Google Labs’ ‘secret society’ way of thanking its most valuable employees

Josh Woodward is the vice president of Google Labs, the Gemini app, and AI Studio. Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images Google Labs leaders use ominous meeting invites to surprise and thank top staff. It's a "secret society" ritual for the most valuable employees, Google Labs chief Josh Woodward said. Woodward called the meetings "pretty fun" during an appearance on "Lenny's Podcast." An unexpected meeting invite with the boss is often the kind of thing that sends employees spiraling. For Google Labs staffers, though, it could mean top brass are about to tell you how great you are. Speaking on a recent episode of "Lenny's Podcast," Josh Woodward , the vice president of Google Labs, the Gemini app, and AI Studio, described the surprise appreciation meetings as a kind of "secret society" ritual for the team's most valuable employees.