Fireside Chat, Interview
Julie Sweet: Chief Executive Officer of Accenture
- Artificial intelligence is projected to drive a decade of transformation, becoming a core competency for all companies, while automation, analytics, and AI (AAA) are expected to be delivered as a fundamental capability for every organization.
- Blockchain technology remains in the pilot stage and is not yet in full production; although it is predicted to transform purchasing, sales, government interaction, and authentication, most companies are advised against being first movers, with a recommendation to focus on mature digital investments that yield near-term results while tracking blockchain's future trajectory.
- 5G technology is in its very early days but is forecast to be 10 times more transformative than 4G, offering 100 times more bandwidth and zero latency, requiring telecom companies to invest billions in infrastructure and prompting every business to understand how the technology will reshape their specific industry.
- Future leadership will require characteristics including continuous learning, the ability to make decisions under ambiguity, and comfort with taking smart risks and failures within a culture where moving fast involves acceptable mistakes, alongside strong communication skills and an innovation mindset cultivated through diverse experiences.
- Accenture aims to continue making progress on diversity and inclusion with a commitment to broaden the focus beyond women to everyone, acknowledging current gaps while preparing leaders to think differently and guide others through necessary change.