In a rare and candid moment, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan addressed the long-standing rumor that Google offered him a staggering $100 million to prevent him from joining Twitter. The revelation came during a recent episode of Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, where the Zerodha co-founder referenced the 15-year-old headline. Kamath, like many intrigued by Silicon Valley tales, asked if it was true that Google once attempted to keep Mohan from jumping ship with a retention package worth nine figures. The conversation sparked curiosity online, once again resurfacing one of the most discussed tech industry legends involving Google, Twitter, and two of its future stars—Mohan and Sundar Pichai.

“Don’t Believe Every Headline” – Mohan’s Diplomatic Denial

Neal Mohan didn’t confirm the report outright, nor did he fully deny it. Instead, he responded with a composed and measured statement, cautioning listeners not to believe every headline, even if it’s 15 years old. “I’m not very sophisticated in masks. So I always like to think that it’s what you see is what you get,” he said, subtly downplaying the glamour behind such sensational stories. Mohan’s response hinted at how narratives often get magnified over time, especially when they involve top-tier tech firms and massive dollar figures. His choice to neither confirm nor deny the story only added to the mythos surrounding the alleged offer, keeping the mystery alive.

What Really Happened? A Look Back at the Reports

The origin of the rumor traces back to a 2011 TechCrunch report, which claimed Google had offered Mohan and Pichai lucrative stock grants to keep them from joining Twitter. At the time, Twitter was aggressively scouting for a Chief Product Officer, and both Mohan and Pichai were reportedly top contenders. The report alleged that Google offered Sundar Pichai $50 million and Neal Mohan $100 million in stock to remain with the company. Neither Google nor Twitter commented publicly at the time, and the story remained one of Silicon Valley’s most fascinating what-ifs. The fact that both Mohan and Pichai eventually rose to lead YouTube and Google respectively, only adds weight to the idea that Google knew exactly whom they needed to retain at all costs.

Neal Mohan’s Rise in the Tech World

Today, Neal Mohan is not just a seasoned executive; he’s at the helm of the world’s largest content platform, YouTube. His journey began in the late ’90s with Accenture, followed by key stints at Microsoft and Google, where he made his mark as Senior Vice President of Display and Video Ads. He later became YouTube’s Chief Product Officer before taking over as CEO. With degrees in electrical engineering and an MBA in General Management, both from Stanford, Mohan’s academic background is as impressive as his corporate resume. His career path reflects a perfect blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking, the very traits that likely made him indispensable to Google in the first place.

Why It Still Matters: The Power of Retention in Big Tech

This story isn’t just about the numbers—it’s a powerful lesson in employee retention at the highest levels of business. In a fast-moving tech industry where leadership changes can redefine entire platforms, retaining top talent like Mohan and Pichai has proven critical. Whether or not the $100 million offer happened exactly as reported, the takeaway is clear: Silicon Valley’s giants will go to extraordinary lengths to secure the future of their innovation. Mohan’s recent podcast moment reminds us that headlines may fade, but legends—especially those tied to billion-dollar decisions—have a way of sticking around.

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Source : livemint.com