My Life in Full — Indra Nooyi

My reflections are based on the author’s interviews (not read the book yet!)

Nature & Nurture

How her early childhood would shape her character. Joint family, an out-of-the-world grandfather (all grandparents are loving, her grandpa was different, more than a pampering grandparent?).

Public speaking contests with #cadbury chocolates 🍫 being the tastiest ever (because she earned it)

She got the right support at home, right throughout the career

Her childhood played a big role. Though an academically oriented family where everything was linked to marks, she was more interested in extracurricular activities. Women were empowered, supported. Right through her life, her family (incl inlaws) were ‘proud of her success’.

That is not part of our culture that the world knows! Our women are empowered.

As a child, she was a voracious reader, picked up ‘speed reading’ to read as much for ₹ 1. We all know how reading is key to leadership at all levels.

What is one habit you picked up from childhood that has helped you in your leadership, life?

Head of the strategy to CEO to CEO & Chairman: A lot of CXO’s from non-line functions resist the temptation to even dream of the CEO’s role. They feel a non-business experience would automatically disqualify them. With no goal, they don’t go and get the experience of other CXO roles, including business leadership.

What stops us from dreaming, setting a goal, working towards it in a holistic way? What is the excuse?

(A professional coach can help)

2 Heads of State claim you as their own 😁:

Obama & Dr. Singh, both heads of state then, said “she is our own”. Indira Nooyi credits being part 2 great democracies. Was she being politically correct? Though there was no need!

Karan Thapar calls this Indira the second most powerful Indian woman, next only to former PM, Mrs. Gandhi.

Is you are on LinkedIn some of these are available there