Yaarit Silverstone is a Senior Managing Director and Reinvention Executive Advisor Vice Chair at Accenture. She leads the firm’s Global Talent and Organization Strategy practice, advising C-Suites on effective reinvention journeys enabling the people, technology, and corporate growth agenda. She has an exceptional track record of diagnosing complex organization issues with global clients across industries, highlighting her unique insights in technology, human capability, and engagement to create and deliver 360 value and purpose. Yaarit has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Human Capital Consultants and Leaders of 2023 and 2024 by The Consulting Report and was recently featured by Women We Admire. She is a published author and editor in her field and frequent contributor to business articles. She lives in Atlanta with her family and is originally from South Africa.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Yaarit shared her professional trajectory, insights on her approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, the secret mantra behind her success, significant career milestones, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Yaarit. What inspired you to pursue a career in strategy and organizational development, and what motivates you to continue in this field?
I believe that the greatest impact we can have on people’s lives is through their livelihood. I fell into strategic consulting in my early career in South Africa when I was asked to help dismantle apartheid in the company that I was working for. I moved into strategy to improve people’s lives, and I learned how it allows us to have a more significant impact on the health, wealth, and well-being of communities. My focus has always been on making a difference, maintaining integrity, and having a clear sense of purpose. This career has given me the opportunity to help shape companies, impact leaders and their people. It is wonderful to see that CEOs and markets are increasingly valuing people.
What do you love the most about your current role?
In my current role, I am passionate about helping people develop their skills and succeed in their careers. I have the opportunity to shape both the thinking, direction, and way organizations and people bring their ambitions to life. Strategy provides an opportunity to keep one foot in today and one in tomorrow. In strategy, you are surrounded by complex puzzles that are intellectually and emotionally stimulating. Success, to me, is about balancing how far we can go and enabling people to be a part of the future. Every organization is different, but the underlying philosophy involves a growth mindset and systemic thinking.
What role do you think technology, such as AI and analytics, will play in shaping the future of talent management and organizational effectiveness?
AI, generative AI, and agentic technologies are rapidly transforming the workplace by handling complex tasks and enabling processes. This year, agentic capability is a key topic at Davos, with CEOs and world leaders making clear that this is the future and they are investing now. This shift will change our work and lives, creating more capacity and impacting operating models and processes. It will allow increasing connectivity and achievement of outcomes we are still to discover. We are truly at the start of this journey.
Most roles will be augmented by technology, with some roles being replaced and new ones created to build capability, teach collaboration with technology, and develop yet unimagined applications. AI and analytics are crucial for enhancing decision-making, processes, improving employee experiences, and driving organizational agility. They can help identify skill gaps, predict future talent needs, and personalize learning and development programs. Today, these technologies enable more effective performance management by providing real-time insights and feedback.
Technology is moving faster than our ability to consume it, so we need to figure out how to harness its power in a way that makes our lives better.
Can you discuss your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and how you help organizations create a more inclusive and equitable culture?
Fostering an inclusive environment is essential for organizational success and innovation. I aim to build trust and ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued. I am committed to implementing inclusive policies and practices and have experienced the power of people feeling seen and valued, being able to bring their strengths to work.
You were recognized as one of the Top 25 Human Capital Consultants and Leaders of 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
I am grateful to be recognized. Not sure that there is any secret. Continuous learning and a commitment to making a positive difference underly my career trajectory. I have been lucky enough to play many roles and learn from all of them. If you have worked with me, I talk about continuous learning and the half-life of knowledge and capability, an abundance mindset, being inclusive, and inviting others in. I aspire to be kind always, (kindness as Adam Grant defines it [doing what helps people improve tomorrow]).
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your career, and how have they helped shape your professional journey?
There are so many people that I credit for mentorship throughout my career. A few highlights include an early mentor who shared “people will remember you for the 1% that you do, not necessarily do well, so focus on your gaps as well as your strengths” and the people who gave me opportunities long before I felt ready and worthy which enabled me to learn and grow. I know that we are way more impactful when we are a WE vs a ME. I have tried to make space, share credit, care, and challenge in the same way that my mentors have done for me. If I would name anyone, I would be neglecting so many others that I appreciate and value. Two I would call out are my parents, my Mom who taught me to be fierce and my Dad who taught me to be kind.
What has been your most career-defining moment that you are proud of?
A crucible moment early in my career was being seconded, to a consortium of clients to be the CEO of a start-up. It gave me an opportunity to step up, create a company, work with the C-Suites of 5 Global companies, solve pressing problems at speed and build a team that would create a sustainable company. Additionally, I am proud of building multiple and diverse practices that have allowed me to have lifelong friendships, make a positive impact and learn.
How do you prioritize your well-being and self-care amidst a demanding career?
This is probably the toughest question. I would say that my focus on self-care ebbs and flows. Today, I do prioritize getting sleep, building strength through exercise and walking, taking time out, and eating smartly. My friends are incredibly generous, I am the one who is least present and always traveling. They are kind and inclusive and encourage me to participate and engage and make space and hold no grudges. Most important to me is my family, they keep me grounded, are full of care. My husband and two wonderful children and my nieces and nephew who are like my children. Probably love and care are the best medicine.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself evolving as a leader over the next five years?
I envision myself evolving as a leader by deepening my expertise in emerging technologies and the impact on organizations and people to enable transformations more effectively. Focusing on shaping my legacy and ensuring that I create a positive path for others that is sustainable.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in strategy and organizational development?
We are all unfinished work. Have high expectations for yourself, strive to show up as the best version of yourself always, AND be open to learning and feedback, be kind to yourself and not overly critical.
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning by seeking new knowledge and opportunities to expand your experiences and capabilities.
Build strong, collaborative relationships with friends, colleagues, and be open to great mentors.
Understanding the strategic goals of the organizations you work with and aligning your efforts to support these objectives is crucial for driving meaningful impact.
Lastly, be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new challenges. Flexibility and resilience are key traits in this field.