Accenture CEO Julie Sweet once lost a competition during her school days. Her father's four-word advice turned her life and career around

Julie Sweet, the current CEO of Accenture, didn’t grow up with power or privilege—but with grit, drive, and one unforgettable piece of advice. As a teenager in Tustin, California, she hustled for debate wins and speech trophies to earn prize money. Her father, a car painter and Army veteran, was her biggest supporter—driving her to competitions proudly dressed in his only sports coat. But it wasn’t just rides and encouragement, but constructive feedback that truly shaped her life and career.

In an interview with Fortune, Julie recalled one semifinal loss in a debate tournament. Sweet vented that the winner only took the prize because she was the club president’s daughter. Her father’s response stuck with her for life: “You’re never going to be the daughter of the president…”. He further added that that particular night, she was not much better, which means she has to be better than others. This feedback taught her to be honest with herself about her performance and the underlying message that she should be fearless and ready stayed with her.

Sweet calls it a defining moment, one that shaped her mindset as she rose through the ranks to become one of the world’s most influential executives.


Money was tight at home, but she never let that hold her back. At just 14, she landed her first job at a local dinner theatre—despite them never hiring teens before. She walked in alone with a résumé and walked out with a job. She took reservations, answered phones, and greeted guests, all to afford things like a second pair of shoes. That early job helped her build real-world skills quickly—learning to adapt, grow fast, and navigate adult spaces with confidence. She started to become fearless and ready.

Julie holds a degree in law from the prestigious Columbia University Law School. For more than 17 years, she worked at a law firm. In 2010, she joined Accenture as a General Counsel. Currently, she is the Chair and CEO.