Julie Sweet, the CEO of global consulting powerhouse Accenture, has a piece of career advice that cuts against the grain of self-doubt: when offered a big opportunity, never decline simply because you don’t feel prepared.
Her message speaks directly to professionals grappling with imposter syndrome, career transitions, or the leap into leadership roles. Sweet’s own career journey—marked by rapid rises and moments of uncertainty—underscores the wisdom of her guidance.
From Lawyer to CEO
Before taking the helm of Accenture in 2019, Sweet spent much of her early career as a lawyer at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, one of the most prestigious law firms in the U.S. She later transitioned to Accenture, where she held roles including general counsel and CEO of Accenture North America, the company’s largest business unit. 
When she was appointed global CEO, Accenture employed more than 500,000 people worldwide, serving clients in over 120 countries. It was a massive responsibility by any measure—and not one she claims she felt entirely “ready” for at the outset.
“I was not 100% ready when I took the CEO role,” Sweet has admitted in interviews. “But leadership is not about waiting until you feel perfectly prepared. It’s about stepping in, learning fast, and surrounding yourself with people who complement your strengths.”
The Trap of Waiting for Readiness
Sweet argues that turning down big opportunities because you feel underprepared is one of the most common—and costly—career mistakes.
“Most people never feel fully ready for their biggest roles,” she said. “But if you say no, you may not get another chance. Growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.”
Her perspective resonates particularly for women and underrepresented groups, who research shows are more likely to underestimate their qualifications and hesitate before pursuing promotions. A well-known Hewlett Packard study found that women typically only apply for a role if they meet 100% of the listed qualifications, whereas men apply at around 60%.
Sweet’s message: don’t let self-doubt hold you back.
How to Step Into a Role You Don’t Feel Ready For
While she discourages turning down opportunities, Sweet acknowledges that saying yes to a role you feel unprepared for requires intentional strategies. She recommends:
- Leverage your support system: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and advisors who can provide honest feedback and guidance.
- Invest in learning quickly: Focus on understanding the business, the people, and the culture in your first months.
- Empower your team: Recognize that leadership is not about doing everything yourself but about building a team that brings diverse strengths.
- Adopt a growth mindset: View the role as a chance to learn and adapt, not as a test of perfection.
These approaches, Sweet notes, are what allowed her to transition from lawyer to CEO of one of the world’s largest professional services firms without being paralyzed by fear of inadequacy.
Broader Lessons for Career Growth
Sweet’s advice reflects a larger truth in today’s rapidly shifting economy: few people will ever feel fully “ready” for the jobs of tomorrow. With industries being disrupted by artificial intelligence, sustainability challenges, and digital transformation, adaptability is often more important than experience.
Accenture itself has been a case study in reinvention, evolving from a traditional consulting firm into a global leader in cloud, AI, and technology services. Sweet has positioned the company to stay ahead by cultivating a culture where employees take risks and embrace learning.
“As a leader, if you want your people to stretch themselves, you must also demonstrate that you are willing to do the same,” she has said.
Takeaway
Julie Sweet’s message is simple but powerful: when a big job opportunity comes your way, don’t let fear or self-doubt convince you to walk away. Readiness is often something you grow into—not something you fully possess from the start.
Her own career proves the point. By saying yes before she felt completely prepared, she not only built her own path but also reshaped a global company.
