Sridevi Narayan-Sarathy, Director, World Meals Packaging, R&D Senior Fellow, PepsiCo

I acquired my M.Sc. in Chemistry and M.Tech. in Polymer Science & Expertise from Indian Institutes of Chennai and Delhi respectively. I acquired my Ph.D. in Polymer Science & Engineering from the College of Massachusetts at Amherst. Previous to becoming a member of PepsiCo in 2010, I used to be know-how supervisor/principal scientist for a giant guess venture at Ashland Efficiency Supplies. My analysis pursuits are within the areas of supplies science and chemistry. At Ashland, I had the chance to work on totally different chemistries creating polymers for water remedy, radiation-curable resins, laminating adhesives for packaging and a novel floating tile ground know-how leading to a number of patents and publications.

I began my profession at PepsiCo methods to seek out extra value-added functions for by-products like oat hulls and orange peels. Extra lately, I’m leveraging my in depth expertise with totally different polymer chemistries to determine and develop bio-based supplies for sustainable versatile packaging in all end-of-life environments.

What’s the most rewarding a part of your job at the moment?

Because the director of world meals packaging at PepsiCo, essentially the most rewarding facet of my job at the moment is witnessing the tangible impression of our sustainable packaging initiatives on a worldwide scale. Daily, I’m impressed by the truth that our efforts are making a big distinction in decreasing our environmental impression and advancing the reason for round financial system.

Having the ability to lead a workforce of gifted people who share the identical ardour for sustainable packaging is really fulfilling. Collaborating with cross-functional groups, we repeatedly push boundaries and discover progressive options that not solely meet the very best requirements of product safety and client expertise but additionally align with our dedication to environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the chance to contribute to PepsiCo’s broader Pep+ sustainability targets and be on the forefront of driving optimistic change within the packaging business is immensely gratifying. Figuring out that our work isn’t solely benefiting the current but additionally shaping a extra sustainable future for generations to come back offers me a way of goal and achievement that’s unparalleled.

What are among the challenges that you’ve confronted as a lady in a male-dominated business?

I began my profession in a specialty chemical firm the place there weren’t too many ladies in R&D. Including to the truth that I’m a primary era American who had a child within the first yr of my job, I needed to go the additional mile to show my value and worth to the corporate. Balancing work and private life may also be demanding, given the high-paced nature of the chemical and packaging business.

Nonetheless, I used to be blessed with managers and mentors who helped me obtain my full potential given the challenges of balancing profession with motherhood. I’ve continued to have good experiences at PepsiCo the place I’ve been challenged with discovering options to necessary issues that may impression the corporate and the world.

I firmly consider within the significance of range and inclusion in driving innovation and success and am proud to work for a corporation like PepsiCo that’s dedicated to fostering a various workforce and making a collaborative, equitable and inclusive area the place everybody has a voice. I’m impressed by the progress made and the trailblazing girls who’ve paved the best way earlier than me. I’m dedicated to breaking limitations, fostering optimistic change, and making a extra inclusive business the place girls can thrive and make vital contributions.

What are the distinctive alternatives for girls on this business?

Within the packaging business, there are distinctive alternatives for girls to excel and make a significant impression. Because the business acknowledges the worth of numerous views, girls can carry recent concepts, creativity, and innovation to the desk, driving optimistic change and pushing boundaries.

Moreover, there’s a rising recognition of the significance of range and inclusion in fostering a dynamic and profitable work atmosphere. Firms are actively looking for to extend feminine illustration in management positions, opening doorways for girls to imagine key roles and affect strategic decision-making. By embracing these alternatives, girls could make vital contributions and pave the best way for future generations.

What do you suppose are among the key components which have contributed to your success within the business?

A number of key components have contributed to my success within the packaging business. First, my relentless pursuit of information and steady studying has performed a vital function. Staying abreast of the newest business developments, rising applied sciences, and client insights has allowed me to make knowledgeable choices and drive innovation.

Second, my means to construct and nurture sturdy relationships has been instrumental. Collaborating with cross-functional groups, business specialists, and stakeholders has fostered a supportive community that fuels progress and opens doorways to new alternatives.

One other issue is my ardour for sustainability. Recognizing the significance of accountable packaging options, I’ve actively sought to drive optimistic change and develop environmentally pleasant options. Moreover, being versatile and embracing change has been essential. The business is dynamic, with evolving client expectations and technological developments. By embracing change and adapting to new circumstances, I’ve been capable of keep forward of the curve and lead progressive initiatives.

Lastly, the help and encouragement from PepsiCo, which values range and empowers its workers, has been pivotal. The corporate’s dedication to fostering an inclusive tradition and offering alternatives for progress has supplied a stable basis for my success.

What has been a very powerful talent you’ve developed as you superior your profession?

As I superior in my profession, one of the crucial necessary abilities I’ve developed is strategic considering. Strategic considering encompasses the flexibility to investigate advanced conditions, anticipate future developments, and make knowledgeable choices that align with long-term aims. This talent has been instrumental in driving the success of my workforce and shaping the route of PepsiCo’s packaging initiatives.

Strategic considering permits me to evaluate market dynamics, client preferences, and rising applied sciences to determine alternatives for innovation and sustainable progress. It includes a holistic method, contemplating not solely the instant challenges but additionally the broader impression and implications of our actions.

By honing this talent, I’ve been capable of navigate advanced business landscapes, anticipate market shifts, and lead my workforce in creating forward-thinking packaging options that meet client wants and align with our sustainability targets.

What can the business do higher to help girls and improve the variety of girls in management positions?

To higher help girls and improve the illustration of ladies in management positions, the packaging business should first foster a tradition of range and inclusion. Firms ought to actively promote and prioritize gender equality, guaranteeing that every one workers have equal entry to alternatives, sources, and profession development. For instance:

Mentorship and sponsorship applications tailor-made particularly for girls may be carried out to offer steering, help, and networking alternatives.

Versatile work preparations and insurance policies that accommodate work-life stability are important. By providing versatile schedules, distant work choices, and parental go away insurance policies, the business can create an atmosphere the place girls can thrive professionally whereas balancing private obligations.

Creating consciousness and difficult unconscious biases is one other very important step. Coaching applications that tackle bias, promote inclusivity, and supply schooling on gender equality can contribute to a extra equitable office.

Moreover, establishing clear range targets and metrics, together with accountability measures, can drive progress. Often monitoring and reporting range information may help determine areas for enchancment and encourage firms to take significant motion.

By fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, offering mentorship, implementing versatile insurance policies, and selling gender equality, the business can pave the best way for extra girls to imagine management positions and contribute their useful views and skills.

Has there been a lady in your life who has impressed or mentored you? Who was she and what did you be taught from her?

Whereas I’ve had the fortune of getting one in all our most senior scientists, who occurs to be a person, as a mentor throughout my tenure at PepsiCo, I’ve additionally been influenced by sturdy girls in my life together with my grandmother. She confronted many adversities in life however confronted them with braveness and a cheerful perspective all by way of life.

What recommendation would you give to younger girls who’re contemplating a profession in packaging?

To younger girls contemplating a profession in packaging, my recommendation could be to pursue your ardour fearlessly and embrace the countless prospects this business provides. Listed below are a couple of key factors to remember: