Ex-Google employee who was there for 12 years says it is important to spend time with yourself

Google has been a dream company for many in the tech world and despite carrying out large scale layoffs in 2022, it remained one of the highest paying companies that year. Over the last few months, many Google employees have shared their experiences with the company on LinkedIn and we have often seen them heap praises on the tech giant. Now, a man who spent 12 years at the tech giant, says that spending time with yourself is quite important.

Frederik Pferdt, who worked as Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist in Californina, recently shared insights from his tenure and new book, “What’s Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready.” Pferdt, who established Google’s Innovation Lab and co-founded the Google Garage, has been pivotal in nurturing a culture of innovation at Google. Before departing the company in 2024, he fostered an environment where thousands of employees were encouraged to explore and experiment with new ideas.

In his book, Pferdt outlined three essential lessons that extend beyond the realm of technology and can help anyone lead a more meaningful life.

One of these lessons was the important of spending time with oneself. Google has long encouraged meditation among its employees, offering mindfulness courses to help them stay open to new ideas and avoid negativity. Pferdt revealed that he practices daily meditation, which he believes is crucial for moving away from negative, reactive behaviours.

“From time to time, spend time within yourself,” he said as per a Moneycontrol report. “It is critical because otherwise, you’re driven by autopilot and reactions instead of responses. Our reactions are usually negative, closed, non-empathetic, full of hate and blame. Moving away from these is only possible through mindful practices,” he added.

In his book, he also talked about embracing a “Yes, and” mentality and the power of visualising your future self.

Often, people default to a pessimistic outlook, focusing on why something won’t work. Pferdt suggested flipping this mindset by adopting a more positive “Yes, and” approach, inspired by improv theatre.

He also talked about his decade-long experience as an adjunct professor of design thinking at Stanford University. He noted that Google’s leadership promotes envisioning an ideal, successful version of oneself and then mapping out practical steps to achieve that vision. “Really try to envision how you want to be in the future,” Pferdt advised. “This is powerful because it helps you understand where you want to go and influences your choices in the moment.”