Gilly goes to Google

Adam Gilchrist provided his own spin on leadership during a visit to Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California.

During a presentation to 150 Google staff and leaders hosted by UOW alumnus and Google Global Staffing Director Brendan Castle, Gilchrist shared his insights on the importance of team work and goal setting.

Gilchrist shared some lessons on leadership and his experiences on and off the pitch, including importance of belief, trust and hope in leadership and the right attitude.

“They say you can survive for 40 days without food, eight days without water, seven minutes without air, but not for one second will someone survive without hope. As a leader, you always have to provide hope and direction for those that you are trying to take on that journey in whatever environment it may be – be it sport, business, cultural groups or your family.”

As far as reaching and maintaining a standard of excellence, Gilchrist shared a leadership technique employed by former Australian cricket coach John Buchanan to keep the team at the top of their game.

“He said if you’re number one, which we often were, you have to think, train and prepare as if you’re number two, to try and maintain that gap. It was a mindset that continued to challenge and inspire us,” he said.

He urged those present to forge a relationship with their fellow team members beyond business.

“It is very important to know your team… not just in their role in the organisation, but as individuals,” said Gilchrist.

Those Google staff in attendance, including Indian and Australian cricket fans, delighted in his down to earth presentation, which included some humorous anecdotes from the world of professional cricket.

The presentation to staff followed on from a tour of Google’s expansive campus by the UOW delegation, including the Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE.

Representing UOW since 2008, Gilchrist is committed to building stronger relationships with government, business leaders and alumni and boosting the University’s international profile.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be fulfilling my role as brand ambassador for the University of Wollongong and education is paramount to my life and that of my family,” Gilchrist added.

Gilchrist’s brother Glenn is a graduate of UOW.