Fairygodboss of the Week Marisa Carson
Marisa Carson is proof that you can have it all. The region sales vice president at PepsiCo and mother of two (soon to be three) has spent her whole career at the company, moving through three divisions and several areas of the United States. Now, she's doing the job she always aspired to do, and like company's motto, performs it with purpose.
Fairygodboss of the Week: Marisa Carson
RVP Sales, Frito Lay North America — PepsiCo
Phoenix, Arizona
Tell us a little about your career. How did you get to where you are now?
I've been with PepsiCo for almost 17 years! I can't believe how fast it's gone. I've been fortunate to have great mentors and sponsors who've guided me throughout my career, especially early on. I've also been lucky to always work with outstanding people and been a part of effective and successful teams!
What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
Relative to my career, I'm proud to be a general manger for PepsiCo. It's the job I always aspired to have. I love leading large, multi-functional teams.
What is a challenge that you've faced and overcome?
Many folks stereotyped me as a young, college recruit that was moving too fast and therefore potentially didn't know my business cold. Well, those folks are wrong, and if they've ever worked with me, they know that's not true. I tell people to keep their head down, do their job with greatness, get to know your people wholeheartedly, and know your business cold! You can't control everyone's thoughts, but when the moment of truth comes, you can deliver and change anything negative!
Who is YOUR Fairygodboss? and Why?
There are so many wonderful women to chose from that have supported me; Renee Daniels, Tammy Deboer, and Anne Fink are the first to come to mind.
What do you do when you're not working?
Play with my toddlers and spend time with my husband, run, go to Orangetheory or Yoga, read, cook, and rest when I can! I'm pregnant with baby #3!
If you could have dinner with one famous person—dead or alive—who would it be?
Peyton Manning
What is your karaoke song?
That is such a hard one....I like so much music! Right now it has to be Can't Stop the Feeling from the Trolls movie. And who doesn't love Justin Timberlake?!
What is your favorite movie?
Again, tough...Mrs. Doubtfire, Beaches, Steal Magnolias, Dumb and Dumber, Happy Gilmore, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Trolls and Moana, of course!
What book would you bring with you on a desert island?
Anything Nicholas Sparks. That's the time to escape and not be reading business books!
What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?
A great purse and/or shoes!
What is the #1 career tip you'd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you?
Be true to yourself. You do have to work hard and always deliver results...but really dig deep and understand what you want out of life and a career. Then, do not settle for a company that can't deliver that for you.
Why do you love where you work?
I love PepsiCo! That's probably why I've never worked for another company! There are so many reasons, but a few are: I love our intense desire to get results and get them the right way. I love the people here, and I love the vast opportunity that PEP can provide. I've worked in three different divisions and in several parts of the U.S. We are also purposeful. Our mission is "Performance with Purpose," and I love to work for an organization that truly cares about our products, planet, and people.
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