Encounters with Silicon Valley Leaders

Have you ever had the chance to meet influential figures like Sundar Pichai? This article digs into my personal experiences with some of the renowned CEOs of Silicon Valley before they became well-known. From informal dinners to corporate acquisitions, these encounters offer a unique perspective into the lives of these leaders.

My Encounters in Half Moon Bay

My nephew and I had dinner in Half Moon Bay a few years ago, and as we left our dining spot, It's Italia on Main Street, my nephew spotted a familiar figure. ‘Isn’t that Eric Schmidt?’, he remarked. Indeed, it was. Eric Schmidt was the CEO of Google from 2001 to 2012. However, this meeting was brief and personal. No deep connection, but an interesting coincidence given my knowledge of the tech industry.

Interviews with Steve Jobs

Brent Schlender, my blog mate, had countless interviews with Steve Jobs. The result was his book, 'Becoming Steve Jobs,' which debuted at number one on Amazon. I saw Steve Jobs from time to time at a popular breakfast restaurant and at the New Varsity Theater's Christmas Eve showing of 'It’s a Wonderful Life.' These casual encounters provided a glimpse into his character during his pre-celebrity years.

Business Acquisitions and Alumni Connections

One of my significant moments came when Novartis acquired Alza Pharmaceuticals in 1978. Karl Larsen, then the CEO of Ceiba-Geigy (now part of Novartis), flew over from Switzerland for a crucial meeting. He spent considerable time in a one-on-one discussion with me, highlighting the importance of recycling and energy conservation in the pharmaceutical industry. This experience underscored the connection between business and environmental responsibility.

My Career at Alza Pharmaceuticals

My career spanned thirty years at Alza Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to controlled delivery of prescription pharmaceuticals. I had a close association with the founding CEO and even shared a girlfriend for a while. One day, he suggested meeting me in his office for lunch and our conversation was cordial. We never discussed the woman we were both dating, but instead focused on the business. I had a fulfilling career at Alza and was never seriously interested in working elsewhere, thanks to the great company culture and low employee turnover.

The Birth of Human Resources

Being the first HR director at Alza Pharmaceuticals was a pivotal moment. We managed to keep our turnover at single digits, while the Valley's average was over 20. During a period of high inflation, I attempted to cut through the full-page ads the chip companies were buying. I drafted an advertisement that was both creative and cost-effective. This experience taught me the importance of strategic communication in the corporate world.