While it is probably expected these days, I DID NOT ask Gemini to write these insights. No, no. This text is the output of my own, very human and often flawed intelligence. AI may have written it better, but it would not have written it like I do.

(It did help me with grammar and spelling, which is the sensible thing to do. I highly recommend it).

Here are 12 things I learned over my 12 years at Google:

1. Speak up: Your opinion matters, your voice is valuable, your perspective is unique. It doesn’t mean your views will always be accepted and it is fine. There are many other valid points of view. But don’t let it intimidate you. It is hard to move the direction of a huge ship like Google, but those rare cases when you succeed make the effort worthwhile.
2. You are louder than you think: While I fully embrace lesson no. 1, I also learned that getting your perspective across should be done politely, delicately and without dismissing other views. You don’t need to shout in order to be heard and there is a point when you need to let go and respect the decisions (even if you strongly think differently). As an Israeli, it is sometimes hard to do. A fellow Googler once told me that Israelis sound angry in English, even if they are asking for the time. I remind myself that daily.
3. Be humble: Internally — working at Google, you are surrounded by brilliant professionals. Everyone was hired because they are the best in what they do. Among these brilliant peers, you are not ‘all that’. Even more importantly, externally — don’t get dazzled by the “Google glory”. When you are engaging with people outside of Google, everyone is bringing something valuable to the table. You can learn something from everyone. Let people feel that and take the time to learn.
4. Be relevant: Back in my days as a political science student, I learned the term ‘glocalisation’. It turns out that my role at Google represents a tiny little portion of glocalisation. I am at my peak when I get to do things that are right and relevant for Google and for my region. When these two paths cross, these are the most rewarding, enjoyable and meaningful moments of my career.
5. Diversity is an asset: Working for a multinational corporation means working in a diverse environment by design. My daily work is with people from across the world. My direct team is based in Israel, Turkiye and Dubai, my peers in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, my colleagues in the US, Europe and APAC. We are different but as Maya Angelou wrote: “we are more alike my friends than we are unalike”. Working with my fellow Googlers across the world makes me an optimist and gives me a sense of belonging. It is a blessing.
6. It is all about people: Don’t get confused by hierarchy, we are all humans. Senior leaders, the people you manage, your peers. Sometimes they have a rough day, sometimes you do. Sometimes they just need someone who will listen, sometimes it is you who needs their care. At the end of the day, these connections shape your workday. Kindness, empathy and vulnerability goes a long way. Which leads to lesson no.7
7. Brene Brown is right: Generally in everything she says (yes, I am a fan) but specifically in what she says about trust: “Trust is earned in the smallest of moments. It is earned not through heroic deeds, or even highly visible actions, but through paying attention, listening, and gestures of genuine care and connection”.
8. That email can wait till tomorrow: When you feel you have had enough and write that aggressive email that says it as it is, and really shows others the huge mistake they just made… well, write that email but let it sleep in the drafts folder for a while. Trust me. You will re-write that email in the morning and be thankful that you never sent that aggressive message. In general, things that seem very important today might seem much less important in retrospect.
9. Don’t drive on autopilot: Planning is necessary, no doubt. As one of the leaders in my years at Google said, quoting Churchill: “those who fail to plan, plan on failing”. And we are certainly NOT planning to fail. However, I learned that the biggest, most impactful opportunity, may be just around the corner, in a turn you didn’t plan to take. Stay curious and don’t lose sight of that opportunity. It may just turn out to be your next great plan.
10. Clarity is a virtue: If there is a difficult conversation to make, make it. If the answer is NO, say no. If you need to make tough decisions, make the tough decisions. Don’t be rude, be respectful but be clear. People will appreciate the clarity and you will too. It is better to understand the situation and cope with it than to sugarcoat it with words that don’t mean much and keep everyone confused about the consequences.
11. Identify the rattle: Twice during my years at Google — when COVID19 started and on October 7th 2023 — I heard this rattle of things expeditiously changing. Within minutes, none of the things that were important until then mattered and challenges we couldn’t have imagined came our way. Be attentive to this sound of pings and calls coming in, needs and requests piling up. Embrace yourself and rely on your colleagues in navigating through the storm. It will be a demanding, sleepless period but it will be the most meaningful time. A reminder of the impact Google has, and the privilege of working in this great company.
12. It can all suddenly be over: Google layoffs during the last year were painful. Excellent colleagues found themselves in the midst of change. They haven’t signed up to it and haven’t done anything wrong. It happened for reasons they had no control over. It is hard. The lesson I chose to take is a lesson of gratitude. It can suddenly be over so don’t take anything for granted. Respect the opportunity and make the most out of it.

A sense of gratitude is ending my Bat Mitzvah speech, and heartfelt thanks to my fellow Googlers who are part of my professional journey.