Introduction of David Drummond:
David Drummond is the SVP of Corporate Development and the Chief Legal Officer at Google. He has been with the company for 11 years, which is considered a significant tenure in the fast-paced environment of Google.

David Drummond’s Participation in Executive Speaker Series:
David Drummond has consistently participated in Google’s Executive Speaker Series since the inception of the internship program for sophomores and juniors. This series involves David engaging with interns in a casual setting on Fridays during the summer.

David Drummond’s Openness to Questions and Conversation:
David Drummond expressed his enthusiasm for discussing Google, his role, and his journey within the company. He invited the participating freshmen from Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Howard University to ask questions and engage in a conversation about their experiences and aspirations.

Background and Motivation:
David Drummond grew up in central California and was inspired by his father, who served as a Tuskegee Airman and later worked as a pilot in the military. Drummond’s interest in law and politics led him to pursue a liberal arts education at Santa Clara University and Stanford Law School.

Exposure to Silicon Valley’s Tech Industry:
While attending college in Silicon Valley, Drummond became immersed in the area’s tech industry, which was fueled by the semiconductor industry. The infrastructure created by the semiconductor industry attracted various professionals, including engineers, investors, and lawyers, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Drummond discovered that certain lawyers specialized in working with startups and providing advice on various matters, such as deals, fundraising, and intellectual property.

Joining Google:
In 1998, Drummond met with Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of Google, and helped establish the company. Drummond’s role at Google has been unique from the start, as he has never focused on litigation. He works with companies on deals, such as acquisitions and fundraising, provides general advice, and assists in commercial business transactions.

Focus on Startups:
Drummond’s role aligns with Silicon Valley’s emphasis on startups and entrepreneurial culture. He enjoys working with startups and assisting them with their legal and business needs. Drummond’s expertise and experience make him a valuable asset to startups in navigating the challenges of growth and development.

Roles and Responsibilities:
David Drummond holds the position of Chief Legal Officer at Google, overseeing the entire legal department and government relations. He also supervises mergers and acquisitions, public relations, communications, and policy management for advertising and content on Google platforms.

Hybrid Role:
Drummond’s role combines legal and business aspects, making it a unique and challenging position.

L Team Membership:
He is a member of the L team, a group led by CEO Larry Page, which comprises leaders from product groups and business units responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company.

Ambassadorship and Outreach:
Drummond serves as an ambassador for Google, engaging with governments and industries worldwide to promote the benefits of the internet and advocate for policies that protect internet freedom.

Technological Evolution:
Drummond highlights the remarkable transformation brought by the internet, contrasting his early days as a lawyer when email and fax machines were considered cutting-edge technology.

Background:
The internet has brought about significant changes, disrupting industries and challenging governments. David Drummond’s role involves explaining the internet’s benefits to governments and addressing concerns from threatened industries.

Google’s Values and Mission:
Google combines a business approach with a mission to deliver great services and products that people want. The company’s profit motive fuels innovation and the creation of products that help the world. Google’s founders considered establishing a non-profit or research project before deciding on a company.

Global Access to Information:
Google prioritizes providing access to information worldwide. The company has internationalized its services and supports sites in developing countries where it has no business presence.

Beyond Internet and Software:
Google sees itself as a technology company, not limited to internet and software. It seeks to bring innovative technology to various industries for positive change.

Device Innovations:
Google has developed devices like Android phones and tablets, Chromebooks, and the Google Glass wearable computer. These devices showcase Google’s commitment to merging technology with everyday objects.

Self-Driving Cars:
Google is working on self-driving cars, focusing on safety and addressing traffic problems. The company believes in pushing the boundaries of technology and making science fiction a reality.

Healthy Disregard for the Impossible:
Google’s approach is characterized by a willingness to challenge conventional thinking and pursue ambitious ideas. The company encourages its employees to think big and go after impactful innovations.

High Aiming Leads to Progress:
Aiming for ambitious goals, even if not fully achieved, can lead to significant progress and unexpected outcomes.

Ad System Born from AI Project Failure:
Google’s ad system, a major revenue generator, emerged from an unsuccessful artificial intelligence project. The failure of the original project led to the development of intelligent algorithms that drive the ad system.

Unintended Outcome: World’s Third Most Valuable Company:
The ad system’s success contributed to Google’s rise as the world’s third most valuable company.

Advice for Entering the Workforce:
David Drummond acknowledges the difficulty in providing useful advice to young people entering the workforce.

Focusing on the Journey, Not Just the Destination:
Drummond emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and learning from experiences, rather than solely focusing on the end goal.

Advice for Success:
Focus on building a broad base of knowledge and experience. Explore your interests and pursue intellectual pursuits that you are passionate about. Take advantage of opportunities to gain exposure to different career paths. Value the freedom and time you have in school to explore and learn. Learn languages, as they are valuable skills in a globalized world. Don’t be afraid to take initiative and push for change.

