Insights from PepsiCo’s Grace Puma and How to Lead Your Team Better
Recently, we came across an inspiring book titled Career Forward: Strategies from Women Who’ve Made It by Grace Puma, former executive vice president and COO of PepsiCo (Scribner/Simon & Schuster, February 2024). In this book, Puma empowers women to take ownership of their career journeys, strategically position themselves for advancement, and invest in their well-being for maximum professional and personal fulfillment.
Inspired by her insights, we at 1for2 Social Innovation want to share our perspective on fostering a “Career Forward” mindset in today’s fast-paced business landscape. This approach is essential for personal and professional growth. It aligns closely with our mission to empower leaders and organizations to achieve their full potential through tailored training and coaching programs.
Leadership Development as a Continuous Journey
Grace Puma emphasizes that leadership is more than a role; it’s a journey of continuous growth and learning. At 1for2 Social Innovation, we echo this sentiment by offering customized leadership coaching programs to help leaders cultivate the skills and mindset necessary for long-term success. Our approach is rooted in practical strategies that encourage adaptability, empathy, and forward-thinking among leaders.
Embracing the ‘360-Degree Life’
Over Traditional ‘Work-Life’ -Balance
Puma challenges the traditional concept of work-life balance, describing it as a “stale concept” that often pits different aspects of our lives against one another. Instead, she introduces the idea of a “360-degree life,” which starts with embracing your whole self and allows you to prioritize personal and professional fulfillment without compromise. This perspective puts you in the driver’s seat, empowering you to find solutions that align with your values and goals.
To foster a “360-degree life,” Puma suggests using an “intentionality wheel.” This approach encourages clarity about your priorities at any given time, helping you address yourself as a whole person and ultimately enhancing your effectiveness at work. Building professional equity through high performance and contribution unlocks flexibility and freedom, enabling you to design a balanced and fulfilling life.
The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship
Just as Puma advocates for mentorship and sponsorship within organizations, we support leaders and organizations in developing strong mentoring programs that empower all employees. Our services include training and coaching for executives and teams, utilizing tools like Insights Discovery for individual and team development, and the Hofstede model for navigating organizational culture.
We collaborate closely with CHROs and their teams to create meaningful mentorship opportunities, ensuring that every individual -regardless of their background- has the chance to grow, contribute, and succeed.
Creating Inclusive Cultures
Diversity and inclusion are at the core of Grace Puma’s leadership philosophy and are integral to our work at 1for2 Social Innovation. Through our workshops and training sessions, we help organizations understand the benefits of a diverse workplace and provide tools to build a culture where every voice is heard and valued. We aim to help you create an environment where innovation thrives, and teams are stronger and more resilient.
At 1for2 Social Innovation, we know that effective leadership and a thriving workplace culture require dedicated coaching and development. Our founder, Kirsten Heukels, is highly experienced in executive and team coaching. She helps leaders and teams navigate complex challenges, build trust, and achieve their strategic goals. Her coaching approach is personalized, practical, and deeply focused on fostering growth, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Final thoughts: Leaders can drive meaningful organizational change by embracing a “Career Forward” mindset, much like Grace Puma’s holistic approach to career development. At 1for2 Social Innovation, we believe that effective leadership extends beyond traditional work-life balance. It’s about creating an environment that nurtures both personal and professional growth.
Ready to take your team to the next level?
At 1for2 Social Innovation, we understand the importance of seeing individuals as whole people, not just employees. Our coaching and training programs are designed to help leaders and teams adopt a holistic approach to success, where personal and professional growth go hand in hand. We assist organizations in fostering environments that recognize the full spectrum of their employees’ identities and life priorities, supporting their overall well-being.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership capabilities, enhance mentorship programs, or build a more inclusive culture, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
We are proud to collaborate with Alex van Groningen to offer the ‘Effective Leadership’ training with Mariska Peters. This training is designed for professionals eager to enhance their leadership approach and make a lasting impact on their teams.
Explore Our Training and Coaching Services, or Join the Effective Leadership Training today to elevate your leadership journey.
