This was the 2nd book I read in 2022.
Man, what a great book it has been. The most amazing thing that I found while reading this book was how relatable I found it with my life. After reading this book, I do have a stronger belief that anyone is destined for great things in life, if they put hard work and focus to the current task, and once that task is delivered, move to the next more challenging task.
The beginning
I was in awe of Indra Nooyi, former President and CEO of Pepsico, when I read about her humble beginnings. Here again, I found so much similarities between our stories. Indra had been brought up in a traditional multi-generational household, where men worked outside to earn money and women took care of the house and make sure children and elderly are fed.
The one thing that stuck with me throughout the entire section which talks about Indra’s childhood days is the support system that one gets when they live in a multi-generational household. If you consider the financial aspect of this scenario, you end up saving a lot of money as you don’t have to pay mortgage or rent to live in a multi-generational household. The emotional aspect of this setting is that whenever one person in the family falls sick or have an emergency, there is always another member of the family who swoops in to take care of the children and elderly and make sure that the house runs smoothly. I could relate it to so much that I got goosebumps while reading about it through Indra’s eyes.
Indra’s beginnings is filled with so many cool stories, which makes her a rockstar truly and the fact that she was part of the band during the 1970’s in India makes her a rockstar literally. This book buttressed my choice of reading so many biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs as it is my favorite genre of books.
The Strong Family Support
I had and have always been a “Family Guy”. I love spending time with my parents and sisters and can’t seem to get enough of it. I loved how well the family support has been portrayed throughout Indra’s life.
I am falling short of words to express my love and respect for her husband – Raj. Indra has put such nice description of Raj’s support to her and family when they were starting a family and Indra was figuring out her future in the Corporate America. It was Raj who made sure that Indra got what she wanted both personally and professionally. The moment I read all the sacrifices and the ups and downs that they went through their lives as a couple, I realized how much it coincides with the lovely couple I know – Anupam & Monika. I couldn’t shake this feeling that both of their stories is so similar to Indra and Raj’s. I felt so lucky to have known Anupam and Monika this closely and I have learnt a lot after spending so much time with them.
Apart from Raj, it was her mother who spent most of her time with Indra and Raj in the US when Indra birthed their two daughters. The great Indian support system came to her rescue when she needed it the most, which, unfortunately, most of the American family lack when a newborn is welcomed into the family.
Corporate America
The weirdest thing that amazed me when I read Indra’s journey through Corporate America was that she never discussed or negotiated her salary. In today’s age, it is hard to comprehend someone working for a company without actually negotiating their offer. That was really a surprising thing for me.
There is one more thing which we cannot deny that happens in Corporate America and that is the “Gender Pay Gap”, which roughly translates to women getting paid less than men for doing the same job. It is the harsh reality, and Indra was also a victim of this. But, she didn’t play the victim card and just focused on doing her work with more passion.
The best thing that happened to Indra during her time consulting for multiple industries is that she got the best boss and mentor and friend for life. Reading her story and their discussions, it felt how important it is to have someone who will guide you without their selfish agenda in their sight.
I found the book is so well written and is relatable by countless NRIs and their struggle stories, it felt like she really represented each one of us and our own struggles.
I will recommend everyone to read it, just so you know what kind of struggles an immigrant goes through in the unknown land.
See you at the next book review!
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