Category: General Updates
ANGELS AT THE STARTING BLOCK
Published September 19, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
If you have been following the latest developments in the PGAN Catalyst Program, then you are aware of the program’s mission to identify high-potential, alumni-led startups and to connect them to alum investors and advisors who are able to contribute to the startup’s success.
You may also know that this spring PGAN launched a global “call for startups” interested in participating in the “2023 Entrepreneur Stars” program. More than fifty promising startups around the world responded to the call and are now in the Catapult pipeline. So far, so good
But you may be wondering, “How will this work?” Well, the key lies in bringing together the essential players in this virtuous cycle of value creation: the startups, the investors, and the advisors.
In this article, we will focus on the role and motivations for PGAN ‘angel ‘investor participation in this new program.
In the past, angel investors were typically high-net-worth individuals who provided initial seed money to early-stage startups in exchange for equity and the expectation of future capital appreciation. However, with the advent of the SEC’s crowdfunding regulations and the availability of online investment platforms, it is now possible for anyone to invest in unlisted companies that align with their investment goals. And the investment may be as little as $100.
Although ‘angel’ investing is higher risk than investing in stocks and bonds, and angel investors must carefully evaluate potential investments, there are many benefits to ‘angel’ investing.
Let’s look at some of the rewards of ‘angel’ investing :
- Getting in on the ground floor of a potentially high-growth company.
- Diversifying an investment portfolio by including a higher-risk, higher-potential asset class.
- Supporting startups that have a product/service that aligns with investor’s values and beliefs.
- The personal satisfaction that comes from helping to grow a small business.
For me, ‘angel’ investing is an opportunity to learn about new technologies and business models that may radically change our future. And what could be more exciting than that?
Over the next 2-3 months, the PGAN Catapult program, in collaboration with our investment platform provider, will launch several online capital-raise campaigns for the startups that participated in the ‘2023 Entrepreneur Stars’ program. Interested PGAN ‘angel’ investors will have the opportunity to discover, evaluate, and easily invest in PGAN-led startups via our investment partner’s online platform.
If you are interested in investing in Catapult Program startups, or just interested in what opportunities are available, then please follow this link and answer a few brief questions.
‘Angel investors’, get ready, get set, and let’s go!
Carol Yang on the executive mindset shift—P&G Alumni Coaching
Published September 11, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Carol Yang is a certified Global Executive Coach (ICF PCC) with 23 years of global leadership experience across Fortune 500 companies—like P&G and the Timberland Company, where she was VP of Global marketing. As an Executive Coach, Carol works with senior leaders around the world, with an emphasis on empowering female leaders to move up and thrive in bigger, more complex roles. Carol’s clients include senior leaders at Goldman Sachs, Merck, P&G, Agile Technology and others.
Going beyond her own career journey, Carol shares relevant advice on the mindset shift needed to ascend into senior executive roles. This is the first in a series with P&G Alumni Coaching where leading Alumni will dive deep into relevant topics. Just as professional athletes have a coach to help them perform at their best, coaching can help you thrive in your career and life through powerful questioning, exploration, and action planning. P&G Alums can learn more and sign up for their free first coaching session at coaching.pgalums.com
You’ll enjoy this candid coaching conversation with Carol on not just the big mindset shift needed for executive growth, but also how to get clear on what we want, take ownership of your career, build self-awareness, and go beyond the buzzwords of building an authentic personal brand.
Announcing 2023 "Under 40 Leaders to Watch"
Published September 5, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
We are delighted to announce the 2023 P&G Alumni Network “Under 40 Leaders to Watch”!
We searched through our network for younger alumni who are actively engaged in making the world a better place through their leadership and commitment in both business and community action—and what an inspiring group of leaders we found! Thanks to our judging committee of P&G Alumni Network Board and Chapter members.
At the Global Conference in November, we will recognize and celebrate the 2023 “Under 40 Leaders to Watch” on stage. We hope you join us in person. In the meantime, we are excited to share their names:
The “Leaders Under 40 to Watch” Committee, the P&G Alumni Network Conference Committee, and the P&G Alumni Network Board extend their sincere congratulations!
As Innovative as Our Network: The New Catapult Program
Published by Nina Pearl in
The new Catapult program strives to benefit three key stakeholder groups: PGAN-led startups, PGAN-investors, and PGAN-experts. The program leverages complementarities between these three groups to maximize the net value that is collectively generated.
In today’s article, we will focus on the value created for PGAN-led startups.
Procter & Gamble is renowned for hiring high-caliber talent. So, it is not surprising that a subset of P&G alumni go on to create exciting new startups.
However, building a winning startup is hard and more than half of startups fail. What are the primary causes of these failures? Two recurring reasons are access to funding and the lack of industry and/or operational experience. The new Catapult program aims to address both challenges.
Through the new program, an annual cohort of twenty-five alumni-led startups will be selected for participation in pre-funding clinics geared towards mastering the prerequisites for fundraising success. At the end of the clinic, each startup will have an in-depth understanding of what is required to attract and engage potential investors.
Moreover, the top three startups in the yearly cohort will receive additional hands-on support with pitch deck preparation, business plan assessment, financial modeling, risk evaluation, and other topics that potential investors focus on. At the end of the process, the startups will launch their first fundraising campaign.
However, successfully raising capital is by no means the end of the startup’s journey. In our next two articles, we will reveal how the PGAN experts and PGAN investors fit into this shared value-creation journey.
Stay tuned.
P&G Alumni – Improving Lives Now and for Generations to Come
Published by Nina Pearl in
P&G Alums and Foundation grant champions, Ben Chapman and Steve Baggott are unlocking potential in the nonprofit organizations they help lead. Like so many P&G alumni, they are improving lives now and for generations to come.
Ben Chapman – Cooperative for Education Grant Champion
Cooperative for Education grant champion, Ben Chapman, explains why he championed a grant: “CoEd has had tremendous success over the past 25 years in accomplishing its mission by focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty in Guatemala through education. These are children who often are the only ones in the history of their families who have graduated from high school or even the 6th grade, changing the trajectory for their entire family.”
The $20,000 grant from the P&G Alumni Foundation has helped people like Diego. Rarely do you see someone get the opportunity to return home and give back to the community that raised them, but Diego, at age 28, is doing just that! During his studies at Hacienda María, Diego took advantage of the textbooks and computers provided by Cooperative for Education (CoEd). Today, Diego teaches technology classes in the same Computer Center where he once studied!
Steve Baggott – Breakthrough Cincinnati Grant Champion
Steve Baggott utilizes his 32 years of P&G expertise to support Breakthrough Cincinnati, an agency that energizes underrepresented aspirational students to enter college with confidence. BTC is dedicated to addressing the academic gap experienced by underrepresented local students that, when coupled with the system’s educational inequities, can limit their opportunities for college and prosperity. BTC is transforming the community to advance education, equity, and economic mobility.
The $15,000 Alumni Foundation grant has helped people like Bijin: “Breakthrough is such a positive bubble. It’s such a positive environment where everyone has a growth mindset and the belief that we can be better. I still feel the impact of Breakthrough every day when I’m here at college.”
USA Travel Learnings V2: from Nebraska to Wyoming
Published August 31, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Join us for part TWO of our USA Travel series across the US with Raman and Drew Tarvin, author of “The United States of Laughter” and podcast co-founder, as they share stories and learnings from their travels across America.
Got travel learnings from the world that you want to share? Send a voice memo to pgalumpod@gmail.com, and maybe we’ll feature your story on a future episode!
And don’t forget to register for the P&G Alumni Global Conference in Washington DC – November 2-5, 2023. You’ll get to hear from many former P&G CEOs, C-Suite alumni leaders, and emerging trendsetters, all while networking with fellow P&G Alums. Learn more and register at pgalums.com
USA Travel Learnings V1: from Alabama to Montana
Published August 28, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
We’re returning to one of our favorite topics—TRAVEL. We’re also turning our focus to the strange and foreign land known as the United States of America. Raman is joined by podcast co-founder Drew Tarvin, author of “The United States of Laughter,” as they share stories and learnings from their travels to all 50 American states. In the first of our two-part series, we’re covering from Alabama to Montana.
Got some travel learnings from anywhere in the world? Send a voice memo to pgalumpod@gmail.com, and maybe we’ll feature your story on a future episode!
