What’s the right way to respond to feedback — and how can you use it to grow? Maria Babicz, a Senior Director of Human Resources, answers this month’s top question for Dear HR. We all want to learn, develop and grow. That’s why I often advise everyone to embrace transparent feedback — it’s the key to highlighting areas for improvement while acknowledging our strengths. Personally, I believe that receiving honest feedback really can help us dare for better in everything that we do. After all, it’s not just about the feedback itself — it’s also how we receive and act upon it that paves the way ..read more

At PepsiCo, we acknowledge and celebrate the level of trust that visibility requires. That’s especially true for our transgender and nonbinary family, friends and colleagues. We also know that living openly and authentically has historically come with great risk. And too often, it still does. Without the bravery of advocates like Marsha P. Johnson, we would not have experienced culture-changing activism after Stonewall. And without this culture-changing activism, Rachel Levine might not have become the first openly transgender U.S. official in 2021, who stated, “I will not be the last.” Count ..read more

Two years ago, Jeni Lockhart, a Customer Management Director at PepsiCo, began to notice significant changes in her life. Weight gain, brain fog and mood swings left her feeling at a loss and frustrated. As a professional working in a dynamic corporate environment, Jeni felt their impact acutely. “I found myself struggling on video calls,” she recalls. “My mental capabilities weren’t what they used to be. I didn’t understand what was happening — it was scary.” Searching for answers When Lockhart consulted her doctor, she was told to exercise more and eat less. “I wasn’t satisfied with that ..read more

Increasing the number of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) matters. Gender-diverse teams produce more novel and higher-impact scientific ideas. Gender-diverse businesses also do better. Research from McKinsey & Company reveals that companies with more women at the executive level are over 20% more likely to experience above-average profitability. But empowering women isn’t just about ideas or business success. For Zulekha Ebrahim, a Senior Transition Manager at PepsiCo, it’s personal. Zulekha grew up in Ooty, a resort town in southwestern India. “It’s unf ..read more

Sierra Johnson has always had two passions: research and food. At PepsiCo, she began as a Research and Development (R&D) Food Science Intern, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in food science, and rejoined the company to become a full-time associate R&D Food Scientist. “Being in school and being in the industry are two completely different mindsets,” she says. While she already had a strong understanding of “where things come from, how things are made, how they impact people and what makes people want certain things,” PepsiCo gave her a crash course in using this knowledge to develop ..read more

In 2019, Anika Kataria was a student looking for a job. “I was putting a lot of pressure on myself,” she says. “It was a massive relief when I found a career opportunity at PepsiCo.” She realized PepsiCo’s size and scope could create meaningful opportunities and that she was setting herself up for future success. And she was unbelievably excited to begin her career as a Customer Collaboration Representative by moving from Leicester, U.K., to London. “I was looking for this experience and new opportunity,” she says. “I was ready to push myself outside of my comfort zone.” But then her brother ..read more

Life is filled with meaningful experiences — and unexpected turns. Sometimes, these can include taking a career hiatus to care for loved ones or for self-discovery. Such twists and turns are understood, accepted and celebrated at PepsiCo. We understand how these periods can inspire us with purpose. At PepsiCo, we take pride in our inclusive community. We not only understand the value of your time away but also celebrate it. Your time, your story and your choices matter. Here, three associates share their journeys back to work with PepsiCo. Tell me about your time away from your career ..read more

Do you want to work for a company that not only challenges you professionally but also strives to make a positive impact on the world? At PepsiCo, that’s what you get. Every day, we Dare for Better — for our planet, our communities and ourselves. We’re committed to using our business to create a more sustainable and equitable world. From reducing our carbon footprint to supporting local farmers, we’re constantly striving to make a positive impact on the Earth and its people. At PepsiCo, you can bring your whole self to work. Our commitment to inclusion means that we celebrate and embr ..read more

In 2019, Erin Powell, a Senior HR Manager supporting PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), and her husband, Thomas, were blindsided with news no one wants to hear. “It was Mother’s Day weekend,” she recalls. “And my husband was diagnosed with cancer. He was 30, worked out like a maniac and was the picture of physical health.” At the time, their son, Hayden, was 8 months old. A diagnosis that changed everything The next two or three weeks were a blur. Tests, questions and uncertainty filled their lives. “We just didn’t know how things would go,” she says. “It was so stressful. But I had to ..read more

At PepsiCo, we’re committed to creating an inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to be themselves. That’s why we’ve embarked on a Racial Equality Journey, investing in initiatives to dismantle systemic barriers facing Black and Hispanic Americans. It’s why we’re committed to achieving our gender parity goals. But our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond numbers and initiatives; it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. At PepsiCo, your voice and experiences matter. We’re proud to create an environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work ..read more