(Image source from: MediaOne)

An Indian-origin former Chief Executive Officer of New York-headquartered PepsiCo Indra Nooyi said she would cause a third world war if she joins politics as she is "too outspoken".

A Non-Governmental Organization Asia Society, that focuses on educating the world about Asia, honored a 62-year-old Nooyi on Tuesday with the 'Game Changer of the Year Award' in New York in acknowledgment of her business accomplishments, humanitarian record, and advocacy for girls and women around the world.

Asked if she would like to join the United States President Donald Trump's Cabinet now since that she has stepped down as Pepsi CEO, Nooyi said, "Me and politics don't mix at all. I am too outspoken, I am not diplomatic. I don't even know what diplomacy is. I would cause a third World War. Don't do it".

Nooyi stepped down on October 2 as PepsiCo's CEO, after 12 years at the helm of the global beverage giant.

"When I stepped down, I thought that it was going to be tough. For 40 years, I have done nothing but wake up at 4 am and figured out how to rush to work and work 18-20 hours a day," she said during the interaction.

Nooyi said a day after she stepped down, she realized that there was life beyond working.

"I am still a PepsiCo at heart but I am learning to step aside and realize that there is life beyond PepsiCo," she said.

PepsiCo's Board of Directors had in August proclaimed that they unanimously elected Ramon Laguarta, 54, to succeed Nooyi as CEO.

Nooyi will remain chairman till early 2019 to guarantee a smooth and seamless transition. After having worked 18 to 20 hours a day for 40 years, Nooyi said it was "liberating" to have a bit of free time.

-Sowmya Sangam