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We were honored to continue the Enduring Excellence series with Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, global business leader, and author of My Life in Full. From her early years in Chennai to leading one of the world’s largest corporations, Indra shared reflections on excellence, leadership, and the courage it takes to sustain success over a lifetime.
Drawing from her remarkable career and personal journey, here are five takeaways from our conversation.
1. Excellence Is About Building the Backbone, Not Just Short-Term Success
Indra emphasized that true excellence extends beyond quarterly results. Reflecting on her time as CEO, she noted, “When we look at success, we only look at short-term cash flows. In reality, most of the value is in the medium term and the terminal value.” For her, sustaining excellence means investing in people, processes, and culture to create repeatable, long-term success. She underscored that this requires unselfishness from leaders, a knowledgeable board, and investors willing to prioritize enduring value.
2. Character Shapes Organizational Excellence
Excellence, Indra explained, cannot be imposed externally, it must be modeled by the leader. “Unless the CEO is driving for excellence personally, you cannot put excellence in the company,” she said. This principle guided her throughout her career: striving for her own growth, mastering details across PepsiCo’s global operations, and mentoring teams to uphold the same high standards. Her philosophy reflects the idea that who you are as a leader profoundly influences what your organization becomes.
3. Leadership Requires Courage and Persistence
Indra’s journey from Chennai to the United States is a story of determination and resilience. She spoke about standing in line all night at the U.S. consulate to secure her student visa, a moment that, to her, symbolized her drive. “Only 20% of us were accepted,” she recalled. “But I thought, if I don’t get in, I’ll just come back tomorrow.”
When early opportunities came her way, Indra didn’t simply follow the most obvious or comfortable path. She chose roles that challenged her and sought mentors who would push her to grow. “In the early part of your career work for an individual. In the later part of your career work for an institution. Because in the early part of your career the way the individual mentors you, supports you, pushes you adds so many years to the trajectory of your career.” she advised.
Her decisions, to move countries, to enter male-dominated industries, to take on complex, global roles, required courage at every step. For Indra, persistence wasn’t just about endurance; it was about daring to keep moving forward, even when the outcome was uncertain.
4. Performance With Purpose Is About Making Money Differently
During her tenure at PepsiCo, Indra championed Performance With Purpose, integrating purpose into profitability. “Performance with Purpose was not corporate social responsibility. It was about making money a different way,” she explained. This involved pivoting the portfolio toward health and wellness, reducing sugar, fat, and salt, and creating capabilities to support innovation—all while navigating short-term investor pressures. Her approach demonstrates that strong business performance and social impact don’t have to be at odds.
5. Excellence Comes With Sacrifice
Indra spoke candidly about the personal trade-offs that come with ambition and the demands of leadership. She recalled nights spent caring for her daughters as babies, only to head straight into work the next morning. “I don’t know how I did it,” she reflected. “God gives you courage and the ability to carry it through.”
She acknowledged that sustaining high performance comes with real costs but also with deep purpose and fulfillment. For Indra, that purpose came through investing in people, mentoring future leaders, and building organizations that endure. Her story reminds us that excellence often requires sacrifice, yet it can also bring profound meaning and joy.
Continuing the Conversation
Indra Nooyi’s reflections remind us that leadership is about more than metrics, it’s about character, vision, courage, and purpose. Excellence is built over decades through intentional decisions, investments in people, and an unwavering commitment to values. Watch the full conversation to hear how Indra’s insights can guide a life and career of enduring impact.
Enduring Excellence continues this fall with more conversations exploring how extraordinary leaders build lasting impact. Register for our upcoming sessions.
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