Ex-Google Innovation Chief Reveals Six Life-Changing Lessons In New Book

Former Google executive Frederik Pferdt, who spent 12 years as the company’s first “chief innovation evangelist”, has shared tips that can help people build a more meaningful life. Pferdt, previously an adjunct professor of design thinking at Stanford University, co-founded Google Garage and established the company’s Innovation Lab, which brought together employees from various departments and specialities to cooperate and test new concepts.

Speaking to CNBC, Pferdt said that those years at Google altered the way he viewed his daily routine and job. It assisted him and others in “building a culture of innovation” at the organisation.

Pferdt shares his top six lessons—which apply to more than just IT workers—in his recent book, What’s Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready.

He said that they can assist anyone in “living a more meaningful life.”

Pferdt begins by discussing “radical optimism,” which he believes is the first line of defence against fear and uncertainty. He says one must accept the unknown, think positively and see the good in a new, even potentially frightening, circumstance.

According to Pferdt, the second one is “unreserved openness”. According to a study that was published in the National Library of Medicine, human brains can learn and adapt to changes rather effectively, even if the idea is uncomfortable. As stated by Pferdt, you can identify fresh chances if you are willing to be uncomfortable in that situation.

“Compulsive curiosity” comes in third. Pferdt was motivated to find out how he might assist Google in streamlining innovation. Past studies show humans lose curiosity as they get older, therefore it’s a skill you need to actively cultivate.

The fourth is “perpetual experimentation”. Try new things, take chances and grow from your errors. “The only way to make progress is experimenting,” states Pferdt.

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The fifth trait is “Expansive empathy”. According to Pferdt, “empathy is so crucial for understanding and meaningful innovation.” He goes on to say that empathy improves your understanding of both the outside world and oneself.

He also discusses your special “Dimension X.” According to Pferdt, “Every human being has something unique that they use as their superpower.” That’s a quality or ability that supports you in overcoming the most difficult obstacles in life.

The fifth trait is “Expansive empathy”. According to Pferdt, “empathy is so crucial for understanding and meaningful innovation.” He goes on to say that empathy improves your understanding of both the outside world and oneself.

He also discusses your special “Dimension X.” According to Pferdt, “Every human being has something unique that they use as their superpower.” That’s a quality or ability that supports you in overcoming the most difficult obstacles in life.