Friends and colleagues let me tell you about an inspiring day at The Economist’s Human Potential Summit a few weeks ago. I was very privileged to find myself amongst worldwide experts and leaders. We were brought together to discuss the belief that today’s global economy may be fuelled by innovation amongst leading businesses such as PepsiCo – it’s called the “Ideas Economy.” Specifically, the summit focused on the human potential for driving ahead the best and most innovative ideas. I was honored to speak about innovation among our own diverse workforce here at PepsiCo on a panel called “Intellectual Diversity in an Open World.”
To me, innovation is born from the need to solve problems that require a fresh perspective or creative leap in logic. This certainly holds true at PepsiCo. Year after year, our challenges keep evolving as we embrace new market segments and ever changing consumer needs. Set against this backdrop, innovation is our lifeblood.
We catalyze innovation by creating opportunities for our associates to strengthen their skills and capabilities in a supportive and empowering environment. Similarly, opening the doors for people of all different backgrounds and experiences – who bring fresh perspectives and create sustainable solutions – is an equally critical factor to a successful corporate innovation climate. PepsiCo has captured much of this philosophy in our Performance with Purpose mission, which unifies so many of our associates.
By way of our talent sustainability platform for our diversity agenda, PepsiCo created EnAble, a powerful crusade for the inclusion of persons with different abilities and their caregivers in all aspects of PepsiCo’s business and culture.
Bob’s House, our first commercial using sign language, continues to be a unique example of our innovation, Performance with Purpose and diverse PepsiCo talent fused together to create a meaningful statement of intent and corporate culture. Although it launched before the 2008 Super Bowl, it was acknowledged again at The Economist event and was relevant for our discussions. Bob’s House was recognized as a game-changer in how it appealed beyond the deaf community to a wider consumer base and fully merited its position among the giants of Super Bowl advertising. What most people don’t know is that the ad cost only $2,500 to develop and was created and produced by our own employees – an experience of which they were immensely proud.
At PepsiCo, we take great pride in our workforce and our ability to drive innovation through the wealth of ideas shared and created by a diverse, hard-working group of people. During my time at The Economist summit, I met with other leaders who feel similarly that we need to celebrate the differences that exist between individuals and realize the potential for all humanity to progress and persistently innovate. I believe the environment we’ve created for our associates sets PepsiCo apart and will help our company continue to solve challenges in new ways for our customers and for all of society.
Innovation drives the success of businesses. Each day, new ideas and technologies are brought forth all over the world by an ever-growing and diversifying workforce. To continue pushing these advancements forward, it is important to support those who best understand our business and who take pride from bringing these ideas to life – our associates.
Ciao
