Photo via Fortune
As artificial intelligence reshapes workplace demands across industries, PepsiCo is doubling down on a mix of traditional and contemporary hiring criteria. According to Fortune, Becky Schmitt, the beverage and snack giant's chief people officer, emphasizes that successful candidates need more than technical skills—they need what she calls 'hustle,' a quality that transcends industry trends and generational shifts.
The old-school virtues Schmitt champions—work ethic, determination, and drive—remain foundational at PepsiCo despite the company's aggressive pivot toward AI integration. For Dalton-area business leaders managing talent acquisition, this signals that foundational character traits still matter as much as specialized credentials. Companies in the region's manufacturing, logistics, and distribution sectors can draw inspiration from this approach as they modernize operations.
Beyond hustle, Schmitt identifies agility and curiosity as essential traits for navigating the AI era. Employees who can adapt quickly to technological change while maintaining inquisitiveness about new tools and methodologies are increasingly valuable. This combination—the willingness to learn, flexibility in approach, and openness to innovation—creates workers capable of thriving amid rapid transformation rather than simply managing it.
For regional employers competing for top talent, PepsiCo's hiring philosophy offers a blueprint: seek candidates who demonstrate grit and work ethic, but prioritize those showing genuine interest in emerging technologies and the ability to pivot strategies. In Dalton's competitive business landscape, this balanced approach to talent acquisition may prove essential for companies seeking sustainable growth in an AI-augmented future.