And don’t forget to register for the P&G Alumni Global Conference in Washington DC on November 2-5, 2023. You’ll get to hear from many former P&G CEOs, C-Suite alumni leaders, and emerging trendsetters, all while networking with fellow P&G Alums. Learn more and register at pgalums.com
Champions of Economic Empowerment Across the Globe
Published August 21, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
With your help, grant champions Marie-Laure Vaganay and Jim Louwsma are unlocking the potential of those served by the nonprofit organizations they help lead. Like so many P&G alumni, they are working to improve lives now and for generations to come.
Marie-Laure Vaganay – Life Project 4 Youth Grant Champion
Life Project 4 Youth’s goal is to relieve as many youths as possible from extreme poverty, thanks to an innovative and proven successful entrepreneurial approach. LP4Y’s grant champion, Marie-Laure Vaganay, explains why she championed this grant: “As a P&G Alum, the least I can do is provide LP4Y with time, funds, and talents as a result of my P&G career. Their relentless efforts have never been more relevant than in today’s world.”
The $20,000 grant from the P&G Alumni Foundation has helped people like Jiselle. “I am personally grateful for LP4Y. They provided guidance, encouragement, openness, and the opportunity to be a productive member of society. On top of that, I am grateful for myself and each of us working to make our dreams come true. Believe in the power of YOU.”
Jim Louwsma – Partners Worldwide Grant Champion
Jim Louwsma leverages his 2+ decades of time in P&G Sales at Partners Worldwide. He is grateful for the opportunity to work with PW as it works to link small-scale, marginalized farmers to viable markets that can lift them and their families out of poverty: “It is one of the few partner organizations in the country equipping these farmers with the skills, resources, and access to local and regional markets—including major regional supermarket chains—for lasting generational emergence out of poverty.”
The $20,000 Alumni Foundation grant to Partners WW has helped people like Grace. “I am grateful to Partners Worldwide and Africa Works for introducing me to beekeeping, as this has resulted in my orchard fruit trees increasing yield, quality, income, and pollination”. Grace has been able to use the additional proceeds from the honey to buy food and clothes and pay school fees.
Visit our website to learn more about how these grants are changing lives!
Jawad Bisbis—Ball Corporation, Global VP of Marketing
Published by Nina Pearl in
Jawad Bisbis is the Global VP of Marketing at Ball Corporation where he leads marketing and partnerships for Ball’s aluminum cup business. Jawad was previously 7-Eleven’s VP of Proprietary Beverages, where he oversaw the coffee, fountain, and frozen business across 10,000 stores nationwide. Before joining 7-Eleven, Jawad was a VP of Marketing at Focus Brands, a food service chain where he provided marketing leadership across more than 50 international markets and 2000 stores. Jawad also worked for Luxottica as Group marketing director for the Middle East & Africa business, and fifteen years with The Coca-Cola Company in diverse markets and roles.
Jawad started his marketing career with Procter & Gamble where he held various brand management positions. He holds a Master’s Degree from Kedge Business School in France and is fluent in Arabic and French. Jawad is married with two children, and when he’s not working, he enjoys watching soccer, playing tennis, and mentoring college and early career youths in underserved communities. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about cultivating a different point of view and pushing yourself to be a lifelong learner.
Tim Ferriss - Entrepreneur, Author, and Podcaster
Published August 14, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Tim Ferriss is an American entrepreneur, author, and podcaster – best known for his book: the Four Hour Work Week, and his podcast: the Tim Ferriss Show. Tim has been listed as one of the fast company’s most innovative business people. Tim is an early-stage technology investor and advisor and is known in media as “the Oprah of Audio” due to the influence of his business and interview podcast being the first to exceed 200 million downloads. Tim is the author of four Number One New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers, including the Four Hour Work Week. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about balancing work and life, health and wellness, and many other topics.
But Tim is not exactly a P&G Alumni, so what’s the deal? Alongside our partners at P&G, we’re thrilled to share another episode of P&G’s “More Than Soap” podcast – available exclusively each week to P&G Employees at GetMoreThanSoap.com. On “More Than Soap,” P&G shares weekly conversations with Inspiring guests, unique perspectives, and unconventional ideas. “More Than Soap” is P&G’s official internal podcast – available to all 100,000 P&G employees worldwide, and hosted by Dorion Positano, P&G’s Director of New Business and Content Innovation. Interested in learning more about P&G’s “More Than Soap” podcast, or P&G Studios, can reach out directly to Dorion on LinkedIn. GetMoreThanSoap.com
ON TRAVEL: Qaisar Shareef, Former P&G Pakistan / Ukraine lead
Published August 9, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
S. Qaisar Shareef is P&G’s former head of Pakistan and Ukraine, author of “When Tribesmen Came Calling,” and a longtime friend of the pod. But more importantly, he’s also a fellow lover of travel. Specifically in how travel allows each of us to experience new and different cultures. Qaisar is based in Washington DC, and a frequent columnist in News International Pakistan, and his recent article about his travels in Egypt speak to the importance of experiencing new and different cultures. Whether hitchhiking from Germany to Belgium, traveling the silk road thru Uzbekistan, wandering Afghanistan, or roaming ruins in Syria and Spain, Qaisar shares lessons and learnings from a world well traveled. Got learnings to share about your own travels? Let us know your favorites pgalumpod@gmail.com – with a voice memo or written story – and maybe we’ll feature your travel learnings on a future podcast!
Champions of Economic Empowerment Across the Globe
Published by Nina Pearl in
The P&G Alumni Foundation Ambassadors represent a diverse and passionate network of P&G alums spanning various cities worldwide. Bound by a shared belief in the talent and collective power of the P&G Alumni Network to create a global force for good, these Ambassadors play a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission of improving lives by giving charitably and championing causes that help people in need economically thrive. With 215 Ambassadors in 120 different cities, the program offers a unique platform for P&G alumni to give back and stay connected within the wider 25,000+ strong P&G Alumni Network.
Ambassadors like Mary Kallio Brady, Akihiro Ueda, and Ayman Amed are shining examples of the passion and dedication exhibited by this group.
Mary, a Social Media Ambassador from the US, expressed how working with an amazing team and reconnecting with fellow P&G Alumni has brought the Foundation’s mission to life for her.
Akihiro, living in Australia, joined as an Ambassador to support the Foundation’s work on children’s education.
Ayman, who lives in Qatar, had a desire to be part of a worthy cause and make a positive difference in the world. Becoming an Ambassador feels like a great fit!
Through the active involvement of Ambassadors, the Foundation has grown significantly in awareness, reach, and partnerships. Dedicated Ambassadors generated above-industry benchmarks for follower growth and engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
As the P&G Alumni Foundation continues to grow, we extend profound GRATITUDE to each Ambassador for their unwavering dedication and commitment. Their collective efforts not only empower dreams but also leave a lasting legacy of positive change across the globe. P&G Alumni Foundation Ambassadors stand together, making a tremendous difference in the lives they touch.
Published July 26, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
P&G Alumni in Portugal recently celebrated renewed connections, enriched lives, and philanthropic spirit at a set of events over three days in Lisbon.
The three-day event was led by P&G Alumni Foundation Board member, Enrico D’Onofrio, with the kickoff being held at P&G Portugal Headquarters on May 5, 2023, where Alums joined General Manager Claudia Lourenco and P&G Portugal employees. A panel event followed at NOVA Business School, Chaired by P&G Alum Andrew Harrison. P&G Alumni panelists Mohan C. Mohan, Luisa Delgado, Ana Marques, and Deb Kielty spoke to 150 MBA students about shared values and business lesson.
The next evening, Alumni joined together with a focus on helping those in need. The event featured special remarks by Paulo Romeiro, President of P&G Alumni Portugal, Hugo Figueiredo, past P&G Alum Portugal President, Deb Kielty, Chair of the P&G Alumni Foundation. Facilitating the evening’s activities from Alum Pedro Pina.
One of the highlights of the event was a discussion by retired P&G Alum Mohan C. Mohan. He’s a key driver in the establishment of the Foundation and a beloved leader in the development of P&G Portugal’s business. Over 120 P&G Portugal Alums raised money for both a local Portugal charity, Coracoes com Coroa, and for the Foundation’s work to support the work of organizations sponsored by P&G alum grant champions throughout the world.
