Accenture's CEO says using AI is now required for promotion: It's 'how we do work'

At Accenture, demonstrating proficiency in artificial intelligence has become a crucial requirement for employees aspiring to climb the corporate ladder. Julie Sweet, the company's CEO, emphasized that AI is now integral to how performance is assessed within the organization. "Today, AI at Accenture is how we do work," she remarked during a recent episode of the 'Rapid Response' podcast. Sweet clarified that the expectation for employees to utilize AI should not be viewed as coercive. She likened this transition to the historic adoption of computers in workplaces, asserting that these innovations are simply new tools necessary for effective company operations. As part of her vision to position Accenture as an 'AI-first' company, Sweet highlighted the importance of leadership understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI technology. Following the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, the top 50 executives at Accenture underwent extensive training to fully grasp the technology's potential. Sweet noted, "If they didn't understand the power, they would not be able to help us actually transform how we're delivering our services." Accenture's AI strategy has been reinforced through various initiatives, including a partnership with ChatGPT established last December and an expanded collaboration with Anthropic shortly after. The firm has also made difficult decisions, including layoffs of employees who cannot be retrained for AI-related roles, and launched a new division dedicated to AI, known as 'reinvention services', last September. Accenture's approach reflects a broader trend among major corporations linking AI usage to career progression. A report from Cisco revealed that employees recommended for promotions engaged with AI 50% more frequently than their counterparts. Furthermore, Amazon has begun incorporating AI usage assessments into promotion packets in various divisions. Jamie Siminoff, founder of Ring and now overseeing several Amazon businesses, stated that employees applying for promotions must detail their AI integration in their work, indicating a growing emphasis on AI capabilities in career advancement across the tech industry.