Purdue Polytechnic’s Department of Technology, Leadership and innovation (TLI) launched a new podcast series that will highlight the careers, experiences and insights of alumni who have taken their Purdue education into leadership roles across industries. Hosted by Todd Kelley, professor and interim department head, the podcast explores how graduates are shaping the future through their work in business, education and technology.
The debut episode features Greg Kelley (no relation), a Purdue alumnus who now serves as senior director of user experience design at PepsiCo. Kelley, who earned his degree in organizational leadership in 2001, shared details of his career journey, the evolving role of leadership in technology, and his thoughts on how students can position themselves for success.
For the past 17 years, Kelley has overseen and implemented new technology including supply chain solutions and global business planning, which has secured or conserved millions in the companies he has worked for. Today the UX design team he leads is focused on developing internal software applications for PepsiCo’s supply chain operations.
Building a career
Kelley’s career began at Salton Inc., a consumer goods company best known for the George Foreman Grill. Working in a smaller company early in his career gave him taught him how businesses worked, from sales and finance to supply chain management.
“It was a great foundation because it was a small enough company where I got to learn end-to-end,” Kelley said. “I worked with every department, [and] that experience led me to where I am now.”
Leadership lessons
Kelley credits Purdue Polytechnic’s organizational leadership (OLS) program with equipping him with the skills necessary to lead in a corporate environment.
“I think the OLS degree, which is now in TLI, was a fantastic start for me,” Kelley said. “One of the things that really drew me to it was working together in teams. You had to problem-solve with people who had different knowledge and backgrounds. That experience has served me well, and probably even more so today.”
“When I understand the process, I can give my team clarity. That clarity allows us to improve and achieve good things together.”
Encouraging future leaders
Kelley also spoke about how students can demonstrate leadership potential early in their careers. He encouraged students to seek internships, embrace challenges and focus on learning how to navigate complex problems.
“When you’re early on in your career, you’re going to get assignments where you might not have all the information,” Kelley said. “Instead of just completing the task, ask why you’re doing it. If you can find a better way to accomplish something, that’s how you add value.”
Kelley also advised students to take risks and trust their instincts.
“There were times when I was younger that I didn’t trust my gut,” he said. “Looking back, my gut was right. I would tell my younger self to take more risks and trust my instincts.”
Purdue memories
Reflecting on his time at Purdue, Kelley recalled the friendships he made and the vibrant campus atmosphere.
“The football games stand out. When I was there, Drew Brees was our quarterback, and we had so much good football,” Kelley said. “But beyond that, it was just the whole vibe of being a part of the university.”
Kelley said he still finds himself wearing Purdue gear wherever he goes.
“I cannot tell you how many alumni come up and talk to me when I’m wearing Purdue stuff,” he said. “There’s something special there. Most everyone I talk to is very grateful for their education.”
Kelley remains closely connected to Purdue, serving as the leader of the TLI’s Industrial Advisory Board.
“I’m very proud to be an alumnus of Purdue,” he said. “I went back in 2019 and got my master’s degree as well. It’s been fantastic to stay involved with the university.”
Looking ahead
“Networking can be intimidating, but if you’re genuinely interested in someone’s career journey, people are more than willing to help,” Kelley said. “Everyone loves to talk about themselves, so if you just ask good questions, you’ll learn a lot.”
Future episodes of the podcast will feature more alumni sharing their experiences in leadership, technology and innovation. The inaugural episode is available to view above and in the TLI playlist on Purdue Polytechnic's YouTube channel.
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