Mohan shared his philosophy of “Love All, Hate None” his belief and inspiration from his new book Reflections at 80. As Alum Samir Hawwa noted in Reflections,” Mohan’s deep sense of being an enormously privileged person leads to his burning commitment to giving back to society and to serving humanity.” Proceeds from the sale of his book will be donated to help fund grants and futures.
Published July 19, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Rajiv Satyal & Crossroads’ Brian Tomes on Curiosity & Comedy
Published July 1, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Recently P&G Alumni Co-host Rajiv Satyal sat down with Crossroads pastor and podcast host Bryan Tomes on his show “The Aggressive Life.” What started as an exploration of Rajiv’s comedy career and approach turned into an open and honest conversation between two very different perspectives on politics, faith, and culture.
With the Fourth of July right around the corner for Americans, we celebrate our independence and freedom but also take an honest reflection on who we are (and want to be) as a nation and as a people. With today’s level of division and discord, the importance of talking and listening to others who might not look and think like us cannot be overstated. There is a better way than simply passively standing by and retreating to our echo chambers. It’s about seeking to understand, which was one of the values many of us were taught during our time at P&G. We hope you’ll enjoy this candid conversation about comedy and curiosity.
Mohit Das, Microsoft’s Senior Solution Architect
Published June 22, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Mohit Das is a Senior Solution Architect for Retail and CPG customers at Microsoft. Prior to his current role, Mohit built a 26-year career in Consumer Products & Retail, Health Care, and Strategy consulting. Most recently, Mohit was with the Kellogg Company as the Vice President for the Global Commercial Analytics Centre of Excellence, driving data and analytics transformation across the entire commercial value chain.
Before Kellogg’s, Mohit worked at McKinsey, Abbott Nutrition, and Procter & Gamble, where he started his career and later served in several Strategy, Insight & Analytic roles within categories like Fabric & Home care, Hair & Beauty Care, and Pet Foods in Asia and the US. Mohit earned a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management.
On the personal front, Mohit has lived with his family in Singapore, Bangkok, Mumbai, Cincinnati, and Chicago, where he currently resides. He enjoys outdoor activities and is regular at tennis and practicing yoga. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about the importance of finding balance in life.
Fama Francisco, P&G’s CEO Global Baby, Feminine, & Family Care
Published June 18, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Fatima (Fama) D. Francisco is P&G’s CEO of Global Baby, Feminine, and Family Care—the company’s second-largest sector with $20 billion in sales from brands like Pampers, Always, Bounty, and Charmin. Throughout her career, Fama has been a true trailblazer, including being the first female sales manager hired in P&G Philippines in 1989, among the youngest women promoted to President, and the first Asian female Sector CEO in P&G’s 186-year history.
Fama is a respected leader with a track record of turning around businesses, including during her time in North America Baby Care, while at the helm of Global Feminine Care, and as the Baby & Feminine Care Sector CEO. An inspiring leader, Fama is a role model known for championing gender and intersectional equality. She is also an advocate for mental health and leads her business with empathy and openness building resilient teams who she empowers to rise up to their full potential. She has four children and currently lives with her family in Cincinnati. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about resiliency, and being a trailblazer in an organization.
Angie Hicks, Co-Founder at Angie’s List
Published June 12, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Angie Hicks is the Co-founder of Angie’s List & Chief Customer Officer at Angie Home Services. Angie Co-founded Angie’s List in 1995 and served as CMO and on the company’s Board of Directors. In 2007 she led the merger with IAC Home Advisors to form Angie Home Services. Angie received her MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from DePaul University, which has honored her with a Distinguished Alumni Award for Management and Entrepreneurship, and with the Robert C McDermott Medal for Excellence and Entrepreneurship. Angie’s also the recipient of numerous awards including the Indiana Commission for Women Torchbearer Award for Entrepreneurial Accomplishments, the TechPoint Trailblazer Award, Harvard Business School’s Alumni Achievement Award, and Woman Tech Founder of the Year. In this P&G Alumni Enrichment webinar, you’ll enjoy hearing about Angie’s personal story of entrepreneurship and navigating through work and life’s many changes.
Jaideep Bansal, Co-Founder & CEO at Global Himalayan Expedition
Published June 6, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Jaideep Bansal is the CEO of Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) Impact Ventures and one of the P&G Alumni Leaders Under 40. Jaideep worked with P&G in Product Supply for almost 6 years before becoming a social entrepreneur. With GHE, Jaideep is bringing sustainable development to the remotest communities in India.
GHE brings solar energy and sustainable development to half a million people across five remote regions in India. Jaideep and his team are the winners of the 2020 UN Climate Action Award. GHE’s work has been documented by National Geographic, BBC, and NDTV, and awarded by the WTTC and the World Tourism Awards. Jaideep has been featured repeatedly at Davos among the top leaders inspiring change in the world. He is also an Asia Foundation Fellow and has been recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about social entrepreneurship and living a purpose-driven life.
Some exciting upgrades to the Catapult Program!
Published May 30, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Would you have invested in a Zoom at $3 per share?
Perhaps, if you’d had a crystal ball to see the future and, more importantly, a mechanism to execute the investment.
For more than 80 years, investing in exciting early-stage companies was available only to accredited investors, the wealthiest 2% of Americans. This changed when Reg CF went into effect, enabling the general public to crowdfund promising innovators. This capability is now available to our network via a partnership developed by the Catapult team.
Since 2019, P&G Alumni’s Catapult team has been focused on identifying high-potential, alumni-led startups around the globe and connecting them to alum investors and advisors able to contribute to the startup’s success.
As of mid-2023, the Catapult program will be extended with a new online platform to streamline the investment process for both the startups and the investors and will provide opportunities for P&G alums to offer mentoring and industry expertise to the companies. This capability is being brought to the network through a partnership with a leading global private equity investment platform provider.
Investing in startups is risky, no doubt about it. But imagine that you’d invested $100 at $3/share in Zoom pre-IPO. What would that investment be worth today? The answer is $2,170. That is an annualized total return of 47%. Quite a bit higher than the S&Ps 9% average rate of return.
Stay tuned for details on this new program in upcoming newsletters.
About the P&G Business Catapult Program:
Business Catapult is the P&G Alumni Network’s virtual accelerator program for Alumni founders seeking investment, connections, and marketing for an existing venture.
By connecting P&G Alumni Entrepreneurs with P&G Alumni Investors and Advisors in order – we help your business to accelerate growth and make connections for potential funding.
This is an ongoing program providing mentorship and advisory to the top ventures. We guarantee at least one advisory session.
Selected semi-finalists present at an annual global pitch event – with finalists presenting at the P&G Alumni Global Conference, and the final winner recognized as the P&G Alumni Star Entrepreneur.
Shankar Viswanathan, P&G’s former Asian Head of E-Business
Published May 22, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Shankar Vishwanathan was P&G’s SVP E-Business leader for Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa — a 32-year veteran of the company starting in India as an Account Manager, with a career in brands and categories across India, USA, Russia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines. For Shankar, leadership starts with people — he believes in the power of relationships to unleash the best in others. Shankar is also a practitioner of yoga and mindfulness and is a trainer instructor in both. A proud husband and father, Shankar is very involved in philanthropy, having led the Force for Good program in Singapore, started a school for orphans in Vietnam, and helped educate children through direct support and coaching. You’ll enjoy this candid, vulnerable conversation with an accomplished international leader.
Beth Nguyen, Author & Professor
Published May 14, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
In real life, Bich Minh Nguyen now goes by the name Beth Nguyen – Beth is an award-winning writer and professor. In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we wanted to share a conversation from the other podcast Modern Minorities – which features minority voices for all of our majority ears.
Born in Saigon, Beth is the author of books like Stealing Buddha’s Dinner, Short Girls, Pioneer Girl, and Owner of a Lonely Heart – her memoir in essays about post refugee life coming out later this year.
