Inspirations: Most powerful business woman, 2007
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Ms Indra Nooyi, CEO, Pepsi Co., is Forbes most powerful business woman, 2007.
A lesson Ms. Nooyi learnt: This anecdote dates back to 1973 when Ms. Indra was to attend her first job interview out of Yale University, the school she graduated from. She wanted to wear a formal western outfit for the occasion. With some difficulty she could put together $50 to buy it. Being an Indian, she wasn’t very comfortable with a formal outfit and ended up buying a pair of trousers that reached down to her ankles. Pondering on the reasons for the rejection at the interview, she turned to her professor for help. Professor asked her what she would’ve worn, if she were in India. Her quick reply was ‘sari’ (traditional Indian costume). Professor advised, “Wear your own shoes. Don’t try to step into other’s shoes because they expect you to. Be genuine and people will trust & respect you”. She wore a sari to the next interview and followed this philosophy for the rest of her career.
Bottom Line: “Be genuine. It is possible to get ahead in life without portraying a false image of yourself to meet other’s expectations. People appreciate if you are genuine”.
Ms. Nooyi’s Philosophy: Balancing work and family life is an everyday task for working women. But this power woman stands as an example on staying connected with her family despite her position in the corporate world. Ms. Nooyi prefers to stay as the primary caregiver for her daughters, 23 & 14. When asked “what keeps her up at night?” Her reply wasn’t anything related to work as you might expect. She said “My kids, I worry about my Kids”. When asked what she wants to teach her kids, her reply was “Be humble. This position might be gone tomorrow, but if you are humble, you will be able to tackle good and bad in the same way”.
Bottom Line: No matter what your position, stay connected to your family & be humble.