AFTER a 30 minute drive in the tightly packed bus, we were all eager to get out and explore eBay — a company used by over one billion people.
We were greeted at the front door by the Senior Director of PayPal mobile, former Collegian, Laura Piele. We were then guided through the large building and marvelled at its unique interior and contemporary design. We soon settled into the board room and were briefed on the diverse elements of the company and the different journeys of each entity — PayPal, Skype and the eBay itself.
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The presentation and resulting discussion was very engaging and inspirational. We left this incredible company enlightened.
We then went to Tokoni where we met Laura’s husband, Adam. Adam worked for Tokoni where he and fellow entrepreneurs were in a 16 month, to date, process of giving life to a “start up” business called “Ongo”. Then privileged to a two hour talk with him and two other exceptional men, we listened intently and learned.
The knowledge gained was invaluable; all men brought remarkable stories and experience to the discussion. Tom, coming from a poor background, only decided to go to college once someone told him while doing an air conditioner apprenticeship that he was “too smart” for this work and that he “should go to college”.
The other man, Dan, was raised in a very affluent family and just as planned went to college; where he came out a few years later.
Once finishing his degree, his father’s gift to him was “financial independence”. Dan was thrown into the world with little money, little clarity in what his career was to be; however, he did retain a college degree in commerce and maintained unquenchable ambition. Lessons were learnt, revelations were had and wisdom imparted. Work hard, keep your head down and good things will happen to you.
Led by Ramanan and Dave we walked through the dauntingly large Google campus in awe of its surrounding brilliance. The campus was decorated with the Google colours which were chosen by the founders due to their love of Lego.
The relaxed interior proved very different from the set structure we had experienced in some other companies. Dave and Ramanan provided a very insightful presentation on how Google operates and we were informed of the services Google offers their employees. To ensure their strong work ethic was complemented with a balance of ‘down time’, Google provides a range of options &mdash from a ball pit to free food that was never more than 50 metres away.
We were treated to a lunch that was a feast for not only the stomach, but also the eyes. We left open minded about the opportunities for our futures and a with a new perspective on the inner workings of one of the world’s most widely used search engines.
Then it was time to look at engines of a different kind and we left for Tesla, which proved to be an unexpected highlight.
What was originally going to be a walk around the showroom, turned into a guided tour and even a drive in the $160,000 US Tesla Roadster Sport.
It was then time for the social networking site, used by all but one student on the trip. An essential experience for all. Formed in February 2004 in a Harvard Dormitory, Facebook now employs 1,400 people and has over 400 million active users.
Whilst walking through the offices it was clear that a fun vibe was promoted. No cubicles, no walls; just open transparency in the workplace — increasing efficiency, facilitating communication and promoting trust.
With free food conveniently located, a basketball court, a table tennis table and guitar hero, who wouldn’t want to work in such a liberal environment.
Employees are chosen for their passion and ‘critical thinking’ which ensures Facebook’s ultimate goal, connecting people.
Our journey concludes with an unstructured day in San Francisco.
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