Fairygodboss of the Week: Lindsey Avant
Living in five different cities and working with different teams and sectors at PepsiCo has allowed Lindsey Avant to become comfortable with the unknown. The senior sales director knows that investing the time and effort—and working "really darn hard"—are the keys to success. Our Fairygodboss of the Week recognizes that her colleagues feel the same way, and that's one of the reasons why she loves her work. "I love how motivated and smart the people around me are to solve problems together," she says.
Lindsey Avant, Fairygodboss of the Week
Senior Sales Director, PepsiCo
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Tell us a little about your career. How did you get to where you are now?
I have been with PepsiCo 11 years and have lived in five cities over that time - Dallas, Austin, San Francisco, Chicago, and Bentonville. Moving has been a big part of my career journey. In addition to it affording me new opportunities, it has taught me how to work in different environments, with different teams, and across different sectors within PepsiCo. It's enabled me to become comfortable with the unknown.
I have also worked really darn hard over my 11 years. I always invest an incredible amount of time early on in a new role learning the business, the people, and what is needed to drive results. I know that investment in time will help get me and business off the fastest start possible.
Who is YOUR Fairygodboss? and Why?
Shirin Odar, an executive at PepsiCo. She is one of the smartest people I know and is down to earth and authentic. She also pays it forward, investing time and energy advancing strong women she believes in.
What do you do when you're not working?
Spending time with my husband, Dan, trying out new restaurants or things to do in the every growing Northwest Arkansas area. We also love to take long weekend vacations to visit family and friends.
If you could have dinner with one famous person–dead or alive—who would it be?
She isn't famous, but I'd choose my grandmother on my Mom's side. I never had the opportunity to meet her, but I feel like we're kindred spirits.
Lightning Round:
What is your karaoke song?
Journey—"Don't Stop Believin'"
What is your favorite movie?
I like all murder mystery, suspense, whodunnit-type movies...
What book would you bring with you on a desert island?
I would hope for a desert island with electricity so I could recharge my iPhone and listen to podcasts instead...wishful thinking.
What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?
All things on sale. I would also buy a home directly on the beach!
What is the #1 career tip you'd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you?
I always pick myself apart or criticize myself if something doesn't go as planned... I have learned not to let that paralyze me. Learn the lesson and move forward with confidence.
Why do you love where you work?
Every day brings a new challenge, a new problem to solve. I also love how motivated and smart the people are around me to solve problems together.
Fairygodboss is all about women helping other women - so each week, we celebrate a woman who made a difference in another woman’s career. Is there a woman who has made a difference in your career? Celebrate her and thank her by nominating her here.
Why women love us:
- Daily articles on career topics
- Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
- Advice and support from an authentic community
- Events that help you level up in your career
- Free membership, always