Navigating Uncharted Territory
In a world where just 19.5 percent of women lawyers are partners, it’s inspiring to meet a woman who, after 10 years as partner at a top firm, didn’t stop there.
Today as General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer for Accenture Julie Sweet heads up the legal department for the management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company with 257,000 people and clients in more than 120 countries.
(Click here to read her exclusive profile!)
Recognized as a “Dealmaker of the Year” by The American Lawyer, and one of the top 500 leading lawyers by Lawdragon magazine, Sweet also balances a hectic travel schedule with being a full-time mom to her two daughters.
She’s passionate about diversity in the workplace. And she is focused on helping Accenture make a difference in Africa.
Little known fact? Sweet cleans closets when she’s stressed out.
Here she shares success secrets for women at various points in their career, whether they’re starting out, feeling stagnant, traveling moms, or climbing to the top.
Little PINK Book: How did you become successful?
Julie Sweet: By focusing on uncharted territory. I studied Chinese when most Americans studied Japanese, if they studied an Asian language at all. When I chose a law firm, I picked a place with only two women partners. Focusing on uncharted territory helped me differentiate myself and gave me broad experience and confidence.
LPB: Do you have advice for women just beginning a career, or someone who’s reached a stagnant point?
JS: Improve communication skills. Learn the numbers. Take a chance. If you’re going to do one thing to help your career, learn to communicate better. That will differentiate you whether you’re starting out, or you’re a senior person who can effectively command a room by articulating a meaningful discussion. Focus on those three things and you’ll see a change.
By Sarah Grace Alexander
“I live a full and often hectic, life. Laughter is how I keep it all in balance.” Julie Sweet
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