Have you been the leader over people you felt were extremely capable? What effect did they have on you? As the leader, it is in your best interest to surround yourself with great leaders. If you do so, they will drive you to be better. They will help you be your best self. They will also ask you the questions others are afraid to ask.
Today, the Wall Street Journal had an article that focused on Pepsi’s move to surround the CEO with outstanding leaders. The article was titled, PepsiCo Positions Top Officials by Mike Esterl and Joann S. Lublin. The article highlighted two big moves made by PepsiCo. Pepsi is surrounding the Chairman and Chief Executive, Indra Nooyi, with two great leaders. Pepsi brought in the former senior Wal-Mart Stores Inc. executive Brian Cornell as the head of one of Pepsi’s largest and most profitable units. In addition, the longtime company executive John Compton was promoted to President of the company.
Both Brian Cornell and John Compton have been very successful in their careers. That success made them great for their new roles alongside Indra Nooyi. They will both be very strong leaders to support Indra Nooyi as the Chairman and CEO. Each of the leaders also have significant strengths to compliment the strengths of Indra Nooyi. At the same time, their vast experience will allow them to give advice and counsel to each other.
Indra Nooyi hasn’t always been surrounded by great leaders. Since she became the CEO in 2006, she has had good leaders at her side but not great leaders. Because of that, PepsiCo has lost some of their market share to Coca-Cola. Going forward Pepsi should be a force to be reckoned with because they have exceptional leaders.
By surrounding yourself with great leaders, you will have people in place to help you make superior decisions. They will drive you to be better and do more. Have you worked side-by-side with a great leader that helped you to do your best and be your best self? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Brandon W. Jones 
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