Indra Nooyi changed the world of business - but more female leaders are abandoning ship than ever
Sep 06, 2024
When I think of women who’ve made their mark in business history, Indra Nooyi immediately comes to mind.
Her career is a masterclass in leadership. As PepsiCo's CEO from 2006 to 2018, she broke new ground as the first woman of colour and immigrant to lead a Fortune 50 company. Under her leadership, PepsiCo’s revenue skyrocketed by 80%, from $35 billion in 2006 to $63.5 billion in 2017.
Her "Performance with Purpose" strategy didn’t just boost the bottom line—it transformed PepsiCo’s portfolio. The nutrition business alone grew from $10 billion in 2006 to $30 billion by 2017. On top of that, her focus on sustainability led to a 25% reduction in water usage and a 16% cut in greenhouse gas emissions across PepsiCo’s operations by 2015.
Nooyi was consistently recognized among the world’s most powerful women, earning a spot on Forbes' list for 11 consecutive years. Her approach to business leadership set new standards for corporate social responsibility, inspiring countless business leaders to balance profit with purpose.
Despite her trailblazing success, women CEOs remain significantly underrepresented in top corporate positions.
The difficulty in reaching the top means very simply that those women who do reach the pinnacle of corporate leadership are marked by their exceptional skills sets, competence and unique perspectives.
A 2019 study by S&P Global Market Intelligence found that firms with female CEOs and CFOs produced superior stock price performance compared to the market average.
And that these companies generated higher profits and better stock returns than those led by men.
They attribute this to the diverse viewpoints and innovative problem-solving approaches that women in leadership positions bring to the table. I think it's because you have to be SO exceptional to get there in the first place, of course you’ll outperform the competition!!
Their journeys to the top often involve navigating complex challenges, which equips them with unique insights and strategies that can and does drive substantial returns on investment for their companies.
At WCorp, our mission is to drive economic innovation and leadership by breaking down these barriers. We’re not just setting new standards—we’re paving the way for the next generation of Indra Nooyis.
Imagine a world where women’s ideas, leadership, and vision are fully realized across all industries. The potential for innovation, growth, and positive change is limitless.
Together, we can create a future where extraordinary women leaders are the norm, driving unprecedented progress and success in the global business arena.
