Cream of the Crop

A can’t fail attitude and relentless practicality. Those are the qualities that Accenture’s managing director of global technology development, Penelope Prett, says set her apart from the rest.

“When it comes to delivering results to my colleagues and clients, I find this to be an unbeatable combination,” she tells PINK.

Prett knows the importance of leveraging career capital and taking risks and, as a result, is one of the global firm’s rising stars.

When it comes to “embracing the new,” she dives in.

“Every opportunity, no matter how big or small, brings new learning and you need to grab them when they come,” says Prett. She encourages women to become early adopters and evangelists of new capabilities. “It’s not only a great way to learn and to grow, but also to be recognized as a leader/visionary in your career.”

Even if the rules and parameters are not clearly defined, you have to be willing to “do and make your own,” she adds. Adapting to new, evolving situations isn’t easy but, as Prett has experienced, “taking the time to read, study and educate yourself on new trends and capabilities is important and will help you stand out.”

And, it doesn’t hurt that some of the company’s most prominent women have been there to help guide her along the way.

“All mentors are good,” says Prett, “but as a woman, I’ve found that female mentors have been able to me better understand myself.”

Prett knows what she wants and is willing to step out of her comfort zone and stretch her skillset to reach the top.

Just the qualities rising stars are made of.

PINK Minute Mentor: Are you wealthy? Find out in this PINK Minute Mentor video.

Comment: What sets you apart from the others in your company?

BONUS PINK Link: What’s it like to take the field less traveled? Accenture’s Mary Hamilton shares the rewards of following your passion.

By L. Nicole Williams

“[S]he who buys what [s]he does not want, will soon want what [s]he cannot buy.” Anne Mathews