Julie Sweet’s Leadership Lesson: Why You Should Never Doubt Yourself When Offered a Big Job
Accenture CEO Julie Sweet shares why self-doubt can hinder career growth and reveals the importance of confidence, humility, and continuous learning in leadership.
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Success stories often carry a common thread—moments when individuals had to take leaps of faith, even when they felt unprepared. Julie Sweet, the CEO of Accenture, embodies this principle perfectly. Her career trajectory not only challenges conventional norms but also redefines what it means to be a leader in today’s corporate world.
Sweet’s journey is an inspiring reminder that when opportunities arrive, hesitation can be the greatest enemy. Instead, embracing confidence and trust in one’s potential is what opens doors to transformation.
In this article, we’ll delve into Julie Sweet’s leadership journey, the pivotal advice she followed when offered her stretch roles, and the lessons that professionals at every stage of their careers can take away from her story.
A Defining Moment That Changed Everything
Julie Sweet never imagined herself as the future CEO of Accenture. When she was serving as the company’s general counsel, she was far from the archetype of a corporate leader. Unlike her predecessors, Sweet did not come from a traditional business background—her roots were in law. She also hadn’t spent her entire career climbing the corporate ladder at Accenture, and she was a woman in an industry that historically saw men dominating leadership roles.
Yet, during a regular one-to-one meeting in 2014, her then-boss Pierre Nanterme, Accenture’s CEO at the time, stunned her with an unexpected statement: “I think you could run this place someday.”
For Sweet, who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, it was a surreal and life-altering moment. Her first instinct could have been to doubt herself, to push back with questions like, “Are you sure?” or “Do you really think I’m ready?”—a response many of us can relate to when confronted with opportunities that seem larger than life.
But instead, she leaned on a piece of wisdom that became her guiding compass.
The Advice That Changed Her Response
Years earlier, Julie Sweet had received some powerful advice from Dina Dublon, the former CFO of JPMorgan Chase and a member of Accenture’s board. Dublon told her:
“When someone gives you a stretch role… chances are that the person offering you that role is as nervous or more nervous than you are. So, don’t say anything like: Are you sure?”
This wisdom helped Sweet reframe her thinking. Instead of doubting herself or hesitating, she responded to her boss with calm confidence:
“Why yes, I’d be interested. What did you have in mind?”
That moment became a turning point. Rather than being hindered by self-doubt, Sweet’s willingness to accept the challenge set her career in motion toward executive leadership. She was appointed to lead Accenture’s North American practice in 2015 and, just four years later, became the global CEO of the $150 billion consulting giant.
The lesson is clear: when opportunity knocks, the right answer isn’t hesitation—it’s confidence.
The Power of Confidence in Leadership
Julie Sweet’s story illustrates that confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself—it’s also about understanding that others see potential in you, even when you don’t see it in yourself.
At Accenture, she emphasizes three core values that make teams thrive:
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Confidence – Believing in yourself and your ability to grow into roles.
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Humility – Recognizing that you don’t know everything and being willing to learn.
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Excellence – Continuously striving for the highest standards.
These principles are not abstract leadership ideals—they are practical tools for building strong, innovative teams. In Sweet’s words, great teams constantly challenge each other and their assumptions. They embrace change rather than resisting it, which keeps the organization moving forward without needing “big reset moments.”
Confidence, then, isn’t arrogance. It’s about approaching challenges with curiosity and resilience, knowing that the willingness to learn is as valuable as the skills you already have.
Asking for Help: Sweet’s “Superpower”
Interestingly, one of the traits Sweet calls her “superpower” is not projecting strength at all costs—it’s the ability to ask for help.
Unlike many executives who assume they must always have the answers, Sweet views learning as an essential leadership trait. Early in her career, she admits she wasn’t particularly tech-savvy, but she didn’t let that stop her. Instead, she leaned on experts around her, asked questions, and developed a deep understanding of the business she was helping to lead.
This openness to learning helped her stand out because transparency builds trust. When leaders are honest about what they don’t know and show a willingness to learn, it creates stronger connections with their teams.
For Sweet, being a “deep learner at the top” is critical to success—a perspective that challenges traditional leadership models, where senior executives are expected to already have all the answers.
Lessons for Professionals: What We Can Learn from Julie Sweet
Julie Sweet’s career offers timeless lessons for professionals at all levels:
1. Don’t Let Self-Doubt Speak for You
When offered a big role or promotion, resist the urge to undermine yourself with hesitation. If someone believes you’re capable, chances are you are.
2. Understand That Leaders See Potential
The people who offer stretch roles usually have a bigger vision for you than you might have for yourself. Trust that perspective—it often comes from experience and foresight.
3. Confidence + Humility = Growth
Confidence gets you in the door, but humility keeps you learning and evolving. This balance is what creates long-term career success.
4. Ask for Help Without Fear
Leaders who learn from others are stronger than those who pretend to know it all. Asking questions demonstrates curiosity, not weakness.
5. Transparency Builds Trust
Being open about what you know and don’t know creates credibility. Teams respect genuine leaders, not those who project a false image of perfection.
6. Embrace Change as a Constant
Instead of waiting for a major disruption to force change, cultivate a habit of continuous improvement and innovation as part of your daily work.
Why Julie Sweet’s Story Matters Today
In today’s fast-changing world of work, where technology and business models evolve rapidly, Sweet’s philosophy is more relevant than ever.
Many professionals, especially women and underrepresented groups, often struggle with imposter syndrome—the feeling that they don’t belong or aren’t ready for opportunities presented to them. Sweet’s journey proves that breaking traditional molds is possible when you combine confidence with a willingness to learn.
She didn’t fit the conventional CEO profile, but she didn’t let that hold her back. Instead, she redefined what leadership could look like at Accenture: inclusive, adaptive, transparent, and growth-oriented.
Her story is not just about personal success; it’s about reshaping corporate leadership for the modern era.
Final Thoughts
Julie Sweet’s rise to the top of Accenture carries a simple yet powerful message: when opportunity arrives, don’t let self-doubt be your response. Instead, lean into confidence, humility, and a willingness to learn.
Whether you’re just starting your career or already in a leadership role, Sweet’s journey offers encouragement. The next time you’re offered a big job that feels overwhelming, remember Dina Dublon’s advice and Julie Sweet’s example: say yes first, and grow into the role later.
Because in the end, you never know when that one “yes” could change the entire trajectory of your career.
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