This book by Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO of Pepsi, was unputdownable. I could relate to most of her messages and conclusions. The main messages are on:
1. Work-family balance: “…I thought about how family is such a powerful source of human strength but realised that creating and nurturing families is a source of stress for so many…Our failure to address work and family pressures in the senior reaches of global decision-making restraints hundreds of millions of women everyday day, not only from rising and leading, but also blending a satisfying career with a healthy partnership and motherhood.”
2. Leadership: “…the fundamental role of a leader is to look for ways to shape the decades ahead, not just react to the present, and to help others accept the discomfort of disruptions to the status quo.” Change and transformation is difficult. But without change communities do not grow or evolve. Yet this is inevitable.
3. The importance of one’s signature: “I think that leaders need to understand behind what they are approving before they affix their signature to anything. This is not about trusting the people that work for you. It’s about basic responsibility. Don’t be a “pass through.” This is a philosophy I live by. As long it is my name and signature, I need to be convinced that I can stand by what I signed.
4. Mentorship and support: Looking back, this is something that I have always yearned for, but missed. Without mentorship and support, especially by women that have “made it”, the ladder to the top can be very shaky. Indra shares her experiences and the many support structures that made her one of the great CEOs of a Fortune 50 company.
5. Spousal/Partner support: I admire her husband for the support and encouragement he offered her in her career, at times sacrificing his own career growth. It takes a lot of self-knowledge, confidence and security to be this kind of partner.
6. Predictability of work environment: A predictable and merit-based environment is necessary for great minds to thrive.
7. Meritocracy: Know your stuff from every angle. Update your knowledge by reading and consulting those with technical expertise. Be calm, and avoid stereotypical (and expected behaviour), especially as a woman or minority.