This week, I left Google after 15+ amazing years full of intense growth, big learnings and exciting challenges. I feel grateful for everything I learned, proud for everything I accomplished and deeply touched by all the amazing people I met. Leaving Google is never easy but I couldn’t be more excited about my future. A. My journey: When I joined Google in 2009, I thought it had an impressive business but totally underestimated its potential and the one-in-a-lifetime journey I was starting. Last year, Google made 12x more revenue and was worth 15x more than in 2009. And I had the unique opportunity to grow with it across multiple roles, regions and functions. B. My gratitude: I feel deep gratitude for everything Google has given me and especially for the people I met here. Huge thanks to: - My Managers: Gareth Morgan (the ultimate problem solver who showed me the power of scale), Ronan Harris (the inspiring mastermind who stretched me beyond my dreams), Javier Rodriguez Zapatero (the transformational champion who taught me how high is up & think customer first) and Fuencisla Clemares (the disciplined commander who showed me the power of planning and of “less is more”) - My Teams: My teams in Google always had creative names (CSI, PjM, Sporturmena, PPC, Performers, Pathfinders). They all challenged me and made me a better manager, but also committed & delivered to our big ambitious goals - My “compis” & peers: Impossible to mention here all the people that made an impact on me. Google’s most unique asset (and what I will miss the most) is their people & culture. I describe them as "gente buena que es buena gente" (greatly capable people who are also good-hearted people). C. My decision to leave: Life was great at Google (I loved my job, clients & teams) but after years of self-reflection (huge thanks to both Emer Kennedy and Victoria Fernández Aguirre for guiding me in that journey), I realized I needed to leave. Life is short & our time is our most precious asset, there are plenty of other things I want to do and my learning curve was flattening. My life would have been much easier if I stayed in Google but I would have probably awakened one day full of regrets down the road. D. My future: After 20+ years of working like a beast, I have decided to take the next 6 months off to explore, learn and figure out my next adventure (in addition to fully recharge batteries, spend time with my loved ones and do a few things in my bucket list). I feel very fortunate to have the financial stability to do this. Three areas I will be exploring: (a) full business mgmt (vs. functional work), (b) talent coaching & dev and (c) industries close to my heart (e.g. Travel - business of selling happiness. Education - the business of selling opportunity) For the first time in a while, I will have plenty of time to connect, discuss and explore new ideas and opportunities in the incoming months. Feel free to reach out if there is anything I could be of help.
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Iñigo Capell
1w
Whatever you do, you will continue surprising, impressing and delighting your colleagues and clients. Has been a pleasure to work with you Guillermo Albizuri . New chapter starts now.
Guillermo Albizuri, me ha encantado tu mensaje. Gracias por este regalo, por tu reflexión sobre la importancia que tiene saber parar cuando lo fácil es seguir, la vida es un tesoro que tenemos que saber apreciar y lo que tú has hecho está sólo al nivel de lo que eres, un fuera de serie. Mucha suerte para tu nueva etapa vital. Todo lo mejor. Nos vemos pronto!!
Guillermo! Me siento enormemente afortunado de haber coincidido contigo durante estos años y sobre todo de haber podido formar parte de tu equipo estos últimos años. He podido aprender de un grandísimo profesional y mejor persona. Siempre me quedaré con esas reuniones en las que siempre me hacías buscar mi mejor versión. Estoy convencido de que en cualquier aventura en la que te embarques te va a ir de lujo. Disfruta mucho de estos meses para recargar las pilas y espero que nos sigamos viendo. Un abrazo
Guillermo Albizuri , there s a beautiful Irish saying which comes very handy at this time: "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand." Welcome to the wild side (aka post Google life), it ain' t as confortable but boy is it fun if you find your path!
Miquel Moya
1w
A legend leaves Google Guillermo Albizuri ! One of the highs of having worked at Google is getting to know special people like you: one of the brightest, most caring and best creative minds I’ve ever met. Every single interaction I had with you was a source of inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Querido Guillermo, mucha suerte en tu nueva etapa, aquí dejas una gran huella! Mil gracias por todo lo que me has ayudado, el mejor feedback en un proceso me lo has dado tú, un mail lleno de detalles que hacían honor a tu capacidad de observación, tu inteligencia y, lo que es más importante, tus ganas de ayudar. Un abrazo y seguimos en contacto!
Guillermo! I won't wish you luck since you will kill it anywhere you land at. Happy to having worked with you in the past and hope our paths cross at any point in the future!! (btw I still have the video I shot with you, Fuen and Miquel rocking "Bienvenidos" song for a partners' Summit in Madrid! LOL Best, Jaime
Grande Guillermo! Gracias por tanto, ha sido un verdadero placer trabajar codo con codo durante mi última etapa en Google y cocinar con un maestro como tú Gracias por hacerme miembro honorífico de las experiencias de equipo, por tu cercanía y por la visión estratégica que siempre ha dictado tus decisiones Un fuerte abrazo y disfruta de los 6 meses de bajaciones ☺️ Espero que durante esos meses tengamos tiempo de brindar por la vida
Co-Founder & CPO/CMO at Micole | Product, Marketing & Data
1wGrande, Guillermo, mis mejores deseos para tu nueva etapa, suena muy excitante y estoy deseando ver donde te lleva, si puedo/podemos ser parte de ese nuevo camino estaremos más que encantados :)