I’ve long held the belief that our future is shaped by two families – one that constructs us as individuals, and the other that we construct with love for ourselves.
Mrs. Indra K. Nooyi’s memoir, capturing the life and experiences of the former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, has reaffirmed this belief. Through eloquent storytelling, she shares the peaks and valleys of her emotions, and the twists and turns of her career, offering a vivid glimpse into 1970s Madras and the life of an immigrant in the promising landscape of America.
Let’s delve into my personal cherished and favorite sections of the book, revealing how Indra’s upbringing instilled in her the belief that anything is possible and how her family, especially her partner and a devoted legion of supporters, played a pivotal role in turning those possibilities into realities.
Our narratives often find their origins in the sacred footsteps of our ancestors, and Indra’s story is no exception. Little Indra’s journey mirrors the nurturing and encouragement she received from her grandfather, affectionately known as Thata. A retired banker, he broke stereotypes by fostering an environment where both sons and daughters were empowered to reach their full potential, armed with knowledge, wisdom, and the confidence to voice their opinions. Yet, he also emphasized the importance of welcoming honest critical feedback—a testament to the renowned ‘Growth mindset.’ Personally, having a close bond with my grandmother, I resonate deeply with Thata’s invaluable teachings, which are universally imparted by Indian grandparents: ‘If you take something, you must give it your all.’ This principle, he believed, builds reliability, a cornerstone of personal integrity.
The role of Indra’s mother is truly extraordinary and resembles a constant emotional seesaw. In the book, she eloquently compares her mother’s significance in her life to having ‘one leg on the accelerator and the other on the brakes.’ On one hand, her mother genuinely aspired for her daughters to soar to great heights, exploring opportunities she herself couldn’t due to early marriage and limited avenues. On the other hand, she grappled with societal expectations, concerned about her daughters attending business schools with men, pursuing higher education abroad, and managing demanding careers alongside family responsibilities. The poignant moment when her mother, on the eve of Indra’s selection as the CEO of PepsiCo, advised her to ‘leave that crown in the garage’ compelled me to delve into this book. Indra’s realization shared as an insight for all women reading her story, underscores the importance of proving one’s mettle and reaching heights while humbly leaving that extraordinary identity outside the home. This sentiment instantly resonates with every Indian mother of a daughter, reflecting the delicate balance between ambition and societal expectations.
Reflecting on Indra’s father, a genuinely caring and supportive husband, and doting dad, he even encountered a pivotal moment that altered the course of Indra’s upbringing. During the early years when the kids were little or in their teenage phase, Indra’s father experienced a severe road accident, confining him to bed care for months. As the sole breadwinner and male anchor of the family, and with no formal insurance cover in those days, the situation could have potentially left her mother and the children’s future in a precarious state. Fortunately, the family managed to endure the storm with Thata’s pension, navigating through challenging times. Observing his wife grappling to make ends meet on her own during this period prompted him to commit to ensuring that his daughters would be equipped to handle their finances independently in the face of such testing times in the future. Indeed, learning from our present experiences prepares us to emerge stronger in the future, doesn’t it? Fortunately, even I learned about gender fluidity among my parents during a similar family financial crisis scenario.
Turning to Indra’s husband, who evolved into a true life partner, provides an absolute source of inspiration. He began by offering sound career advice, encouraging her to leave Motorola when the job became overwhelmingly stressful. Additionally, he willingly shifted jobs and adjusted location preferences to align with the needs of their family. While Indra acknowledges in her memoir that these responsibilities sometimes led to moments of feeling neglected in their marital bond, both partners invested effort to cultivate shared interests. Whether it was embracing the Yankees football team or indulging in a shared love for spicy Indian cuisine, these efforts kept the flame of love alive. Alongside these key individuals, the support of hired staff, including the assistant, Nanny Vasanth, and even considerate neighbors, all contributed significantly, leaving an enduring imprint on the life of the remarkable woman under discussion.
Throughout her memoir, Indra intricately weaves the narrative of the challenges faced by an immigrant and her family in the renowned American cities. Whether it’s her homesickness upon entering Yale University or conducting an interview in less-than-ideal Western attire (the only outfit she could afford at the time), or her daughter confronting the harsh realities of racism in school, Indra sheds light on the circumstances immigrants navigate. Often, proving one’s worth in a new society and culture takes years. For Indra, this transformative moment materialized when she garnered appreciation from both Mr. Manmohan Singh (Former Indian PM) and Mr. Barack Obama (Former US President), ultimately earning respect and acclaim in both nations and bringing pride to two countries.
Exploring the facets of being an inspirational leader like Indra, there are some invaluable insights that young professionals, like ourselves, can take from her extraordinary career journey. Here are some key takeaways:
Ground-Up Approach:
Even the most accomplished management school professionals should commence their journey at the grassroots, immersing themselves in the intricacies of business operations. Indra’s formative career years involved understanding diverse elements, from fabrics and automobile parts to conducting retail audits for PepsiCo restaurant chains. These experiences provided profound insights into business strategy, shaping her decision to lead PepsiCo into the realm of healthier snacking options.
Lead by Following:
A leader, before assuming the mantle, must first learn to follow first. Nooyi emphasizes the importance of outstanding C-Suite mentors encountered throughout her career. These leaders not only prepared her for future responsibilities but also believed in her latent potential, serving as guiding lights during significant milestones.
Continuous Learning and Curiosity:
In a world often debating the merits of a 70-hour work week, and the need to be an over-achiever in the corporate jungle, Indra exemplifies that, to excel, it is essential to maintain a natural curiosity and a quest for continuous learning. The dynamic nature of the world, technology, and emerging trends demands a deeper understanding. Her timely shift away from an unhealthy lifestyle and embracing a culture of health and wellness at PepsiCo sustained long-term growth and profitability.
People-Centric Leadership:
Being a humane leader, and connecting authentically with people is a natural instinct. Indra believed that when an organization hires someone, it essentially brings their entire family on board. This necessitates organizations to prioritize the well-being of their employees, nurturing and re-energizing them in various ways. A remarkable example is my personal favorite: writing personalized letters to the parents of PepsiCo employees, expressing gratitude for their role in raising not just children but valuable assets for the company.
In essence, these efforts resonate with the idea that a true legacy is not merely what one leaves for people but what one leaves within them.
To sum it all up, I’d label this as one of my most cherished reads in 2023, capturing the sincere life odyssey of an exceptional woman. It stands as a wellspring of inspiration for young girls, including myself. Every word, every thought, every emotion in the book reverberates with the essence of a “Life lived in Full”!
