At 53, Brenda Barnes is back and in full swing. Ten years ago, her 1997 resignation as Head of Pepsico’s North American Beverage business to spend more time with her family caused a huge debate at the time for women in business. Many felt Brenda had let down their gender by opting out of the executive office. Some speculated she left to protest her husband Randy Barnes’ stalled career as Senior VP and Treasurer at Pepsico. Brenda insisted the resignation was about parenthood.

Nevertheless, when Brenda left, it caused women in executive ranks around the US to take notice, but most just went about life as usual. As did Brenda. Within two years, she was back acting as interim chief operating officer of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. She also sat on seven corporate boards of directors, and continued her influence on boards during her so-called