Empowering Women: PepsiCo’s Commitment to Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion
Laura-Jane Hennessy
Global DE&I and HR Project Manager, PepsiCo Ireland
At PepsiCo, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women in leadership. Our dedication to diversity and inclusion is reflected in various initiatives and programs that have proven to be highly successful.
One of our three programs introduced in 2024 is the Transformational Leadership Program (TLP), which aims to accelerate the development of female talent within our organization. This program provides women with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to advance their careers and take on leadership roles. The programme challenges our female leaders to accelerate a “bold goal” that is transformational to the business. The TLP has been instrumental in empowering women to achieve their professional goals and has significantly contributed to our leadership pipeline.
Another key initiative is our Lean In Circles, inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In movement. These circles offer a safe and supportive environment for women to share their experiences, voice their ambitions, and build their networks. By participating in the Lean In Circles, women at PepsiCo can develop their leadership skills, gain confidence, and connect with colleagues from different parts of our global network.
The Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN) employee resource group is another critical component of our diversity and inclusion strategy. WIN has been a cornerstone of our efforts to create an inclusive culture where diverse abilities are recognized and celebrated. This employee resource group (ERG) is open to all genders to create true gender diversity.
Initially, the ERG focused on empowering and advocating for women by supporting their professional growth and development. However, it has since evolved, and WIN now also aims to address the barriers that men face in using their benefits, leave, and entitlements to balance family and work commitments.
WIN provides a platform for our employees to collaborate, share insights, and leverage their voices to influence positive change within the organisation.
Our commitment to supporting women in the workplace has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, PepsiCo Ireland was awarded The Best Place to Work for Women, a testament to our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.
This recognition highlights the importance of our ERGs, such as WIN, and the impact of programs like TLP and Lean In Circles in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.
In conclusion, PepsiCo is proud of our achievements in promoting women in leadership and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our continued focus on these initiatives ensures that we remain a leader in supporting and encouraging women to reach their full potential.
Our commitment to supporting women in the workplace has not gone unnoticed.
