18 tips to own your career and feel confident in yourself

​Google was a wild, wonderful ride.

I started in 2006 as an anxious, entry-level employee battling imposter syndrome—unsure of where I’d end up.

But I did know that I wanted to grow.

As a former Google executive and the founder of Own Your Career, a program loved by tens of thousands of Google employees worldwide, I am going to share 18 lessons I learned at Google over 18 years.

These lessons aren’t just for executives—they’re for anyone who wants to lead, grow, and make an impact.

And that means YOU!

The Problem

No matter where you are in your career, it’s easy to feel unsure about your work, future, and professional growth.

Where do you focus and how do you stand out?

The Big Small Thing

Here are 9 practical things I’ve learned at Google to help you level up.

#1 Don’t wait for permission.

No one’s going to hand you opportunities. If you see a gap, fill it. If you have a solution, offer it.

Try this: When you have an idea for improvement, don’t wait for permission. Propose it.

#2 Use the power of “yet.”

If something feels out of reach, add “yet.” “I can’t win more clients…yet.” “I’m not leading a team…yet.” It shifts your mindset from stuck to growth.

Try this: Next time you feel like you’re falling short, reframe the situation by adding “yet” to the end of your self-limiting thought.

#3 Bullet points are the love language of higher-ups.

Long emails don’t cut it. Higher-ups want concise emails that get to the point.

Try this: Write three short bullet points in your next email instead of a long explanation. You’ll save everyone’s time—and get faster replies.

#4 Use the “one pizza” rule.

If a project team can’t be fed by one pizza, it’s too big. Keep working groups small—around 3 people—so you can move faster, avoid confusion, and keep meetings tight.

Try this: The next time you’re forming a project group, cap it at 3 people. Watch how much faster things get done.

#5 Remember the “support suffix.”

Wrap up your one-on-one meetings by asking, “How can I support you this week?” It flips the script and shows that you’re there to help your team, not just assign tasks.

Try this: In your next one-on-one, ask that question. You’ll learn directly what your team needs.

#6 Influence happens in the pre-game.

Don’t wait for the big internal presentation to get input. Early feedback sharpens your idea and builds support.

Try this: Send a draft to key colleagues before the meeting. Let their feedback shape your final version. That’s what will get you a “yes” in the important meeting.

#7 Shout out your team—it makes you look good too.

Recognizing your team’s efforts highlights your leadership. Leaders who elevate others stand out.

Try this: Next time your team hits a milestone, send a thank-you email and CC your boss.

#8 Master the “humble two” phrases.

The two most powerful things a leader can say are, “I don’t know,” and “I was wrong.”

Try this: Next time you’re unsure or make a mistake, admit it and use these phrases. You’ll become a more trusted and relatable leader because of it.

#9 Flip your ladder sideways.

Everyone likes a promotion or vertical move that brings you more money or a fancier title, but it won’t bring you joy. Real joy comes from gaining new skills, meeting different people, and tackling fresh challenges.

Try this: if you’ve been chasing a promotion, consider if a horizontal/lateral move might actually give you more.

#10: People-pleasing is a trap.

Saying yes to everything out of guilt or fear of judgment only spreads you thin and lowers your impact.

Try this: Next time you feel pressured to say yes, pause. If it doesn’t align with your priorities, say no. Your manager and team will respect it.

#11: Quality work isn’t enough. Visibility matters.

Great work is only half the battle—ensuring the right people know about it is the other.

Try this: Every Monday, send your manager 3 bullets: last week’s wins, your impact, and this week’s priorities. Bonus: Ask for 20 minutes in the next team meeting to showcase your project.

#12: Ease off the throttle.

Not everything has to be a ten out of ten. Trying to make everything perfect will only burn you out.

Try this: Be a three out of ten on some tasks and focus on being a ten where it really matters. Pick one project this week, and intentionally let it be a three.

#13: Bring the spark.

When in doubt, lead with enthusiasm. Positive energy can be more valuable than skill.

Try this: In your next email, swap “Here’s the update” for “I’m excited about our progress!” That enthusiasm tips the scales.

#14: Let envy be your engine.

Instead of feeling jealous when a teammate excels, study what they do well and learn from it.

Try this: When someone crushes it in a meeting, note 5 things they did well. Pick one to try in your next presentation.

#15: Reorgs happen. Step up, don’t get knocked down.

When a reorg hits, stressing over office politics won’t help. Stepping up will.

Try this: Reorg on Tuesday? By Wednesday, email your boss’s boss offering to help on a key project. Chaos = opportunity.

#16: Procrastination-proof your projects.

Got a big, scary project? Start small and share your progress early.

Try this: Write 5 quick bullets: goal, stakeholders, deadline, meetings, and questions. Share it with your manager within 24 hours to show progress.

#17: Get to know the higher-ups.

Career advancement is often decided by committee. Your boss’s boss and boss’s peers play more of a role than you might realize.

Try this: Meet with your boss every six months. Pick 1-2 of your boss’s peers and ask them to mentor you.

#18: Have wild courage. Not mild courage.

Standing out means taking bold moves. Mild courage is asking for help. Wild courage is asking to lead.

Try this: Look for opportunities each day to challenge the status quo, speak your mind, and make some waves. Then enjoy the surf your waves create.

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How This Helps You Chase What You Want

Taking bold steps, speaking up, and making sure your work gets seen are what set you apart.

You don’t need to have a fancy title to lead. Leaders create their own opportunities by showing up, getting noticed, and taking action.

The people who get promoted aren’t just waiting for their shot—they’re already planning the game.

Use these lessons to start taking control of your career today.