Jeffrey Russell

Having the chance to speak with the North America Products Lead, Jeffrey Russell was an eye opener and great way to kick off last Friday! The opportunity to pick his brain and learn from his experience was truly amazing.

It wasn't surprising to learn that his greatest day to day challenge is balancing priorities. We all understand that struggle! Jeff's top three key decision making criteria when prioritizing tasks are Clients Come First, Taking Care of His People and Managing his Stakeholders.

It was encouraging to hear him confirm things that my professors emphasize, like the client comes first. This tells me that I'm on the right track! I also learned that three skill sets essential to his team are his three C's: Creativity, Confidence, and Capabilities. If you are industry align be the go-to SME, for our consultants, be excellent content builders and if you are our client relationship leaders build strong trust based relationships. With those tips in mind his advice to me, a young up-and-coming leader was to be customer centric, have respect for the individual, and be true to myself. Over the course of his time at Accenture Jeffrey said that one of the things that have not changed are the company's core values.

• Client value creation

• One global network

• Respect for the individual

• Best people

• Integrity

• Stewardship

Jeff shared tidbits of wisdom passed down to him as he was starting his career.

• The world is your oyster,

• Be open minded, the possibilities are endless, and

• To take a risk or two every day.

We ended our coffee break with a few fun facts. To stay in the loop on industry and business trends, Jeff reads the Financial Times daily and serves on external boards for the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and National Achievement to gain tangible insights from the community. What he does to maintain a healthy work life balance is having a happy home life, cycling & spin, and traveling whenever he gets the chance.

I gained valuable trade secrets as I continue my journey with Accenture: great decision making criteria's, essential skill sets for success and tips to keep current!