Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Indra Nooyi, Piaktus, $32.99.
An inspirational memoir, coated with authenticity, this is one narrative that’s an “unvarnished take” on the rise of Indra Nooyi to become one of the world’s most powerful women.
The Indian-born American businesswoman was instrumental in the lucrative restructuring and diversification of soft-drink manufacturer PepsiCo, Inc.’s brands.
She served as the company’s CEO (2006–18) and chairman of the board (2007–19). The first woman of color and immigrant to run a Fortune 50 company — and one of the foremost strategic thinkers of our time — she transformed PepsiCo with a unique foresight, a dynamic pursuit of excellence and an innate sense of purpose.
While Nooyi was CEO, PepsiCo’s revenues grew from $35 billion to $63.5 billion and she became known for promoting such “good for you” snacks as Baked Lay’s potato chips and Naked juices made of fruits and vegetables.
Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi, 66, redefined what it means to be an exceptional leader. She explains holding on to her five C’s Model of Leadership during her career: competency, courage, confidence, communication skills and compass.
Nooyi, who broke the glass ceiling in corporate America, is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, and Yale University.
While at PepsiCo, the mother of two also spoke candidly of the difficulties in balancing commitments.
“I am still the girl who grew up in a close family in Madras [now Chennai] in the south of India, and I am deeply connected to the lessons and culture of my youth. I am also the woman who arrived in the US at 23 to study and work and, somehow, rose to lead an iconic company, a journey that I believe is possible only in America. I belong in both worlds.”
“The twin demands that define me have always been my family and my work. Transformation is difficult, but I have learned that with courage and persistence – and the inevitable give-and-take – it can happen.”
My Life in Full overflows with refinement, determination, sincerity, veracity and wit, and offers a firsthand view of Nooyi’s legendary career and the sacrifices it so often demanded.
The trailblazing Indian executive makes a powerful declaration: the legacy you leave behind are the workers. Compelling in its intent, everything Indra K. Nooyi brings to this account comes from her own life in full!
