Julie Sweet’s story begins in Tustin, California, a suburban town where her sharp intellect and powerful voice quickly stood out. At Tustin High School, she wasn’t just another student — she was a star in speech and debate, mastering the art of persuasion and building confidence that would later serve her in high-stakes boardrooms.
An education that built a leader
Julie pursued her undergraduate studies at Claremont McKenna College, a liberal arts school known for producing leaders in business and public affairs. There, she honed her critical thinking and leadership skills before setting her sights even higher.Determined to pursue law, she enrolled in Columbia Law School, one of the most prestigious legal institutions in the US. Her time at Columbia prepared her for a high-powered legal career — one that would eventually lead her into the corridors of corporate power.
Breaking barriers in corporate law
After law school, Sweet joined the elite firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore, a place known for its high standards and demanding environment. She spent 17 years there, working on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance.She wasn’t just a standout attorney, she was a trailblazer. Sweet became only the ninth woman ever to make partner at Cravath, marking a major milestone in a firm not known for promoting women into senior roles.
A bold career pivot to Accenture
In 2010, Sweet made a surprising career shift, from law to business. She joined Accenture as general counsel, bringing her legal expertise into a corporate setting. But it quickly became clear that she had more to offer than just legal advice.By 2015, she was promoted to CEO of Accenture North America, the company’s largest and most critical market. Her strategic mind and leadership abilities earned her a seat at the global management table, where she played a key role in shaping the company’s growth, especially in mergers and acquisitions.
Making history at the helm of Accenture
In September 2019, Julie Sweet became the CEO of Accenture, making her the first woman to hold the position in the company’s history. At the time, she was one of just 27 women leading S&P 500 companies.Two years later, in 2021, she was appointed Chair of the Board, giving her even greater influence over the direction of the $200+ billion company. Under her leadership, Accenture made aggressive investments in AI, digital innovation, and gender parity in the workplace.
A complex legacy of leadership
Julie Sweet is widely recognised for championing diversity and inclusion, aiming to achieve a 50/50 gender split in Accenture’s workforce by 2025. But in a surprise move in 2025, she led the company to pause its external diversity benchmarking efforts, signaling a shift in corporate strategy.In parallel, she has focused on preparing Accenture for the future of work — doubling the company’s workforce in AI and data-related fields, and launching global innovation hubs to lead in generative AI.
Boards, influence, and beyond
Outside Accenture, Sweet holds influential positions across several organisations. She is a member of The Business Council, Business Roundtable, and Catalyst, and serves on boards such as the World Economic Forum and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.Julie Sweet’s career, from debate stages to law firm boardrooms to leading a Fortune Global 500 giant, is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t linear. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and bold ambition, offering a blueprint for professionals looking to break barriers and reinvent themselves in an ever-changing world.
About the Author
