Voice of Experience: Janet Hoffman, Managing Director, Accenture

By Michelle Hendelman

Although Janet Hoffman is proud of being a managing director of Accenture’s global retail practice, she does not take for granted the professional experience she gained working outside of Accenture on an entrepreneurial opportunity. “I liked the prospect of trying something very different,” said Hoffman, “and it was a great learning experience. I gained insight into things like the power of a brand, the importance of client relationships, and a different view of technology and various aspects of marketing, but I also realized what I missed most about Accenture which I call Intellect, Integrity and Investment in Innovation.”

Having the courage to take more risks is something that Hoffman wishes she understood the value of earlier in her career, but she has certainly proven that it is never too late to take your career off the beaten path as long as you leave a trail back to where you came from just in case you ever are asked or want to return. Hoffman explained, “Because I maintained so many professional and personal relationships with people at Accenture it was easy to come back to the company in this new role, which is to develop our most strategic client relationships in our Products operating group.”

Hoffman started her career working in the healthcare and retail industries and embarked on her consulting career sixteen years ago. “Initially I took responsibility for individual clients, then multiple clients and then led the Global Retail practice from Paris where I gained exposure to the international marketplace,” said Hoffman.

She added, “I’ve always wanted to take on new roles and a few years ago I was asked to develop a digital consumer strategy across the industries Accenture serves, which was a project and role I found particularly interesting and relevant.”

In this role developing Accenture’s most strategic client relationships, Hoffman also enjoys working with clients and colleagues from many different industries. She explained, “Being in lots of industries and leveraging insights and solutions across them intrigues me and satisfies my love of learning. I’m also excited about a new team, which has an incredible history of success and unlimited potential for the future.”

As part of managing Accenture’s strategic relationships Hoffman also is interested in seeing how she can effectively leverage and apply digital technology. She said, “I’m interested in all aspects of digital, especially creating value in the digital world and the ramifications of digital on operations and organizations as a whole.”

Advice for Professional Women

“With the right attitude and aspirations I don’t see anything women can’t achieve,” said Hoffman. She encourages young women to always make sure they getting the right experience and the right exposure in order to advance in their careers. One of the best ways to make this happen is through internal and external networking, according to Hoffman.

Once you have established a strong network, Hoffman emphasized just how important it is to maximize your network by keeping it active and fresh. Maintaining these professional relationships is so important to your career advancement, regardless of what point you are at in your career, explained Hoffman.

Hoffman applauded the work that Accenture does each year to celebrate International Women’s Day. She said, “Accenture’s celebration of International Women’s Day always blows me away. Not only does it focus attention on the more than 90,000 women we have in our company but the research we conduct always has great insights I use in my career, with my teams and with our clients.”

Hoffman added, “International Women’s Day is always inspiring and educational and I look forward to March 8 every year.”

Outside the Office

In her personal time, Hoffman enjoys exploring the outdoors and seeing the world by doing as much international travel as possible. “I also like good food and wine, especially when they’re shared with my dearest friends,” Hoffman added.