Beth 2021 New Yorker article – “America Ruined My Name For Me” unpacks a necessary conversation about identity, adaption and assimilation – especially for those whose name is not hard to pronounce or understand. A refugee and a mother, Beth’s moving work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The New York Times, and Literary Hub. Beth’s awards and honors include an American Book Award, a PEN/Jerard Award from the PEN American Center, a Bread Loaf fellowship, and best book of the year honors from the Chicago Tribune and Library Journal. Beth has taught at Purdue University and the University of San Francisco – she is and is currently a professor of creative writing at the University of Wisconsin. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about growing between the cultures of two worlds
Shailesh Jejurikar, P&G’s Chief Operating Officer
Published May 7, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Shailesh Jejurikar is P&G’s Chief Operating Officer, where he has profit/loss responsibility for P&G’s Enterprise Markets – Latin America, India, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe – and leads Information Technology, Global Business Services, Sales, Market Operations, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Distribution and New Business for the company. Previously, Shailesh was the Chief Executive Officer of P&G’S largest business sector, Fabric & Home Care, which includes many of P&G’s most-iconic brands: Tide, Ariel, Downy, Gain, Febreze, Swiffer—and represents about one-third of total company sales and net earnings.
From 2016 to 2021, Shailesh served as executive sponsor for global sustainability, enabling P&G’s “force for growth and a force for good” vision and ensuring the company’s sustainability goals are fully integrated into the day-to-day business to enable—and to inspire—positive impact on the environment and society while creating value for the company, consumers and shareholders. Shailesh’s extensive P&G career has spanned 30+ years – across multiple businesses (Health & Beauty Care, Home Care, Fabric Care and P&G Professional) in both developed and developing regions – including North America, Europe, Asia and Africa) – getting his start in his home country in India. Shailesh is known for his unique ability to identify growth possibilities, having consistently delivered strong business results in every market and on every business. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation on curiosity, seeing around corners, and learning to learn.
EVENTO EXCLUSIVO DE CELEBRACIÓN DE LOS 75 AÑOS DE P&G MÉXICO
Published April 27, 2023 by Elsie Gallegos in
VEN A SER PARTE DEL EVENTO EXCLUSIVO DE CELEBRACIÓN DE
LOS 75 AÑOS DE P&G MÉXICO
ENLACE EN VIVO CON EVENTO CORPORATIVO
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
BOCADILLOS
DRINKS
NETWORKING
CUPO LIMITADO
APROVECHA EL EARLY BIRD Y PARTICIPARÁS EN LA RIFA DE 5 BOLETOS PARA EL ACCESO AL EVENTO CORPORATIVO (M.SOUMAYA)
Link para pago: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SY3GJDXGH8UJA
Franz Dill on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Published April 23, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Franz Dill is a retired P&G Technologist and independent consultant in AI and analytics. We wanted to tap into Franz’s experience and expertise in technology to talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) – a topic that is suddenly, everything, everywhere, all at once. Franz worked at P&G for 30+ years, where he served as a Chief Scientist for analytics and as an emergent technologist. He founded P&G’s groundbreaking contextual innovation centers, established the company’s Web 2.0 capabilities, wrote one of the most-read blogs in the organization, and was also a member of the Cognitive Alliance Analysis Council.
Since retiring in 2008, Franz has remained an active consultant in Business Intelligence and Marketing, Retail Innovation, AI, and Business Process Improvement. Franz has also consulted with groups like GE Aviation and as an adjunct professor at Columbia University. Franz has a degree in astrophysics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s in Industrial Mathematics from the University of Florida. With the rapid advancements in AI changing every day, things discussed in this March 2023 conversation may already have moved – but there are a lot of fundamentals in this candid conversation that make sense.
Ed Artzt (1930-2023): P&G’s former CEO & Chairman (1990-1995)
Published April 17, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Ed Artzt served as P&G’s CEO and Chairman from 1990 to 1995. During his extensive 41-year career, Ed worked in multiple business sectors. To each, he brought strong leadership, strategic insight, remarkable decisiveness, and an unrelenting drive to be number 1. His time as the Chief Executive was a period of unprecedented change in the global marketplace. Ed foresaw and implemented innovative transformations from restructuring the organization’s design, the divestiture of non-strategic businesses, new acquisitions, opening up new markets, and building the diversity of P&G’s leadership. He addressed these decisions with courage and conviction in ways that reflected the company’s Purpose, Values, and Principles. Ed is credited as the principal architect of P&G becoming a global business. During his tenure, international sales grew from less than 10% to accounting for over half of P&G’s worldwide sales. He oversaw the transformation of US and European brands like Pantene, Always, Pampers, and Ariel into global brands. P&G’s reach quintupled from one to five billion consumers.
Ed also served on the boards of American Express, Delta Airlines, GTE, and Teradyne. He was active in foreign affairs and an influential advocate of world trade and on President Clinton’s Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations.
With Ed’s recent passing in April 2023, we wanted to honor his memory, by replaying our 2020 conversation where Ed shared his perspectives on the importance of storytelling and the competitive advantage of integrity. His stories illuminate concrete lessons from both P&G’s successes and failures which speak directly to the challenges business leaders continue to face today.
READ THE BOOK — For more on Ed’s life and learnings – be sure to purchase his memoir / oral history: “P&G the Globalization Years: Lessons Learned during Procter & Gamble’s Transformation from an American Exporter to a Global Marketer”
Daniela Riccardi, Moleskine's CEO
Published April 14, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Daniela Riccardi is a proven CEO with extensive experience operating businesses and brands in the international consumer and retail industry. She’s currently the CEO of Moleskine and has also led as CEO of iconic luxury and fashion brands like Baccarat and Diesel. Daniela got her career start over 25 years ago at Procter & Gamble, where she held numerous senior roles including Vice President in Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. From 2001 to 2004, she worked as Vice President and General Manager for Eastern Europe and Russia, based in Moscow. From 2005 to 2010, she was President of Procter & Gamble Greater China.
Daniela has also served as a member of the board of WPP, the world’s largest agency holding company, and the French Luxury goods company, and graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of Rome—La Sapienza (Italy) and holds degrees in Political Science and International Studies. Prior to that, she completed professional studies in classic and modern dance at the National Dance Academy in Rome. She speaks fluent French, English, Spanish, and Italian. You’ll enjoy this candid talk on leadership, heritage & modernity from the 2019 P&G Alumni Global Conference in Madrid.
There’s Still Time to Double Your Donation!
Published by Nina Pearl in
Your gift to the P&G Alumni Foundation will be doubled by The P&G Fund for Gender Equality. They will match all donations (up to $50,000). This is a great time to make your first or new contribution.
Your $50 becomes $100 to support loans used to start pharmacies, expand tire and recycling businesses or purchase cows for a new farm. Listen to Fama Francisco, P&G’s Executive Sponsor for Gender Equality, as we spotlight the great work of the Loden Foundation and Grant Champion Gaby Franco. Gaby is another one of our unsung heroes, helping people in Bhutan acquire loans through the Loden Foundation and reach their goals of owning their own businesses.
Your support of the P&G Alumni Foundation will make more dreams become reality for those in need around the world. For those who are first time donors, using our credit card donation process is quick and easy. Just click on the link below.
About the P&G Alumni Foundation:
The P&G Alumni Foundation, the charitable arm of the P&G Alumni Network, has a mission of creating opportunities for those less fortunate—a mission grounded in the shared values that unite us as Alumni. Through strategic grant-making, the Foundation improves the quality of life around the world by economically empowering individuals in need to achieve greater financial independence and economic well-being for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Bringing its mission to life, the Foundation invests in programs and projects that contribute toward real and sustainable employment. What makes us unique is that a P&G Alumni sponsor must be actively and meaningfully involved with the charitable organization making a grant request. Learn more or donate by visiting: pgalumnifoundation.org.
Remembering Ed Artzt
Published April 12, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Edwin L. Artzt, Procter & Gamble’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Ed joined P&G in advertising in 1953 and quickly made a mark on the brands in his care. His first success was Comet, a fledgling household cleanser that became the market leader; he then worked on Zest, Charmin, Bounty, and Folgers. He transformed P&G’s advertising capability as the head of Copy Services and step-changed brand promotion while there.
Soon after, as Manager of Advertising for P&G’s struggling Paper business, Ed combined the superior technology of the new CPF process paper with ‘first-in-the-industry’ transparent poly packaging. This, along with the compelling advertising copy of Mr. Whipple, resulted in Charmin quickly growing to national category leadership.
