Sundar Pichai’s journey from a modest upbringing in Chennai, India, to the helm of Alphabet, one of the world’s most influential tech giants, is a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination.

Born as Pichai Sundararajan, Pichai’s early life was marked by simplicity. Growing up in a two-room apartment with his family, he shared the living room with his younger brother. His father, an electrical engineer, and his mother, a stenographer before she became a homemaker, nurtured his early fascination with technology. A particularly telling anecdote from his childhood was his remarkable ability to remember every phone number dialed on the family’s rotary phone, a skill that he occasionally showcases even today.

Pichai’s passion for technology blossomed early. The first software program he wrote was a chess game, and his growing interest in computers led him to pursue engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur. His exceptional performance there earned him a scholarship to Stanford University, a pivotal moment that would set the stage for his future.

Moving to California in 1993 was a culture shock for Pichai. The cost of living was startling; he once recounted being in “a state of shock” over a $60 backpack. Despite these challenges, he adapted quickly, driven by his love for technology and the dream of being part of Silicon Valley’s vibrant ecosystem.

At Stanford, Pichai earned his master’s degree and began his ascent in the tech world. He joined Google in 2004 as a 31-year-old product manager, embarking on a meteoric rise within the company. Over the next 11 years, he climbed the ranks with impressive speed, earning four promotions and becoming the CEO of Google in 2015. His leadership over Google’s core businesses proved so effective that in December 2019, he was appointed CEO of Alphabet, taking over from co-founder Larry Page.

In his role at Alphabet, Pichai has navigated the company through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, industry-wide layoffs, and the ongoing AI revolution. His ability to steer the trillion-dollar company through such turbulent times underscores his strategic acumen and resilience.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pichai’s personal life remains deeply rooted in his early experiences. He married his longtime girlfriend, Anjali, and together they have a son, Kiran, a daughter, Kavya, and a beloved dog named Jeffree. Despite the pressures of his high-profile career, Pichai maintains a down-to-earth demeanor, often reflecting on the values and experiences that shaped his journey from Chennai to Silicon Valley.