Indra Nooyi's parting note as PepsiCo CEO to staff: Listen to podcasts, search Google

After 12 years, Indra Nooyi, finally, called it a day as PepsiCo CEO. And while she will remain as the Chairperson, she will no longer be involved in the day-to-day or decision-making at the beverage and food giant.

On her way out, the 62-year-old on Tuesday penned an emotional note on professional networking platform LinkedIn. In the note, the Yale graduate acknowledged the PepsiCo family for partnering with her, and making the brand an iconic one with their "ingenuity, commitment to excellence, and passion for serving communities."

Recalling the first note - in which she had mentioned of an "ever-more-challenging business environment" - that she had sent out as CEO in the summer of 2006 after assuming charge, Nooyi writes that the last 12 years have been "bolder and more creative than ever before” as she'd envisaged in her note.


Apart from being a nostalgic recap of her PepsiCo journey, the note also has some key reflections that can be a manager's guide.

Have A Clear, Compelling Vision
Irrespective of one's area of function - whether operations, sales, R&D, or any other - Nooyi says that it always pays to have "a clear, compelling vision for what you want to accomplish." She goes back to the Bible - the Book of Proverbs - and quotes, "Where there is no vision, the people perish” to establish her case.

The Long & The Short Of It
For target-driven professionals, Nooyi recommends keeping an eye on both short-term and long-term goals. She writes that it's feasible to meet targets "in a way that’s sustainable over the long haul, a way that balances the company’s level — and duration — of returns, a way that generates a profit while also making a difference, always advancing the values of Performance with Purpose."

It's All About The Team
There's no alternative to teamwork, and Nooyi's parting shot reiterates that. Urging greater involvement of the team, she writes that "no matter how smart your strategy, success or failure usually comes down to one thing: the team. In everything you do, find teammates who can help execute your vision and empower them to succeed."

Listen In
Processing feedback can be a tough act, and that's why Nooyi, who has led and managed teams for over three decades, writes "when someone gives you feedback, assume positive intent." She goes on to write that mulling carefully over feedback and incorporating it where needed, can make "you better associates and better people."

Student For Life
In a constantly-changing, fast evolving world, Nooyi says the trick to stay on top of the game will be to "continually educate." In fact, she urges PepsiCo staff to "take a course at PepsiCo University, listen to podcasts or search Google" to keep the student alive in them.

Time-Management
Finally, she urges her colleagues and PepsiCo family to "think hard about time" as there is so "little of it on this earth." One of Global Inc's foremost woman CEOs, Nooyi urges them to prioritise life and "make space for the loved ones who matter most." There's a wist of regret as she writes: "Take it from me. I’ve been blessed with an amazing career, but if I’m being honest, there have been moments I wish I’d spent more time with my children and family. So, I encourage you: be mindful of your choices on the road ahead."

And that was not all. Apart from some leadership lessons, she signed off quoting the Sufi poet, Rumi: "Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes."