Embracing Google’s Values and Culture: A Transformative Journey

Utkarsh Sharma
3 min readSep 15, 2023

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Since the commencement of my tenure at Google, I’ve had an amazing experience that goes beyond a regular job. Google’s core values have been the driving force behind this transformation: Respect the User, Respect the Opportunity, and Respect Each Other. These principles have not only changed the way I see things but have also had a big impact on my professional life.

What stands out about Google’s values is how dedicated they are to putting the user first. In all my years of working, I haven’t seen a company emphasize this as much as Google does. It’s not just about making products and providing services; it’s about doing it while truly caring about what the user needs, expects, and wants. This commitment isn’t just words; it’s deeply ingrained in how the company works, making user-centered thinking a natural part of our daily tasks.

What’s special about Google is that these values aren’t just written down on paper or put up on posters. They’re a living part of our work culture. I’ve seen and experienced this culture firsthand. Every decision, project, and interaction reflects these core values of respect.

One fantastic thing about Google’s culture is that it encourages people to speak up and share their ideas. It values different perspectives and empowers everyone to contribute their thoughts. This inclusivity creates an environment where new ideas flourish, and every team member feels important and heard. It’s not just about solving problems alone; it’s about solving them together, with the strength of diverse voices.

Google’s culture goes beyond just thinking about one user’s needs; it’s about a bigger mission — serving everyone. This global outlook gives our work a sense of purpose, reminding us that the impact we make goes far beyond our immediate surroundings. It’s about making a positive difference worldwide, one innovative step at a time.

In my time at Google, I’ve also learned the importance of “Thinking big. Acting small. Staying humble.” This approach guides us in tackling complex challenges. We dream big, envisioning groundbreaking solutions, but we don’t stop at dreaming. We act with agility and precision, breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Throughout it all, we stay humble, recognizing that there’s always room for improvement and growth.

One of the best things about Google’s culture is how everyone treats each other with dignity. It’s a culture built on mutual respect, collaboration, and support. From leaders to colleagues, there’s a shared commitment to creating an environment where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

In conclusion, my time at Google has been an eye-opener about the power of values and culture. These core principles of respecting the user, opportunity, and each other have not only shaped my professional growth but have also left a lasting impact on my personal beliefs. Google’s culture isn’t just a set of ideals; it’s a living example of what happens when values are embraced and integrated into every part of an organization. It’s a culture that empowers, inspires, and leads by example. It’s a culture I’m proud to be a part of, and one I wholeheartedly embrace as I continue on this incredible journey.

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Utkarsh Sharma

Senior Solutions Consultant @ Google | Talks about AWS | GCP | Azure | K8s | IaC | Terraform | CI/CD | Docker| Helm | Migration