Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Derek Lewis

Release Date: January 28, 2025

Participants:

• Charlamagne Tha God: Co-host of The Breakfast Club
• Derrick Lewis: Co-host and interviewer
• Derek Lewis: Guest, former PepsiCo executive, entrepreneur, and author of Survive and Advance: Lessons on Living a Life Without Compromising

Introduction

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, Charlamagne Tha God and Derrick Lewis engage in an in-depth conversation with Derek Lewis, a distinguished leader with a 35-year career at PepsiCo. The discussion delves into Derek's journey from his early days at Pepsi, his entrepreneurial ventures post-retirement, his perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in corporate America, and his personal life challenges, including his battle with cancer.

Career at PepsiCo

Beginnings and Growth: Derek Lewis shares his initial experience securing a position at PepsiCo. Despite facing rejection initially, his determination led him to reapply, study diligently, and ultimately secure a role as a management trainee in Baltimore, Maryland.

"I prayed to God and said, God, I'd like for this to be the first day of my next 40 years. And the rest was history." (04:55)

Over the years, Derek rose through the ranks, culminating in his role as President of PepsiCo Multicultural North America. He emphasizes the importance of being a "pace setter" and leading with both drive and generosity.

Legacy and DEI Initiatives: Derek was a pioneer in integrating DEI within PepsiCo, long before it became a widespread corporate focus. He was instrumental in establishing recruitment centers in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and fostering partnerships that extended beyond mere recruitment to community engagement and legacy building.

"It's all about legacy, right? ... It's also about setting up legacy for the future." (09:25)

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Upon retiring from PepsiCo, Derek didn't slow down. He ventured into entrepreneurship by launching Big Dave's Cheesesteak restaurants in Orlando, Florida, where he has successfully opened multiple locations. Additionally, he is serving on various boards, including as a trustee at his alma mater, and is actively involved in nonprofit organizations.

"I'm bringing 10 units to Central Florida. I've already opened up four locations... The sky's the limit." (03:14)

Views on DEI in Corporate America

Derek offers a critical analysis of the current state of DEI in corporate structures. He argues that many companies are reverting to outdated DEI practices that no longer serve the evolving societal landscape. Instead, he advocates for a more comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate approach to DEI, one that goes beyond ticking boxes and truly integrates diverse voices into the core functioning of organizations.

"This agenda should have evolved from where it is... It needs to be more collaborative... comprehensive, more compassionate." (14:45)

He also highlights the importance of leadership in driving meaningful change and the necessity for DEI initiatives to be led by those who truly understand and represent the communities they aim to serve.

"It's about people. ... Those groups should structurally stay in place... but it's also incumbent upon those groups to lead a new agenda for the future." (18:27)

Personal Life and Overcoming Challenges

Marriage and Partnership: Derek emphasizes the pivotal role his wife has played in his success. Their 32-year marriage is built on a shared vision, mutual support, and unwavering trust. He credits her as the cornerstone of his resilience, especially during challenging times.

"Shared vision has been the absolute focal point of our success... She made me better in this whole journey." (31:26)

Health Battle: Derek candidly discusses his diagnosis with a cancerous mass, detailing his initial reluctance to seek medical attention and how his wife's support was crucial during his treatment journey. This experience reshaped his approach to life, emphasizing the importance of self-care and prioritizing health.

"Self care is really elevated in my life in a big, big way... She was the rock in this whole thing and wouldn't have got through it at that level if it wasn't for her." (34:50)

Authorship: Survive and Advance

Derek's memoir, Survive and Advance: Lessons on Living a Life Without Compromising, encapsulates his life lessons from corporate leadership to personal resilience. The book serves as a guide for individuals striving to balance professional ambition with personal integrity and well-being.

"My book is all about what are you doing to one bettering yourself. What are you doing to believe in yourself and what are you doing to be yourself." (21:29)

Conclusion

Derek Lewis's interview on The Breakfast Club offers valuable insights into successful leadership, the evolution of DEI in corporate America, the importance of legacy, and personal resilience. His story is not only inspirational but also serves as a blueprint for those looking to navigate the complexities of modern corporate environments while maintaining personal integrity and fostering meaningful community engagement.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I prayed to God and said, God, I'd like for this to be the first day of my next 40 years. And the rest was history." — Derek Lewis (04:55)

2. "It's all about legacy, right?... It's also about setting up legacy for the future." — Derek Lewis (09:25)

3. "This agenda should have evolved from where it is... It needs to be more collaborative... comprehensive, more compassionate." — Derek Lewis (14:45)

4. "Shared vision has been the absolute focal point of our success... She made me better in this whole journey." — Derek Lewis (31:26)

5. "Self care is really elevated in my life in a big, big way... She was the rock in this whole thing and wouldn't have got through it at that level if it wasn't for her." — Derek Lewis (34:50)

6. "My book is all about what are you doing to one bettering yourself. What are you doing to believe in yourself and what are you doing to be yourself." — Derek Lewis (21:29)

Key Topics Covered:

• Derek Lewis's career trajectory at PepsiCo
• Entrepreneurship and post-retirement ventures
• Evolution and critique of DEI initiatives in corporate America
• The significance of legacy and community engagement
• Personal challenges, including battling cancer
• The role of supportive partnerships in personal and professional success
• Insights from his memoir, Survive and Advance

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Derek Lewis's interview on The Breakfast Club, highlighting his professional achievements, personal struggles, and visionary perspectives on leadership and corporate culture.