Julie Sweet, the current Chair and CEO of Accenture, did not come from wealth, legacy, or corporate grooming. She came from grit, hustle, and a life-shaping moment during her teenage years in Tustin, California—where an unfiltered piece of advice from her father altered the trajectory of her life.
In a candid conversation with Fortune, Sweet reflected on how her early years were shaped not by privilege, but by persistence and performance. Her father, a car painter and former Army veteran, supported her relentlessly, even if finances were tight. He would drive her to speech and debate competitions in his one and only sports coat, a silent badge of pride for his daughter’s achievements.
But encouragement was not all he offered.
At one particular debate tournament, Sweet made it to the semi-finals but did not advance. Frustrated and convinced that her competitor had won only because she was the daughter of the club president, she vented to her father.
His reply was blunt and unforgettable: “You’re never going to be the daughter of the president,” he told her. Then, with pointed honesty, he added: “Tonight, you weren’t much better either. So you have to be better than others.”
That raw, unsentimental piece of feedback etched itself into Sweet’s psyche. She described it as a defining moment—one that instilled in her the courage to be self-critical, the discipline to be excellent, and the drive to always outperform. “It taught me to be honest with myself,” she recalled, emphasising how the comment built her mindset to be fearless and ready.
Growing up in a modest household, Sweet never let her financial situation deter her. At just 14-years-old, she walked into a local dinner theatre with a resume in hand—despite the fact that the venue had never hired someone so young. She walked out with her first job.
There, she took reservations, answered phones, and greeted guests. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was formative. The job helped her buy a second pair of shoes, yes—but more than that, it taught her how to handle responsibility, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and gain comfort in adult environments. In her own words, that job helped her “become fearless and ready”—a mindset that would fuel her career in the years to come.
Sweet pursued higher education with the same drive. She graduated with a law degree from Columbia University, one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States. For over 17 years, she served at a major law firm, building her expertise and leadership reputation.
In 2010, she joined Accenture as General Counsel. Within a decade, she had risen to the top ranks. She currently serves as both Chair and CEO, making her one of the most influential executives in the global corporate landscape.
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