As early as 1975, while leading P&G’s European operations, Ed made growing the international businesses of the Company a top priority. This would culminate during Ed’s tenure as our CEO, as he made the globalization of P&G his priority, expanding into the world’s fastest-growing markets and creating scale by globalizing the planning, internal structure, communications and execution of new business activities.
Ed spent considerable time throughout his career developing employees. One of his most enduring contributions is the creation of P&G College, the predecessor of our current training programs, which became the cornerstone of our worldwide training efforts. He was also a courageous advocate for diversity, measuring and rewarding management for leveraging the unique backgrounds and experiences of employees to create new advantages as we became a global company.
Current Chief Executive Officer, Jon Moeller, reflected on the influence Ed Artzt had on the Company, “Ed had the foresight and competitive spirit to position P&G for success, and he led with conviction and courage.”
Procter & Gamble
In the conference center at P&G headquarters that bears his name, there is a quote from Ed Artzt.
“This is not a company of ordinary individuals. It’s an organization of high energy, creative, articulate people who like to set higher standards for themselves than anyone else can set for them.”
When I meet younger alumni and even employees who did get to know the man, I remind them of these words. I think it says a great deal about a company when its leaders credit success to their people. I think it also says a great deal about such a leader.
Ed Tazzia, Chairman
P&G Alumni Network
Jon Moeller, P&G’s Chairman & CEO
Published April 11, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Jon Moeller is P&G’s current CEO & Chairman. Jon has been an integral part of P&G’s leadership team for over two decades, developing strategies that P&G people are executing with excellence to drive the company’s growth today. Prior to becoming CEO, Jon served as P&G’s Chief Operating Officer for six years, and also held the role of P&G’s Chief Financial Officer for more than twelve years Since joining P&G in 1988 as a cost analyst, Jon has held various senior leadership roles in categories, sectors, and regions, including assignments in China, as the company’s Treasurer, Global Beauty, Health, Feminine Care Finance Senior VP, and Corporate Forecasting & Analysis. Jon is active in the business, civic and cultural leadership of Greater Cincinnati, serving in an advisory role on local Boards, and is a Trustee Emeritus and Former Chairman of the Cincinnati Art Museum Board of Trustees. In this P&G Alumni Enrichment webinar conversation on meeting the moment – Jon talks about the journey that P&G has been on recent years – and looks ahead to the future.
Bracken Darrell, Logitech’s CEO on Humor That Works
Published April 3, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Bracken Darrell is President & CEO of Logitech, where for more than a decade he’s been the driver for Logitech’s continued growth and profitability. Prior to joining Logitech, Bracken spent a decade in executive roles at Whirlpool, Braun, and General Electric—and also worked in brand management at P&G. Prior to receiving his MBA from Harvard, Bracken worked at Arthur Anderson and PepsiCo.
Bracken’s a longtime “Friend of the Pod,” so we wanted to feature another chat he had with our favorite Humor Engineer and Co-host Andrew Tarvin, in one of Drew’s ”Humor Talks.” You’ll enjoy hearing Bracken share his recognition of the power of humor for creating a fun workplace. Now more than ever, it’s important to be able to be your authentic self at work, and for so many people, that includes humor. But Bracken knows that humor at work doesn’t have to mean telling jokes (he doesn’t think he’s a particularly funny person). He’s more in the moment, improvising or reacting quickly to what is said—a great mindset for building humor. This conversation may also feature stories about Jack Welch, and the naming of a cat in this candid conversation that, no surprise, is a fun one.
Misha Euceph: Dustlight Productions Founder & CEO
Published March 27, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Misha Euceph is a Pakistani-American writer, podcast host, and producer. She also happens to be the Founder & CEO of Dustlight Productions, the critically acclaimed podcast studio that has created podcasts with Spotify, Bruce Springsteen, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Rolling Stone, REI, Subaru, and many more. She’s also the creator and host of the podcast “Tell Them, I Am” – a series about the small defining moments in our lives—where the voices are all Muslim, but the stories are universal. The NY Times, LA Times, TIME, The Atlantic, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, and Huffington Post, have named it among their best podcasts. Misha is also frequently featured in The Wall Street Journal, IGTV, and McSweeney’s. Misha and Dustlight want to make mission-driven podcasts for and with awesome people—but they also train those who want to push the boundaries of audio and tell beautiful stories.
Misha got her Master’s in Journalism at Northwestern University and has taught as an adjunct professor at USC Annenberg and the Transom Radio Workshop. Misha started work in podcasting in 2017, at the dawn of the podcasting era, and has quickly become an important voice for today’s times, speaking on storytelling, identity, and ethical entrepreneurship. In a word, Misha is a podcast.
This insightful and entertaining conversation on identity and belonging comes from P&G Alumni Co-host Rajiv Satyal’s talk show “What Do You Bring To The Table” — where Rajiv spotlights prominent South Asian voices. Rajiv has spoken with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Comedian Hasan Minhaj, author Deepak Chopra, influencer Lilly Singh, journalist Manu Raju, TV personality Tan France, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and many more. You can SEE lots more of Rajiv’s video conversations at WatchRajiv.com.
The P&G Alumni Foundation’s 2023 Grant Cycle Opens April 3, 2023
Published March 26, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Calling all charitable organizations whose efforts align with the Foundation’s mission of economic empowerment, and where a P&G Alum is actively and meaningfully involved. We are now in our 19th year of grant-making, and we invite you to apply between April 3 and May 13, 2023
The Foundation invests in programming across the globe that contributes toward real employment, financial independence, and the economic well-being of those served. The core areas supported are:
- Job skills development & vocational training
- Business-related skills education & training
- Entrepreneurial or business ventures viable in local communities
The P&G Alumni Foundation has economically empowered hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world and has awarded over 112 grants totaling almost $1.8 million spanning 40 countries on 5 continents!
Grant requests undergo a strategic and thorough review against their ability to deliver measurable results and strong impact. Uniquely, grants are also evaluated against the involvement and significant contributions of the P&G Alum(s) championing the grant. Our Grants Committee will review all applications and notify you of our decisions. Average individual grant awards are expected in the $10,000 – $25,000 range.
- Review Eligibility Requirements, Vetting Procedures & Submission Details
- Learn more about our 2022 Grant Recipients
- For general application or content questions contact: Sue Wilke, suewilke44@gmail.com
- For system or technology questions contact: Patrick Hartnett, hartnettpm@hotmail.com
About the P&G Alumni Foundation:
The P&G Alumni Foundation, the charitable arm of the P&G Alumni Network, has a mission of creating opportunities for those less fortunate—a mission grounded in the shared values that unite us as Alumni. Through strategic grant-making, the Foundation improves the quality of life around the world by economically empowering individuals in need to achieve greater financial independence and economic well-being for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Bringing its mission to life, the Foundation invests in programs and projects that contribute toward real and sustainable employment. What makes us unique is that a P&G Alumni sponsor must be actively and meaningfully involved with the charitable organization making a grant request. Learn more or donate by visiting: pgalumnifoundation.org.
COACHING PROGRAM: 5 Signs You Need A Coach
Published March 17, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
That first step is always the hardest.
But don’t fret! The P&G Alumni Coaches are here to lend a helping hand through the entire process. Have a chat with us if you’re struggling in any of these areas. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Proudly Sponsored by the P&G Alumni Women’s Leadership Forum.
Charlotte Otto: P&G’s former Global External Relations Officer
Published by Nina Pearl in
Charlotte Otto served as P&G’s Global External Relations Officer for 13 years, and later as Senior Corporate Advisor to PR industry leader Weber Shandwick for six. At P&G, Charlotte led the company’s external relations activities worldwide—including media relations, employee and shareholder communications, government and community relations, and corporate contributions.
During Charlotte’s 33-year career at P&G, she rose through the ranks of Brand Management and Corporate Comms and was the trusted counselor to five P&G CEOs. In fact, Charlotte was P&G’s first female corporate officer. Charlotte has received numerous industry accolades—including being named Woman of the Year AND Corporate Woman of the Year by the Cincinnati Enquirer, as well as receiving the Matrix Award for Public Relations, and the prestigious Paladin award. Charlotte’s a proud Purdue Alum, where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees—and she even studied at the Culinary Institute of America.