Leadership:
Leadership is not limited to those with experience and seniority. Effective leadership involves communication, listening, creativity, collaboration, and setting an example. Take the initiative to push for positive change and influence others.

Day in the Life of a Chief Legal Officer:
Responding to crises and urgent matters related to Google’s services and operations worldwide. Developing and implementing legal strategies for the company. Making decisions on partnerships, acquisitions, and other business deals.

Career Path:
Drummond’s career trajectory changed from his initial aspiration of being a courtroom lawyer. He discovered that litigation was not his forte and chose a form of law that did not involve going to court. He transitioned to a business-focused role, handling legal issues for Google.

Meeting Larry and Sergey:
David Drummond credits meeting Larry Page and Sergey Brin as the pivotal moment that shaped his career trajectory.

Google’s Unique Mission and Values:
Drummond emphasizes Google’s distinct mission driven by values centered around information and making a positive global impact.

Skepticism and Genuine Passion:
While skepticism is warranted, Drummond believes that most Google employees are genuinely motivated by the company’s ambitious goals and the potential to create meaningful change.

Beyond Financial Motivation:
Drummond suggests that many Google employees are driven by the company’s mission and the opportunity to make a significant impact, rather than solely financial incentives.

Global Impact and Potential:
Drummond sees Google’s global reach and diverse initiatives as offering him a broader platform to positively influence the world compared to other career paths.

The Allure of Silicon Valley:
David Drummond highlights Silicon Valley’s history of openness, diversity, and creativity as key factors in its success. California’s welcoming environment attracts individuals seeking opportunities, leading to a melting pot of ideas and innovations. The region’s mild climate and established tech and entertainment industries further contribute to its appeal.

Taking Risks in a Career:
Drummond’s decision to leave a secure legal career for the then-small Google was a significant risk he took. The outcome of this risk has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the potential rewards of embracing calculated risks.

Overcoming Classification Barriers in Leadership:
Drummond emphasizes the importance of ignoring those who doubt a freshman’s ability to take on leadership roles. College is a time for learning and growth, and freshmen should not be limited by their classification. Encouraging freshmen to embrace leadership opportunities can help them develop valuable skills and experiences.

Importance of Boldness and Overcoming Fear of Being Wrong:
David Drummond emphasizes the importance of boldness and not fearing being wrong or being told you are wrong. He acknowledges that younger individuals may have the advantage of being able to attribute mistakes to their age, but encourages everyone to have the courage to express their ideas and challenge conventional wisdom.

Humility, Collaboration, and Courage as Defining Characteristics:
Drummond introduces the term “Googliness” as a defining characteristic sought after at Google. He explains that Googliness encompasses humility, collaboration, and a willingness to work with others while also having the courage to challenge established norms and orthodoxies.

Leaders Who Embrace Questioning and Listening:
Drummond highlights the importance of leaders who create a culture where questioning is encouraged and where they are not threatened by being challenged. He mentions Google’s TGIF meeting, where employees can submit questions online or ask them directly to Larry and Sergey, demonstrating the company’s commitment to open dialogue.

Qualities Beyond Intelligence and Achievement:
Drummond emphasizes that Googliness involves more than just intelligence and achievement. He stresses the importance of collaboration, willingness to challenge and be challenged, and maintaining a collaborative spirit.

Advice for Students Aspiring to be Lawyers:
In response to a question from a student aiming to follow in the footsteps of lawyers at Google, Drummond advises them to focus on developing a strong foundation in the law and gaining experience in different areas of legal practice. He recommends seeking opportunities to work with diverse teams and to develop a global perspective.

Generalist Approach:
David Drummond emphasizes the importance of being a generalist in today’s world, rather than specializing in a single area of law or industry. He believes that exposure to various topics and perspectives helps develop judgment skills, which are highly valuable in leadership roles.

Judgment and Decision-Making:
Judgment is a crucial skill for those who aspire to positions where they are asked to make decisions based on complex information and diverse opinions. Drummond suggests that having a broad understanding of different areas enables individuals to assess situations, gather facts, and make well-informed judgments.

Value of Being a Generalist:
While expertise in a particular field is important, Drummond highlights that there is significant value in being able to look at a situation from multiple perspectives and make sound judgments. This ability is especially valuable in leadership roles where individuals are required to make decisions that impact the entire organization.

Preparation for Leadership:
To prepare for roles that require judgment and decision-making, Drummond recommends pursuing a generalist approach in education and career development. He encourages students to explore various topics, gain knowledge in diverse areas, and develop the ability to synthesize information and make informed judgments.

Benefits of a Generalist Approach:
Being a generalist allows individuals to adapt to changing industries and job requirements more easily. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, leading to innovative solutions.

Conclusion:
Drummond emphasizes the value of being a generalist in today’s rapidly changing world, where judgment and decision-making skills are essential for success. He encourages individuals to pursue a broad education and career path to develop these skills and prepare for leadership roles.