How She Successfully Proposed a New Google Division: Insights on Pitching Bold Concepts to Executives

A little over two years ago, Mira Lane found herself contemplating her future when she was casually asked by a colleague at Google about her life goals. Unsure of what to say in the moment, she promised to provide an answer later and gave it some thought at home.

Lane shared with Business Insider that she crafted a succinct 'one-pager' outlining an AI prototyping lab's potential societal impact and sent it to a Google employee who would later become her direct superior.

Her effort was fruitful, leading her to become the driving force behind Google's Envisioning Studio, a hub of AI innovation where ideas are brought to life by a team of strategists, philosophers, and researchers, all focused on technological exploration.

While it might seem her career move was straightforward, Lane, the Vice President of Google's Tech and Society team, divulged to Business Insider her extensive experience in pitching novel proposals.

"I’ve always had a knack for initiating projects from scratch," Lane expressed.

Embrace Rejection

Lane suggests adopting a mindset where rejection is acceptable. She encourages others not to tie their identity to their ideas, even though it’s important to maintain some level of connection and belief in what they're proposing.

According to Lane, it's vital to be ready to hear 'no' from others while remaining optimistic about your proposal’s value.

Keep It Concise

When Lane proposed the Envisioning Studio to Google, she wrote her pitch succinctly, completing it in just under a page. Understanding that decision-makers often have limited time, she ensured her message was straightforward and impactful.

She meticulously chose her words to make every sentence count and tailored her communication to match the mindset of her audience.

Focus on Addressing a Significant Issue

Lane emphasizes that a successful pitch must revolve around a substantial problem. When suggesting the Envisioning Studio, she aimed to tackle the broader societal concern regarding the lack of personal influence over technological advancements.

She advises ensuring your proposal resonates on a meaningful level, cautioning against overly abstract or narrowly focused problems that might not garner investment interest.

Understand Your Audience

Lane typically presents solutions she knows are in demand or needed, often conducting thorough research on her audience.

She recalls her Google interview where she encountered unique questions about her world improvement goals, which offered insights into what executives prioritize. Lane recommends that others strive to gain a deep understanding of those they are pitching to.