In a great conversation about intention and serendipity, you’ll learn about the power of embracing a path never imagined, and removing our own blinders to be truly intellectually honest and objective about whatever situations we may face.
This episode originally aired in April 2021
Share a Shout Out to Your Unsung Hero
Published by Nina Pearl in
Have you seen the buzz on social media as alums honor their Unsung Heroes? Do you have someone you’d like to recognize?
Join the celebration by making a tribute donation to the P&G Alumni Foundation in honor of your unsung hero. Even better, The P&G Fund for Gender Equality will double all donations (up to $50,000).
With donations like this, the Alumni Foundation can make more dreams become a reality—creating new, sustainable paths to prosperity for those in need around the world. Join us and Fama Francisco, P&G’s Executive Sponsor for Gender Equality, as we spotlight the great work of Cooperative for Education and help people thrive.
Ed Artzt Book Review and Book Tour
Published by Nina Pearl in
A leader’s legacy is shaped by their choices, what they choose to do, and equally what they choose not to. P&G: The Globalization Years is the story of those pivotal choices that transformed Procter & Gamble from an American marketer to a formidable global powerhouse, quintupling its global reach and revenue in a short span under the leadership of Ed Artzt.
Written in an easy-to-follow conversational style, it is a no-holds-barred, back-and-forth between two iconic corporate leaders, Ed Artzt and John Pepper with vivid stories that make for an easy and interesting read.
As much as they fete the company’s success, what pleasantly surprised me is a refreshing and candid critique of its leadership mistakes and organizational failures. In my opinion, herein lies the greatest value of this book to aspiring leaders as most organizations and leader bios tend to skim the “unpleasant” and paint a glorified picture that is hard to learn and emulate.
I would summarize Ed’s legacy at P&G and his gift to corporate America, as two-fold.
First is the gift of a global mindset, and that being global is more than a large global footprint and brand, but investing in a best-in-class global talent pool that is capable of operating with equal competence in any country and environment, transcending cultural and geographic barriers. Case in point, most of P&G’s top leaders today, including my own former boss (Bala), were not born in America.
Second is the gift of a growth mindset, making an investment in people the number one job of managers. Case in point, P&G, was my first employer and where I first learned how to be a manager of people but was the only company where 50% of my performance rating was determined by my employees’ performance ratings.
Ranu Gupta, PGAN Global Member Engagement Chair and North America Regional Ambassador
Editor’s Note: This is a fascinating book. While the leadership messages in the latter sections are instructive, the “gold” is in the first section, comprising 60% of the book, which provides an inside, behind-the-scenes oral history of decisions made, lessons learned, course corrections, and triumph—available no place else.
Jack McFadden, Co-chair, PGAN Communications
The Ed Artzt book tour, led by John Pepper is currently scheduled for:
- An Americas panel in April 2023
- An Asia, EU, and MEA panel in May 2023
Important Message regarding Ed Artzt Book Offer:
First, the great news. The response to the generous complimentary book offer in the 3/22 PGAN Newsletter to those willing to review Ed Artzt book P&G: The Globalization Years has been overwhelming.
The regrettable news. The amazing response has exhausted the allotted supplies of free books. Those requests that came in after capacity had already been reached will be notified by Ranu Gupta.
However, we suggest an attractive option. The Kindle version of the book from Amazon is readily and quickly available for just $4.99.
Whatever you decide, we hope you will read this deserving book and write a review.
Thanks for your understanding and support!
Bob Gilbreath: 2x-exit Entrepreneur on Career Changes
Published March 13, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Bob Gilbreath is a longtime friend of the pod, a career friend, and a mentor to many. He is also a 2x-exit entrepreneur and co-founder of Hearty, a curated matchmaking service that combines top software developers with early-stage, venture-backed startups. He recently wrote a post entitled “Thinking of a Career Change? Try the Minimum First” – so we decided to sit down with him to learn more.
You can read more of Bob’s writings at behearty.substack.com
Peg Wyant: P&G’s first female Brand Manager, Grandin Properties Founder & CEO
Published March 4, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Peg Wyant is the Founder & CEO of Grandin Properties. But before that, Peg broke the glass ceiling at Procter & Gamble in 1967 – a decade before the phrase entered the lexicon. When the company tried to put her in the typing pool, she responded with, “All I can do is think, don’t you have a test for that.”
She rose through the ranks, becoming a serial “first female” including first brand manager and first direct report to then CEO John Smale as head of strategic planning and acquisitions. After leaving P&G to become an almost full-time mom, Peg sought other challenges — consulting for Fortune 500 CEOs, and founding a venture capital fund focused on women-led companies. Peg soon launched Grandin Properties, a real estate development and management company focusing on walkable urban neighborhoods in Cincinnati. Beyond her career, Peg helped found the P&G Alumni Network and the Women’s Capital Club. Peg’s new book is called One Red Shoe: The Story of Corporate America’s First Woman. Alongside her husband Jack, Peg has four children and nine grandchildren. You’ll enjoy this insightful conversation about what it takes to persevere when the odds may be against you and to challenge the status quo, outperform, and break through boundaries.
This episode originally aired in November 2021
TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
Published by Nina Pearl in
The P&G Alumni Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Forum are telling stories of women around the world who are changing lives through contributions like yours. These women are true unsung heroes, who are quietly making a difference in the lives of their families and communities.
Help us honor Unsung Heroes with your donation. What’s more, The P&G Fund for Gender Equality will double your donation (up to $50,000).
Join us and Fama Francisco, P&G’s Executive Sponsor, Gender Equality, as we help women at Street Business School and even more organizations to thrive. Learn more about Street Business School Here.
Susan Baba Oguche, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chief Communication Officer
Published February 25, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Susan Baba Oguche is the Cleveland Cavaliers EVP and Chief Communication Officer. For nearly two decades she has had the honor of leading communications and PR for some of the world’s most beloved companies and brands.
Previously Susan served as a Communications Director at Nike for three years. She also served in senior comms roles at Sleep Number Corporation, Home Chef, and Abbott. Susan got her start over eleven years at P&G in Communications working on brands like Gillette and Braun, as well as across Skincare and Homecare brands. Susan is driven by creative curiosity and a journalist’s heart for the story beneath the surface, helping companies identify and connect with their missions, navigate moments of crisis, and inspire the world with their unique story. Hailing from Nigeria as a child, Susan moved across major cities with her university professor’s parents and got her start at P&G through a youth organization called INRoads.org . Susan now returns to Ohio with her husband and two daughters. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about speaking authentically, where your words have to follow your actions.
Ed Rigaud, Founder, National Freedom Center
Published February 13, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Ed Rigaud was the Founder & CEO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which pays tribute to all efforts to abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people.
At Procter & Gamble, Ed was P&G’s second-ever Black Vice President, spanning a 36-year career at the company in 1965 – during which he was the R&D Technical Brand Manager who helped create Pringles. Ed was later the first Black co-owner + lead investor of the Cincinnati Reds, as well as CEO of EnovaPremier, and CEO of Legacy Acquisition. Ed has served on numerous company boards and has received appointments from the Governor of Ohio and a sitting US President. He’s a husband, father, grandfather, accomplished artist, and guitar player.
In this candid conversation on race, work, and life—Ed shares his thoughts as a black man growing up in Louisiana, rising through the ranks of corporate America, and the current climate. Ed believes that his number one mission is to help those who have been consistently under-represented to achieve higher levels of freedom…especially in the areas of education, economic empowerment, and inclusion.
This episode originally aired in August 2020
Anne Sempowski Ward, CEO, Curio Brands
Published February 6, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Anne Sempowski Ward is CEO & Board Director at CURiO Brands, a consumer goods company that manufactures and sells personal care and home fragrance products.
Prior to CURiO Brands, Anne served as CEO at Thymes from 2012 to 2016 when it merged with DPM Fragrance to become CURiO Brands. Anne was previously CEO and Co-founder of consulting firm The FORWARD Group, focused on growth strategies for mid-sized companies and key executives. Anne was also President and COO of Ebony, Jet & Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Johnson Publishing Company. Ann also served as Assistant Vice President of African-American Marketing for the Coca-Cola Company, and she got her start at P&G, where she rose through the ranks from plant engineer in FemCare to Associate Marketing Director in P&G Beauty integrating Clairol, helping reinvigorate brands like Herbal Essences and scaling multicultural marketing.
