Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo CEO on Mentors, Meritocracy and Maternity
Indra Nooyi is one woman who has broken the glass ceiling. Named CFO of PepsiCo in 2001, she went on to become the company’s fifth CEO in July 2006. During her keynote speech at the Catalyst Awards last week in New York City, a rapt audience of mostly women from over 100 companies laughed and nodded at her advice on various topics. Here are a few highlights from this gracious and accomplished woman: Indra Nooyi opened her remarks by saying that she suspected that everyone in the room knew the huge difference that a welcoming environment can make. Indra explained that PepsiCo embraced who she was and so she never had to waste energy trying to be something other than who she is. Her keyword for the audience was “authenticity.”Indra on getting to the corner office:
More than a few people in the audience were surprised when Indra said, “My request is that you don’t have a career plan.” Indra explained that it was better focus on the job at hand and stay away from workplace politics, rather than to over-plan your route to the top. Show don’t tell, just get on with over-performing, she advised. However, PepsiCo has all the markings of a meritocracy, where those who do well excel.
Indra on Mentors:
“Let mentors find you. If you ask someone to be your mentor and they agree, then they probably aren’t going to push you as hard as someone who is grooming you for the next level.”
On Mentoring Others:
“Be honest in appraisals. If people aren’t performing well help them “cross the bridge” and get where they need to go by examining why they aren’t performing. Raise the bar as the boss.”
Indra on Professional Choices:
Indra made professional choices based on people. As an example, she explained that she moved from Motorola to ABB to follow her manager. “Work for the right person. Work for a company that wants you to succeed. Don’t play politics and just focus on the job at hand.”Indra also addressed some work/life balance issues and the hard realities women face when they reduce time spent in the office. “Don’t expect to be on the same promotional track as someone who works 5 days a week if you work 3 days a week. In less than ideal situations tough it out, try to change it and then leave even if it means some time not working.”
Indra on Personal Choices:
“Make sure you have the right spouse and be nice to your family, as babysitting duties and favors will be called in and you need to have a good support system.”Use the company structure as an “extended ecosystem,” Indra advised. She cited examples of when group mothering came into play, such as when her receptionist ran through a checklist with Indra’s youngest child on the phone when she called her mom at the office, looking for permission to play Nintendo.
Indra on Challenges Facing Young Women:
“There is an inherent issue of conflict, as the biological clock and the career clock are working at the same time. As a woman in a leadership position you can ensure:
- Equal pay for equal jobs done.
- Have a voice to represent women in your company.
- Create an environment at work where there is flexibility.
“If women don’t help other women then who will?” asked Indra.As an attendee at the Catalyst conference, I felt very pleased to have heard her address. I wish I could believe that its really just a matter of being great at what you do and then the company will have to promote you, but I guess Indra Nooyi is living proof that this can happen, even if it is not the norm for most companies.This left me with the question – As far as incorporating women leaders into the workplace, is PepsiCo a model for us all?
I also really admire Indra Nooyi– she has achieved such success while also staying true to her values. She’s definitely a great role model for young women.
Dear Ms. Indra
[I came across this excerpt from a participant at the Catalyst conference that was addressed by you (Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo CEO on Mentors, Meritocracy and Maternity, https://box5892.temp.domains/~theglay9/news/2008/04/14/indrya-nooyi-pepsico-ceo-on-mentors-meritocracy-and-maternity/)
“If women don’t help other women then who will?” asked Indra.As an attendee at the Catalyst conference, I felt very pleased to have heard her address. I wish I could believe that its really just a matter of being great at what you do and then the company will have to promote you, but I guess Indra Nooyi is living proof that this can happen, even if it is not the norm for most companies]
In my time of distress these above lines have given me hope to approach my problem afresh. You should not be surprised that you are somebody to look up to ! I am just about a middle class woman working out my living with a limited means.
My son is the only spark that we have in our life and he has dilligently tried to perform to the best of his ability. He finished his junior college on scholarship from Raffles Junior College,Singapore, and completed computer engineering from National University of Singapore on scholarship in 2003.He began working with an Intellectual Property firm where he learnt and delivered to the great satisfaction of his management.
As he was always keen to pursue economics as a stream at some stage of his career he did his Masters in Economics with a score of 4.8 out of 5.
In 2006 he joined Dell Singapore to experience working in a multinational firm, and once again he is one of two professionals who has got an ‘Excellent’ grade in their annual performance rating.
In December 2007 he cleared his GMAT with a score of 770.He got thru all IIMs but when he got admission in Tuck business school with full financial aid, he decided in to do his MBA from Dartmouth.
Indraji, he got the full financial aid award and based on that, he applied for and got his US Visa for 5 years. But even as he received his visas, he got an intimation from Tuck that due to their own financial problems with their lenders in the wake of a falling economy, they would be unable to provide the aid to students who missed replying to an email re-confirming acceptance of the financial aid award.
We have neither the resource nor the connectivity in the USA to workout this predicament .
I chose to address my problem to you for two reasons, (a) you yourself have studied this course and know the value of it, (b)you have the resource, power and most importantly the initiative required to help in a situation like this.
What my son needs is just a guarantee to a bank in USA from where he can take the aid amount of US$72000.
I am sure this is not a big burden for your stature but our gratitude will last forever.I assure and hope that my son will not let you down either on a personal or on professional score.
Please do not be apprehensive about me writing to you first.This is my initiative to help my son who is not aware of my effort yet.Once I hear from you, I shall put him on direct communication with you where he will provide you with all required testimonials.
Indraji as you are an inspiration to all us women back home who have missed out on achievements such as yours, we see you as our own and hence this request. Please do not judge my prudence at this hour of my crisis and help a worthy candidate having verified it yourself. He is still in Singapore and has to join classes at TUCK on 21st of August, 2008.
How do I say my thanks to you for this uncalled for consideration. Please do respond.
Thanks/ Regards
Sushma Sinha
email : sushmasinha21@gmail.com
cell :919814027021