A Russian immigrant to America, Sergey has had an incredible impact on the world. He is one of Google’s cofounders and was featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for his skills as a programmer who has helped launch some very successful companies, including the eBays API program manager.
He has also been involved with many companies, such as PayPal and Space Adventures. Sergey Brin’s story is incredible, and his life lessons can motivate you to do amazing things in your own life:
1. Have a positive impact on the world
Sergey is the child of two mathematicians who emigrated to America in 1979. Raised to be curious by his parents, Sergey was encouraged to think creatively and independently at a young age. His father taught him that it is important to impact the world by doing what you love, regardless of how well off you are financially or otherwise.
2. Don’t be scared to take risks
Sergey was able to drop out of his PhD program in Computer Science at Stanford University because he believed he had found something that would be more intellectually challenging and allow him to change the world, even though it meant less financial stability. He compared starting a business to jumping off a cliff and assembling an aeroplane on the way down. It’s scary, but if you build a good plane, it will be successful, and there is nothing to fear.
3. Never stop learning
Sergey graduated with the highest honours from the University of Maryland at College Park with Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science before getting his PhD in Computer Science at Stanford University. He says that one of his key life lessons is never to stop learning because it leads to better problem-solving skills and adaptability, which can be very useful in your career.
4. Embrace failure
Sergey explains that there are two types of failures- temporary setbacks and catastrophic, permanent ones. He has experienced both throughout his career but has kept a positive mindset to bounce back from failure. In an interview with Wired, Sergey gave the example of how Google was not initially profitable due to excess spending on infrastructure and staff and its unconventional approach to their business model, which led investors to wonder if it would ever work out.
5. To think big picture, you have to be able to build the small parts
Sergey says that no idea is too crazy for people willing to work hard. He has encouraged his employees at Google to take time out of their schedules to tinker, learn and develop their ideas so that they can innovate in unexpected ways. Sergey’s success with Google came from thinking big picture about what he wanted to change about the world and working strongly on building the small parts that would contribute to this vision.
6. Don’t follow trends. Create them
Sergey always encourages people to step outside of their comfort zone because it’s important for developing new skills that can enhance your career. This is especially beneficial if you work in an industry that is currently experiencing a gap in the market, such as cybersecurity.
7. Change yourself first before changing the world
Sergey believes that you must change yourself (the way you think and act) to change the world because how others see your behaviour often influences you. He says, “If you want things to be better for the world, you should start with yourself because what you do is a mirror of who you are.”
8. Keep your eyes open to ideas from unexpected sources
Sergey has said that one of his life lessons is to keep an open mind about information he finds in unusual places. He says this can lead to finding creative solutions to problems, being innovative and developing the next big idea.
9. Science makes our lives better
Sergey explains that scientists are driven by a desire for truth and understanding, rather than fame or financial gain or because they think it will just be cool to research in their field of interest. He encourages others to develop this mindset to lead a more meaningful life.
Conclusion: 9 Life Lessons from Sergey Brin to Make You Successful
Sergey says that many people think “science makes things complicated,” but he believes the opposite is true- science should make our lives easier and better. He encourages others to read up on scientific research from different sources, ask questions and share ideas because it helps you learn about yourself and the world around you.