Parminder Singh, a former Google executive, recently shared a surprising and humorous anecdote from his time at the tech giant — a moment when he unknowingly gave tech advice to none other than Sundar Pichai, who would later become the CEO of Google.
Posting on social media platform X, Singh reflected on an office party held at Google’s Mountain View headquarters. During the event, he was introduced to a quiet, “unassuming” man leading the Chrome project. Confident in his own tech instincts, Singh offered feedback on Chrome notebooks, blissfully unaware of the caliber of the person he was speaking to.
“I began offering suggestions on Chrome notebooks — after all, we all think we’re tech experts,” Singh wrote, poking fun at his own overconfidence.
At the time, Singh worked in business and sales roles at Google from 2007 to 2013. Despite not being involved in tech development, he shared ideas about improving Chrome notebooks, especially to make them more appealing and accessible for schoolchildren.
“The man listened patiently, even asked follow-up questions,” Singh recalled. “But it quickly became obvious he knew far more than I did — he was simply being gracious.”
The Humble Listener Was Sundar Pichai
Singh admitted that he was taken aback when, a few years later, the “humble listener” from the party was announced as the new CEO of Google. Sundar Pichai officially took on the role on October 2, 2015.
“That’s the thing about great leaders — they’re also great listeners,” Singh wrote.
Now nearly a decade into Pichai’s leadership, Singh still remembers the interaction vividly. He recently listened to Pichai’s interview on a two-hour Lex Fridman podcast and jokingly added, “Balance restored.”
What Was the Advice?
When asked by a follower about the specific advice he gave, Singh admitted the details were hazy — “so clearly it was forgettable,” he said — but remembered two key points: making Chrome notebooks more playful for children and incorporating accessible language translation tools for students in native languages.
Interesting Read
Before joining Google, Singh worked with IBM and Apple in sales and marketing. He later led Google’s Display Advertising business across Asia Pacific and went on to join Twitter. He is now the co-founder of AI startup Claybox AI.
Conclusion
This candid story offers a glimpse into the humility and listening skills that define effective leadership — and serves as a reminder that the next person you casually chat with at a party could be a future CEO.
