Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has seen the company swing from a $100 million startup to a $180 billion global powerhouse. He recently revealed some lesser-known secrets about how Google succeeded, from the bold 70-20-10 policy to the "fail fast" philosophy and insights into the future of artificial intelligence. Here are some of his unusual strategies that are more relevant today than ever before.
Google it didn't become a technological superpower by being careful. Eric Schmidt, the company's former CEO, recently revealed the philosophy and underlying principles that drove Google to its explosive growth. His strategies include everything from promoting innovation to mastering artificial intelligence for the future. Let's explore you"Google secrets” and why they are more important today than ever.
1. Risk as the key to innovation
Schmidt believes he was Google successful because it fostered a culture of risk. He compares successful founders to Elon Musk and points out that the best visionaries push the boundaries, take huge risks and are willing to quickly abandon projects that don't work. Such a philosophy allows the company to quickly learn from failures, correct course and discover what really works.
2. The 70-20-10 Rule: Focus on the core business with a taste for experimentation
Google's internal system 70-20-10 dictated that 70 % resources should be dedicated to core products, 20 % to related projects, and 10 % to experimental ideas. Schmidt credits the rule with generating billions in additional profits. This structure gives the company stability while allowing it to experiment with ideas that may shape the future (think Google Brain and autonomous systems).
3. Fail fast as a strategy for success
Forget the myth that success is a result flawless pursuit of perfectiont. Schmidt believes that the key to Google's success has been the ability to quickly identify what isn't working and the ability to redirect. So »quick failure” saves time and resources and allows companies to focus on what actually makes an impact.
4. Artificial intelligence is not a fad; is key to survival
Schmidt does not hide the importance of artificial intelligence: "If you don't use artificial intelligence in all aspects of your business, you're going to fail.” Google is powered by artificial intelligence, which powers everything from user experience to predictive search. Schmidt even argues that the power of artificial intelligence is a matter of human survival and warns not to underestimate the social and ethical implications of its influence.
5. Critical thinking as a cure for the age of disinformation
Algorithms social networks have created an environment dominated by confirmatory bias. Schmidt encourages critical thinking and fact-checking as an antidote. This means distinguishing between fact and marketing hype, especially with the impact of artificial intelligence on public opinion.
6. The technology behind the technology: ARM and NVIDIA have changed the game
Google's success was not only the result of innovative ideas, but also of strategic partnerships in technology. Schmidt highlights the importance of NVIDIA and ARM chips to define the company's long-term success. For example, ARM's architecture allows mobile devices to strike a balance between performance and energy efficiency—something that Intel overlooked with simple decisions about its product lines.
7. Protective mechanisms and trust in the development of artificial intelligence
One of Schmidt's more surprising findings is the role of "trust and security" in AI development at Google. It shows how they carefully test AI models to weed out harmful content – essential as AI expands into more sensitive areas. Schmidt calls for global cooperation to artificial intelligence kept safe, even with a vision of a future where AI models would be guarded like military facilities.
8. The true purpose of artificial intelligence: to improve people's lives
While artificial intelligence offers enormous potential, Schmidt warns, that we may miss its greatest potential if we do not integrate it into practical areas such as health and education. Imagine AI-health assistant, which is always up to date with the latest treatment methods and accessible to anyone, anywhere. Schmidt believes that this is where artificial intelligence could have the greatest positive impact.
9. Company culture: Engineers first, everything else second
Schmidt points out that Google's culture has been—and should remain—engineering-focused. This approach prioritizes building the best product over marketing moves. Google's early stages showed that a focus on creating truly useful products was the key to success.
10. The future of AI is in personal "polymaths"
Schmidt sees the future of artificial intelligence in the form of personal assistants, “polymaths” – tools that know our habits, understand our work and help us achieve more. For him, artificial intelligence is truly transformative here, guiding us through complex decisions and increasing our productivity.
Conclusion: Eric Schmidt's findings are not just simple business advice. It offers a blueprint for a new generation of technology companies that strive to change the world. From fostering a culture of experimentation to the ethical use of artificial intelligence, Schmidt's visions are a reminder that success in technology isn't about safety—it's about pushing boundaries responsibly. According to Schmidt, it may be time to say yes to the opportunities that scare you the most.
