Matt Brittin, President of Google (EMEA) visits MAS
On Friday 3rd March 2017, Mulberry Academy Shoreditch was privileged to host Matt Brittin, the President of Google EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) organised by the charity Speakers for Schools. Taking time out of his busy schedule (he had spent the previous day hosting a group of senior European Union bank representatives) Matt came to the academy to discuss his journey from school through to an MA at Cambridge, an MBA, rowing for Team GB and how he ‘fell’ into Googles top job.
Students were captivated by the highs and lows of having such a significant post at a global corporate superpower like Google. From the highs of attending the Olympics and being at the forefront of providing internet access to every person across the world; to the lows of being hauled up in front of a commons select committee and challenged about his own personal financial situation.
Using Googles voice activated search engine he posed many questions about how we use technology and engaged with the students on many topics from the time it takes to solve a Rubik’s cube to how to ask for the directions to the Sambadrome from Rio de Janeiro airport in Portuguese.
He closed the talk by giving some very good advice; the internet did not exist when he was at school. His job and the specific skills had not been invented. Our students face a similar prospect, so it is important to be flexible and always ask questions, no one minds if you are keen and wanting to learn. Although not quite a select committee, the students gave a very good account of themselves asking questions about Brexit, virtual reality and how the internet actually works.
We thank Matt for coming in and also Speakers for Schools for organising the visit. We look forward to the next insightful and thought provoking student address by a UK leading, influential figure.
