Messages to my younger self: 4 pieces of career wisdom

pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) is PepsiCo’s end-to-end sustainability initiative that’s transforming the business — how we make, move, sell and package our products — on a global scale. Among those leading this mission are several remarkable leaders who’ve overcome unique professional challenges. Now, they’re at the forefront of driving positive change for people and the planet. 

Here, Roberta Barbieri, VP, Global Sustainability and Anna Palazij, VP, ESG Reporting and Strategic Investments, share the biggest lessons they’ve learned along the way. Their advice goes beyond job titles and promotions. It’s about taking ownership, trusting yourself, and building a future that feels right for you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in your current role, these timeless lessons can help guide your path. 

1. Don’t let your job description limit you 

Your job title is the starting point, not the finish line. 

Roberta didn’t wait for her “dream job” to show up — she pitched a brand-new sustainability role to PepsiCo leadership. They said yes, and the rest is history 

Anna agrees: a job description is only a framework. The real impact comes when you make a role your own. “You have the ability to put your own stamp on a role, make it your own, and be known for the impact you create”, she says. 

When you think beyond the bullet points, you open doors to innovation, influence, and growth. So don’t just do the job — shape it! 

2. Build your personal board of mentors

Career growth isn’t a solo journey. When it comes to career advice, finding a good mentor can be a game-changer, and Anna says you shouldn’t stop at just one. 

“Form your own board of directors,” she says. “Meaning: find a group of mentors from different backgrounds who are well-rounded and can give you a variety of advice and perspectives. This can help you make better decisions and drive you to be more successful.” 

Roberta adds that the support of a sponsor was critical to her creating that new role for herself. “I talked to her about this, and she encouraged me to do it. And then she helped champion the role because she was in a position to do that.” 

3. Trust and believe in yourself 

If she didn’t trust her gut, Anna says, she wouldn’t be where she is today. 

Early in her journey, she was advised against studying environmental engineering — a field some saw as a dead end. But she trusted her instincts and followed her passion. “Today, sustainability is on the leading edge,” she says. “And because I’m in a line of work I truly care about, I’ve been able to grow.” 

Now she leads impactful work through pep+, embedding sustainability into internal finance programs and building external partnerships that make sustainable practices more cost-effective.  

Her advice? Believe in your vision, even when others don’t see it yet. Staying true to yourself can lead to the most rewarding opportunities. 

4. Invest in your future

A successful career isn’t built overnight — it’s shaped by long-term decisions.

Anna knows the value of stepping back to look ahead. “One of the pivotal moments in my career was taking a step back and really thinking through where I wanted to be,” she says. “I left a good role at another company and started an MBA because I knew that in 20, 30 years, that was going to be the edge that would make me the most successful.”

Her advice is clear: don’t just chase short-term wins. Invest in yourself, your skills, and your vision for the future. Whether it’s further education, a strategic career move, or simply taking time to reflect— long-term thinking pays off.

You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment or title to start applying these insights. Take what resonates, act on it, and make it part of your journey. Your career is yours to lead, and the time to start is now.