprise aspect of the home for a 12 months or so (a lot to the preliminary bruising of ego and fairness). After having confirmed myself, the chance arose to switch into Product Advertising and marketing and I used to be nearly to do it whenever you interceded. I knew who you had been in fact however this might need been our first 1:1.
“Be part of product,” you stated. And I thanked you for the provide however let that I used to be fairly enthusiastic about advertising and marketing. You leaned in a bit and stated,
“Hunter, there are 3 ways issues occur at Google. What Larry, Sergey and Eric need. What I would like. And what You need. The primary two need you to turn out to be a PM.”
Momentarily paused by this Godfather-style provide I couldn’t refuse, you then relaxed and stated a bit extra collaboratively, “Look, I spoke with Jonathan [Rosenberg] and are available do product, and for those who don’t prefer it, switch into product advertising and marketing then. However Product is absolutely the place you need to be at a spot like Google.”
And also you was proper. For the subsequent three years you served as my supervisor, then skip-level supervisor as we grew.
The second reminiscence was extra of a coda. It was in the direction of the tip of 2006 after a really powerful 12 months engaged on Google Video. It wasn’t simply that we had been failing, it was that we had been failing due to Google’s politics, personalities, and blind spots. On prime of that my promotion packet was denied, leaving me, in my thoughts considerably under-leveled. My supervisor let me know that everybody was nonetheless very excessive on me however I wanted a ‘win’ earlier than getting superior. And shared that in lieu of the title change you’d authorised a bonus.
I instantly booked a 1:1 slot with you and stated “I don’t need your cash, I would like your time. Inform me the place I can do higher. Give me suggestions. This firm is throwing off money however your time is extra invaluable to me.” You stated you understood and some months later supported my switch to YouTube the place I spent the remainder of my Google profession. You at all times believed in YouTube, years earlier than you joined us as CEO (I used to be already gone). Thanks in your advocacy and assist, even when many on Google’s government staff wavered. For six extra years you gave me precisely what I’d hoped for – your time.
In the present day we all know your time was much more valuable than any of us may have imagined.
Thanks Susan. You’re missed and liked.
