A Google Search VP shares the blunt feedback that changed how they approach their job

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rhiannon Bell, vice president of user experience for Google Search, based in San Francisco. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I had an interesting start to my career. I’m from a small town in Wales called Aberystwyth and I didn’t finish high school.

I remember when the internet came out, I was like, “what is this magical thing?” I worked in a local cafeteria and had access to the university computers, so I…