The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving 579: Former Accenture Partner Brad Englert on Career Growth Through Relationships
10 snips
Aug 20, 2025 Brad Englert, a former Accenture partner and CIO, emphasizes the power of genuine relationships in career advancement. He shares insights on navigating corporate politics and building trust, highlighting how effective mentorship can unlock opportunities. Brad offers practical strategies for creating lasting client connections and discusses the impact of proactive communication on leadership success. His own journey illustrates the importance of adaptability in the face of change, making his experiences valuable for anyone looking to enhance their influence and resilience in their career.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
From Teacher To Technology Leader
- Brad moved from teaching to IT after realising technical skills prevent being held hostage by programmers.
- He trained at Arthur Andersen/Accenture and rose to run $20–30M projects before later becoming UT Austin CIO.
Pause And Clarify Urgent Requests
- When asked for urgent work, pause and ask clarifying questions to set realistic expectations.
- Use simple phrases like "whoa" to create space and avoid cancelling commitments or burning out.
Vacation Supported By Client Trust
- Brad told a client months in advance about a prebooked Australia trip and they supported it, letting a deputy run things.
- The trust paid off and his absence demonstrated delegation and built confidence in the team.