An active member of civic and business communities, Anne has been recognized as a YMCA Black Achiever, YWCA Rising Star, Top Black Executive in a Major Corporation as well as a Woman at the Top by EBONY magazine. She was also the youngest and first African-American trustee on the P&G Fund. Anne is a Detroit native and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University. She also earned a Global MBA degree from Duke University’s School of Business.
You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about finding your voice, evolving one’s communication style for effective leadership, and taking people on a journey with you.
Kirk Perry, IRI CEO, on Faith
Published January 27, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Kirk Perry is CEO of IRI Worldwide and one of our first guests (his threepeat!), returning for another learnings “deep dive” where we go deeper into a topic folks are passionate about. For Kirk, that topic is his faith. In this authentic, vulnerable, and revealing conversation you’ll hear of the grounded humility of Kirk’s faith, and how it permeates into the leader he chooses to be.
Kirk Perry is CEO of IRI Worldwide, a company that deals in big data analytics and insights that power, action, and growth. Previously Kirk served at Google for eight years as the Global President of Brand Solutions. Prior to joining Google Kirk was at P&G for 23 years – in various roles across marketing and general management – including President of Global Family Care and six years in Asia with assignments in South Korea and Japan. Kirk serves on the boards of The J.M. Smucker Company and Chick-fil-A, having previously served on the board of e.l.f. Cosmetics. Growing up from humble beginnings, Kirk and his family are also very active in giving back. Kirk is a member of the Cincinnati Innovation District Advisory Council and has been active with many nonprofit organizations, including board affiliations with The Ronald McDonald House, The CityLink Foundation, City Team, The United Way Campaign Cabinet, March of Dimes (national and regional), the University of Cincinnati Foundation, and the University of Cincinnati’s Bicentennial Commission. Kirk has also coached youth sports for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Jacki, have been married for more than 30 years and have four beautiful children.
In this ranging conversation between Kirk and co-host Rajiv Satyal, you’ll appreciate the value of how two people from different faiths and backgrounds can find common ground in their similarities and differences.
Remembering Norm Levy
Published by Nina Pearl in
On Christmas Day, 2022, we lost Norm Levy. He meant so much to so many. For me, he made you feel privileged to be at Procter & Gamble–the absolutely best place you could be. What follows is a note from PGAN Chairman Ed Tazzia as well as brief remembrances from those who knew him.
Jack McFadden, Co-chair Communications, BS&HCP, Class of 1971.
While we can’t do special articles about all the alumni that we lose, Norman, along with his colleague Gibby Carey, were recipients of our highest alumni honor in 2007, the McElroy Award. That award is given in recognition of significant contributions to the art and science of satisfying the consumer whether that is the result of a single event or concept or the compilation of a lifetime of achievements. In Norm’s case, it was a lifetime achievement award.
Together with Gibby, Norm created what was called the Copy Services Department. It grew out of a belief that advertising could be studied and that P&G could increase its competitive advantage by understanding what made “Advertising That Works.” Through Copy College, Norm helped to train generations of P&G marketers. He taught us not only how to get better advertising, but also how to treat our advertising agency partners to get their best work.
Years later, fellow alum Kip Knight and I sought out Norm to be a part of a “faculty” that utilized the format of Copy College to develop a marketing and communication workshop for the US State Department. Norm was a critical part of that group that worked to help the people charged with communicating US foreign policy understand the key elements of effective communication.
As good a marketer as Norm was, he was an even better man. Whether you were a senior executive or a wet-behind-the-ears Brand Assistant, Norm had time for you and made you feel special.
I knew Norman for nearly fifty years and, like many of you who benefited from his wisdom, I will miss him.
Ed Tazzia, Chairman, PGAN
Norm was a remarkable person on so many levels. He always made time to help whenever called upon, and whenever he saw that someone needed help. I remember when he spent time with me as a young Brand Manager, teaching me about effective advertising. I still carry those lessons and now, teach them to others.
Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer, Procter & Gamble
I had the pleasure of attending many of Norm’s advertising/copy seminars while climbing the brand management ranks in P&G Mexico and P&G Italy. Norm’s many anecdotes and uniquely witty presentation style helped bring his valuable content and learning to live. Norm’s spirit certainly lives on in generations of P&G Advertising personnel, including many alums around the world.
Deb Kielty, Board Chairman, P&G Alumni Foundation
One of the greatest advertising–and brand building–minds in P&G’s rich legacy of great leaders. And always with a wink and a smile. I loved how excited he got about a new idea or insight. He could not hold it in.
Jim Stengel, former GMO, Procter & Gamble
Norm was a force of nature. He taught so many Benton & Bowles kids about what advertising was all about and strengthened the bonds between P&G and the agency. Frankly, he could also be an occasional pain in the ass, but always for the right reasons.
Arty Selkowitz, Advertising Agency Executive
Norm made a contribution to my recognition of how I needed to lead that was indelible.
It happened over 35 years ago, passing in the hall. It was a tough time in our U.S. business and evidently, I was showing it. What he said to me was simple: “John, you ought to smile more!” That brought me up straight. That got my attention. I had not realized that my appearance was conveying that I was discouraged but apparently it had been. That was ironic because, while the business situation was serious, I had the utmost confidence we would succeed.
What Norm told me that day in no more than 30 seconds affected how I tried to present myself; not pretending to be different than I was, but putting a genuine, positive face on it that I felt internally.
John Pepper, former CEO, Procter & Gamble
Photo from Tim Love, Friend of P&G
2022 P&G Alumni Foundation Grant Recipients
Published by Nina Pearl in
Ten agencies worldwide received $200,000
for life-changing grants.
Thanks to record donations made by you, our alumni, ten charitable agencies received a total of $200,000 in grants ranging from $15,000-$25,000 in November 2022! Our dedicated Alumni Grant Champions write recommendations and help ensure the funds achieve maximum benefit. On behalf of the P&G Alumni Foundation Board, we wish to thank our donors, grant champions, and volunteers. You are unsung heroes bringing our shared values to life around the world.
From business training, micro-loans, access to higher education, computer skills, beekeeping, and improved farming methods, our grants provide funding to train and provide employment opportunities to thousands. Through the efforts of the grantees, our funds will provide jobs and employment for over 1,700, job-related skills training for almost 2,000 people, and create more than 800 new business ventures impacting some 12,000 family and community members.
To learn about the grant recipients and their projects please click on the pictures below. The links will take you to the P&G Alumni Foundation website with individual profiles for each grant recipient.
Our impact continues to expand and the stories of those who have benefited are inspiring. Thanks to you, the P&G Alumni Foundation has given 112 grants totaling $1.78 million, spanning 40+ countries on five continents. More importantly, we have helped hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world create a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities.
With a committed global board of 15 talented leaders, 185+ Ambassadors, 120 grant champions, close to 400 donors, and thousands of talented alums around the world, we are able to do even more! Thank you for your continued support.
James Veraldi, LOOP Co-founder & CEO—Accomplished Entrepreneur
Published January 20, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
James Veraldi is the CEO & Co-founder of Loop.co—a company focused on Improving the world’s social and mental health. So many of us—including the people we love and work with—have had struggles with mental health, and solving these challenges aligns with “touching lives, improving life.”
As an accomplished entrepreneur, James’ work embodies the very purpose, values, and principle-driven approach to work so many of us P&G’ers hold true. Mental and social health is especially a challenge for the younger millennial and Gen Z workforce today—which has a potentially massive impact on performance, productivity, and overall engagement and retention. If you’re a manager of people, an exec or HR stakeholder, you can learn more and sign up for a free 30-day trial for you and some of your colleagues—just visit Loop.co/work.
James began this recent chapter while serving as an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at GGV Capital. Prior to that, he led product strategy at TikTok, which he joined in early 2017 prior to its 2018 acquisition and rebranding from ByteDance. Prior to TikTok, James led content strategy at Snapchat, which followed his work as a founding team member at one of Youtube’s earliest partners Fullscreen, which was acquired by Otter Media in 2014. James worked extensively with P&G, Danone, and many other top brands when he co-led a small digital content agency called The ZiZo Group, leading his team to the earliest forefront of branded content marketing. James also had early career experiences at Target, Viacom, and Accenture. He spends a lot of his time in the climate & conservation spaces, where he has done a number of angel investments in climate tech, and founded a popular platform and podcast called Animalia where he leads discussions on a number of climate and conservation solutions. James is a dog lover, beekeeper, and even rehabilitates the occasional squirrel or crow. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about a career journey that led to a greater good—building meaningful solutions for the world of social and mental health—and you will hopefully be inspired on how you can make a difference.
