Brenda Barnes Manager Sara Lee Country: USA

1. Brenda Barnes: A Successful Businesswoman and Leader
2. Early Life and Education
3. Early Career at PepsiCo
4. Achievements and Return to Business
5. Leading Sara Lee
6. Continued Success

Brenda Barnes: A Successful Businesswoman and Leader

Brenda Barnes is the CEO of Sara Lee, a company that operates in over 200 markets in 55 countries worldwide and has annual revenues in the billions of dollars. She is one of those successful women who have managed to balance work and raising children while achieving incredible success in the business world. According to Forbes, Brenda Barnes is ranked as the 9th most influential woman in the world.

Early Life and Education

Brenda Barnes was born into a large family. Her mother was a homemaker, and her father was a hardworking laborer, supporting a family of seven. Barnes credits her parents for instilling in her a strong work ethic and respect for both family and labor. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Augustana College before continuing her education at Loyola University.

Early Career at PepsiCo

In 1976, Barnes began her career at PepsiCo and quickly rose through the ranks. Over the course of twenty-two years, she held various positions within the company until she became the head of PepsiCo's North American division in 1996. Despite the promising career prospects, Barnes made a surprising decision to leave her high-ranking position in order to focus on her family and raising her children. Her motivation was simple – she wanted to be present for her children's birthdays. This decision sparked a national discussion on whether a woman in a high-level leadership position could balance work and family.

Achievements and Return to Business

Although Barnes didn't become a stay-at-home mom, she managed to create a life that allowed her to be actively involved in her children's lives while continuing to work. She served on the boards of several major companies, such as Staples, The New York Times, and Avon. She also held the position of president at Starwood Hotels and Resorts while teaching at Kellogg School of Management. After seven years, when her children had grown up, Barnes accepted a position at Sara Lee as the Chief Operating Officer and eventually became the CEO.

Leading Sara Lee

When Brenda Barnes joined Sara Lee, she brought with her a wealth of experience and a creative vision. She embarked on a massive restructuring effort, intending to streamline the company by reducing the number of brands from over one thousand to focus solely on food production. Her determination and drive were evident, and it was clear to everyone around her that she would achieve success.

Continued Success

Today, at 54 years old, Brenda Barnes is as energetic and determined as ever. Her confidence and belief in her abilities were evident when she returned to the business world after a long hiatus and stated that she would become the CEO of Sara Lee. And she achieved that position much sooner than expected. Under Barnes' leadership, Sara Lee continues to expand its presence in over 200 markets across 55 countries, with annual revenues in the billions. Brenda Barnes' success story serves as an inspiration to women everywhere, proving that with hard work, perseverance, and the ability to find balance, it is possible to achieve incredible heights in the business world.