2024

Paula Santilli

Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo LATAM

“Education is a cornerstone of a civilized society as it empowers individuals and fosters innovation.”

What qualities make a “Power Woman”?

A “Power Woman” demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. She is a leader and advocate for diversity and inclusion, leveraging these values to drive positive change in her organization and society. She inspires others through her actions and commitment to making a difference.

What actions can we take to bring the various factions in the US together?

To bring the various factions in the US together, the most crucial step we can take is to listen to each other truly. This involves more than just hearing words; it requires active, empathetic listening where we seek to understand the perspectives, concerns, and values of others, even when they differ from our own.

Is the pursuit of gender equality the most pressing issue today?

Gender equality is indeed one of the critical issues of our time because it intersects with many other global challenges, such as poverty, education, and economic development. Addressing gender inequality can catalyze broader societal advancements, making it a foundational issue to tackle.

What is the number one action to empower women and gender equality?

Education and mentorship programs are crucial. By investing in women’s education and development, we create opportunities for them to rise into leadership roles, which in turn helps to build a more equitable society.

Can you share a story about encountering a block due to your gender?

More than that, I always highlight the importance of resilience and persistence in overcoming challenges in traditionally male-dominated industries. We women have a lot of potential and talent, but sometimes, we have to work harder than men to prove it. That is undeniable.

Does asking previous salary requirements in job interviews contribute to the pay gap?

At PepsiCo, we have a salary policy that sets each person’s salary based on their level and role, not their gender. This way, we have equalized pay across all our operational units. I believe this is a good practice that can be implemented in other companies to avoid misunderstandings regarding salary based on gender.

What can we do to enhance the growth of women in high-profile positions?

We must ensure robust mentorship programs, equitable hiring practices, and leadership development opportunities tailored specifically for women. Organizations should also commit to setting measurable goals for female representation at all levels.

Was there a defining moment in your life that led you to where you are today?

One of the defining moments was when we took our children to their favorite restaurant in Buenos Aires and told them that the whole family was moving to Mexico. This decision was undoubtedly one of the most challenging I’ve had to make in my personal and family life. It involved a radical change in our routines and daily life as we moved away from our extended family and started a new chapter thousands of kilometers away. However, if we hadn’t dared to take that step, and if my husband hadn’t given me his unwavering support, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. This experience transformed our lives and enriched us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Despite the challenges, this brave decision, backed by my family, has been fundamental to my professional success and growth.

Have you seen changes in the political landscape for women in recent years?

Yes, there has been significant progress in increasing the representation of women in leadership positions across various sectors, though much work remains to achieve true equality.

Is education one of the top responsibilities of a civilized society, and why is it expensive?

Education is a cornerstone of a civilized society as it empowers individuals and fosters innovation. However, the cost of education can be prohibitively high due to factors like resource allocation, infrastructure, and economic disparities.

If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who and what would it be?

I would like to be a high-performance athlete. I greatly admire their discipline and perseverance. Who? Hmm… Not sure about it. Simone Biles, maybe. She is awesome!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Today, there is no shortage of business advice; there are so many! But I always say, “What cannot be measured cannot be improved”. And: “A leader is someone who works for others.”

What is your favorite book?

I’ve got so many books on my reading list that picking just one feels like choosing my favorite child. But this year, for my 60th birthday, my team gifted me a book titled When Women Ruled the World. And let’s be honest if that title doesn’t scream ‘must-read,’ I don’t know what does!