Marlon Hernandez, Director of Innovation at Molson Coors Beverage Company
Published January 15, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
Marlon Hernandez is Director of Innovation at Molson Coors Beverage Company where he’s leading the creation and expansion of the company’s new non-alcoholic beverages division, a part of the company’s revitalization plan launched in 2019. Marlon has spent 6 years rising through the innovation ranks of Molson Coors, and another 10 years in the spirits industry working in innovation for companies like Corby Spirit & Wine, and Pernod Ricard.
Marlon actually got his start in Venezuela at 3M as an Operations Manager and made the jump to marketing at P&G in Fabric & Home Care Latin America. Marlon received his MBA from the IESA—School of Management in Caracas, Venezuela. And studied Production Engineering at University Simón Bolívar in Production Engineering, where he also received his master’s degree in Statistics. Marlon lives in Chicago with his wife and their twins. You’ll enjoy this conversation on the evolution from brand management to product management—and hearing Marlon’s fundamental belief that the launch of a product is not the finish line, it’s just the beginning.
This is hopefully the first of many conversations with leaders on the topic of Innovation. We wanted to dive deeper into how innovation is evolving in today’s rapidly changing world—by taking a “look under the hood” of some innovative companies. Joining our conversation is P&G Alumni Wayne Fisher, President of Rockdale Innovation—a consulting group that helps companies build their internal innovation capability that has hosted more than a few Innovation events for both P&G and P&G Alumni. Got a reco for an innovation story we should share on the pod (we know there are more than a few of you out there)? Reach out at pgalumpod@gmail.com
Tackling Imposter Syndrome—P&G Alumni Coaching
Published January 6, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
With a new year comes a desire to get better—so we wanted to share a powerful conversation on tackling imposter syndrome AND the power of coaching. Research shows that 70% of people experience imposter feelings at some point in their careers. Recently, this important topic was discussed by several P&G Alumni Coaches: Carol Yang, Heidi Piper, Carol Fusek, and Ilhiana Rojas—all accomplished executives with global career experiences AND certified coaches from the P&G Alumni Women’s Leadership Forum.
Carol Yang spent 13 years at P&G, with 23 years of senior corporate experience across Asia Pacific and North America. As a coach, Carol has multiple certifications with a special focus on leadership mindset, behavior shifts, and positive intelligence. Carol is a firm believer that you are most successful when you lead from the core of who you are.
Heidi Piper spent 30 years at P&G, across the US, Belgium, and Germany. Currently, as a coach, she holds several certifications. Heidi believes we have our own innate wisdom and when we’re deeply listened to and really seen, heard, and accepted, we can achieve our full potential in work and in life.
Carol Fusek spent 26 years at P&G—starting in Cincinnati and then across Asia-Pacific in leadership roles, primarily in supply chain. As a coach, she is certified in the neuroscience of leadership and is a certified dementia practitioner. Carol believes that what makes leaders exceptional is their sense of people and ability to connect to the hearts and minds of the organization they lead.
Ilhiana Rojas started her career at P&G Mexico, after which she continued her career across different Fortune 500 companies in Mexico and in the US. As a coach, Ilhiana is focused on leadership development.
Over the new year, we’ll share more powerful coaching discussions with P&G Alumni Coaching—a recently launched program by the P&G Alumni Women’s Leadership Forum. Just as professional athletes have a coach to help them perform at their best, coaching can help you thrive in life. Coaching is for anyone willing to challenge themselves to go after their professional or personal aspirations through powerful questioning, exploration, and action planning. P&G Alumni can sign up for their first FREE coaching session on their website. Because unlocking your full potential is a great way to start the new year.
2022: A(nother) Year of Learnings from Leaders
Published January 2, 2023 by Nina Pearl in
As 2022 comes to a close, we compiled some of the year’s learnings…from leaders. So sit back with your beverage of choice and enjoy. And give us a gift—leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—hearing from YOU, our fellow Alumni, makes a big difference for our team as we reflect on the year. THANK YOU for the continued support of our podcast and our amazing guests…
- Suzy Deering: Ford Motor Company CMO
- Claire Elvers, Wayfair’s Head of Global Brand Management & Insights
- Matthew McConaughey, Academy Award-winning actor and producer
- Nitin Gajria, Google’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa
- Christine Fisher, Possip Co-Founder & COO
- Marissa Solis, National Football League (NFL) SVP of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing
- Tristan Walker, Walker & Co, CEO & Co-Founder
- Sharon Hall, Walmart’s VP of Global Executive Recruiting
- Seaphes Miller, Founder & CEO of Fusion Integrated Solutions
- Andrew Tarvin & Raman Sehgal reflecting on 100+ episodes
- John Pepper & Qaisar Shareef on Understanding Ukraine & Russia
- Arianna Huffington, Thrive Global Founder & CEO
- Raj Rao, IBM’s GM for Blockchain Ventures
- Malcolm Gladwell, Author & Journalist
- Dian Alyan: GiveLight Foundation Founder & CEO
- Kevin Hochman, Kentucky Fried Chicken, President, Yum! Brands
- Ikdeep Singh, Mars Petcare President, North America
- Qaisar Shareef, P&G’s former head of Pakistan & Ukraine
- P&G Alumni Comedians: Greg Warren, Josh Sneed, Rajiv Satyal, Andrew Tarvin
- Mahzarin Banaji, Harvard Psychologist & ‘Blindspot’ Author
- Mike Shangkuan, Lingoda CEO
- Gary Vaynerchuk (VaynerX) & Bracken Darrell (Logitech): Masters of Digital Disruption
- Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati Mayor
- Kevin Shapiro, Coty SVP of US Marketing
- Julie Eddleman, DoubleVerify’s Global Chief Commercial Officer
- Jay Sethi: Diageo Beer Company CMO & SVP of Diageo Convenience
- Shelly McNamara: P&G’s Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer
- Guy Raz, NPR Producer & Journalist
- Jakub Kocinski, Digital Safety & Trust (P&G, Google, TikTok, Meta)
- Poliana Sousa, Latin America’s Coca-Cola™ Lead
- Vivek Sunder: Cuemath CEO
- Katie Couric, TV Journalist, Producer, & Author
- K Patrick Davis: Blue Buffalo VP & General Manager
- Ana Maria Henao, PepsiCo’s VP of Global Marketing Excellence
- TEDx Talks with P&G Alums: Drew, Ida, & Rajiv
- John Pepper & Ursula Burns’ (Xerox former CEO) on Race & Understanding
- Tom Asacker, P&G Trainer & Author
- David Youn, Master Lock, President
- Alonya Tkachenko, Nommi CEO & Co-founder
- Paul Polman, Unilever xCEO on “Net Positive”
- Kyle Schlegel, Weber’s VP Americas Marketing & DTC
- Judy Okten: The Power of Disconnecting
- Edward Norton – Actor, Director, Activist, Entrepreneur (from P&G’s “More Than Soap” Podcast)
- Jim Lafferty, Fine Hygienic Holding, CEO
- JOHN SMALE – John Pepper & David Taylor’s reflections on John Smale
- Chip Bergh, Levi’s CEO: Advocacy, Activism & John Smale
- Bob McDonald & Bob Gill’s reflections on John Smale
- Janet Reid & Gordon Brunner’s reflections on John Smale
- A.G. Lafley & Charlotte Otto’s reflections on John Smale
- Oya Canbas, Bayer Global Brand Director
- Vahe Ayvazian, Abbott Divisional Vice President of Marketing & Core Diagnostics
- Sudha Ranganathan, LinkedIn’s Director of Product Marketing
- David Taylor, P&G’s Former CEO & Chairman
Heard something you missed? Be sure to go back and check out each guest’s full episode.
Got a suggestion for a future episode? Send a note to pgalums@gmail.com—we’d love to hear from you! Thanks for your continued support of our Learnings from Leaders podcast!