Better to dump 'most powerful lists' in the garage: Nooyi

PepsiCo's India-born Chief Indra Nooyi, says it is better to leave the lists in the garage as such crowns do no good to her and are only a good way to sell magazines.

PepsiCo's India-born Chief Indra Nooyi, a regular on lists of most powerful leaders by global publications such as Forbes and Fortune, says it is better to leave the lists in the garage as such crowns do no good to her and are only a good way to sell magazines.

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"The lists are a good way to sell the magazines....but on an individual basis, I am not sure if it (the lists) does any good (to the persons)," Nooyi said when asked how did it feel to be featured regularly on lists compiled by publications like Forbes and Fortune.

Addressing an Economic Club gathering here, Nooyi recalled that in 2001 when she went home to tell her mother about her appointment as the Pepsico President, her mother reacted indifferently with a "dead pan" expression.

"My mother told me when you enter the house, you are a mom, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law. Next time you come home, leave the crown in the garage," Nooyi added.

It is better to "leave the lists in the garage", she said as the gathering burst into laughter and a huge applause.

In 2008, Nooyi was named one of America's Best Leaders by US News & World Report.