Posted on 05/19/2005 7:45:48 PM PDT by MplsSteve
Edited on 05/19/2005 8:37:47 PM PDT by Sidebar Moderator. [history]
A Message from Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo President and CFO
Following my remarks to the graduating class of Columbia University’s Business School in New York City, I have come to realize that my words and examples about America unintentionally depicted our country negatively and hurt people.
I appreciate the honest comments that have been shared with me since then, and am deeply sorry for offending anyone. I love America unshakably – without hesitation – and am extremely grateful for the opportunities and support our great nation has always provided me.
Over the years I’ve witnessed and advised others how a thoughtless gesture or comment can hurt good, caring people. Regrettably, I’ve proven my own point. Please accept my sincere apologies.
– Indra Nooyi
A message from PepsiCo’s President & CFO, Indra Nooyi
I recently had the privilege of speaking to the 2005 graduating class of Columbia University’s Business School in New York City.
Recognizing that these talented new leaders will influence both America and the world, I tried to provide some advice as they embark on their careers.
I chose to speak about the powerful role that America, and we as Americans, hold in the world today. I hoped to encourage these graduates to be sure they make a positive and personal difference as representatives of our great country.
In my comments, I used the analogy of a human hand to illustrate that people in countries around the globe need to join together to make the world work in harmony – just as all the fingers of a hand work together. It is an illustration that I learned when I was a student, and that I have shared with others on many different occasions.
As part of this illustration, I assigned five of the world’s continents to the different fingers and thumb. I refer to North America and particularly the U.S. as the middle finger because it is the longest and anchors every function the hand performs. The middle finger also is key to all the fingers working together effectively. That is how I view America’s place of importance in the world.
The point of my analogy was to emphasize America’s leadership position. Equally critical is the need for each of us as citizens to take a constructive role in whatever we choose to do in life to ensure the U.S. continues as the world’s “helping hand.”
Unfortunately, my remarks at Columbia University were misconstrued and depicted in a different context as unpatriotic. Although nothing could be further from the truth, I regret any confusion or concern that I may have inadvertently created. As I shared with the audience at Columbia, this country that I am proud and honored to call home is a “promised land” that I love dearly. I would never say or do anything to detract from our great nation and its people who have done so much for so many, including myself.
Thank you for your understanding and allowing me to set the record straight.
Indra K. Nooyi President & CFO, PepsiCo
Well, it looks like ms. Nooyi has offered an apology. The problem is that I'm not sure she's in the least bit sincere about it. I think she was pressured into it by Pepsi.
Her speech was not an off the cuff thing nor do I think that people mis-interpreted her comments.
Here comes the next part. Do we boycott Pepsi products or continue to pressue Pepsi to fire Ms. Nooyi?
Opinions or comments anyone?
Do you have a link for this? Thanks.
What did she say?
Why should we care?
Hey, if she's really sorry - forgive her!
At least she knows which side her bred is buttered on...
... the American Consumer!
BS... there was nothing unintentional about it.
and am deeply sorry for offending anyone
She's not apologizing for saying what she said, she's apologizing if anyone was offended - big difference.
Over the years I’ve witnessed and advised others how a thoughtless gesture or comment can hurt good
This was not a thoughtless comment... this was a prepared speech, most certainly vetted through a few managers at Pepsico.
A hollow apology at best.
Her analogy however, was rather lame.
I for one accept her apology and hope she's learned a bit of a lesson.
Nooyi. The middle finger of Pepsico.
Her speech is here:
http://www.pepsico.com/Speech-ColumbiaBusinessSchool.pdf
I saw that too.
But if you go to Pepsi's main site (http://www.pepsico.com), you can find an more evolved apology from her...jammed over on the right side of the main page.
Those are a few thoughts that come to my mind.
I have a little analogy about orifices of the body and Pepsico executives. This chick is NOT the auditory meatus.
(The opening of the ear, for those at Columbia University.)
You seem to be anticipating "I am sorry if anyone took offense."
This has no IF:
"and am deeply sorry for offending anyone..."
...which is an apology for offending anyone who was offended. It is a valid apology.
I don't believe her venom was unintentional for a minute, but the apology is in the correct form.
Some addresses to write to (or phone):
Call the PepsiCo Board:
(866) 626-0633
Write the PepsiCo Board:
PepsiCo Board of Directors
PepsiCo, Inc.
700 Anderson Hill Road
Email the Board of Pepsico:
BoardofDirectors@Pepsi.com
Purchase, NY 10577 BoardofDirectors@Pepsi.com
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