The 2020 Women Leaders in Technology: Laila Worrell

Ask her what she loves about consulting and she'll say how it inspires her since she is so mission driven. "I enjoy inspiring people to find the bigger purpose in what they do. For our amazing team at Altran Americas, that means helping our clients make people's lives safer, healthier and more connected," Worrell says. "And I am lucky to lead a diverse team of innovators, designers, engineers and relationship-builders who are deeply committed to helping our clients excel."

After Accenture, she joined BCG as a Partner doing work in private equity. "One of my private equity-owned clients, Aricent, asked me to join as COO, bringing me back to the technology services field," she says.  

Altran bought Aricent in 2018 and rebranded it last year. Today Worrell is CEO of Altran Americas and her ability to step right into the role is what she considers her greatest professional achievement so far. "I stepped into the role leading Aricent, now Altran Americas, during a very difficult time for the company, and I'm very proud of the enormous progress we drove in the business in a very short time," she says. "To get through a challenge, you have to build a strong, cohesive team that is aligned on goals and believes in them fiercely. My greatest professional achievements involve building winning teams."

As far as a personal achievement, Worrell says that for most people with children, there is no greater personal accomplishment than seeing them grow and develop with grace, character and integrity.   

Worrell says she has been fortunate enough to have worked with incredible mentors and colleagues throughout her career, and they have shared so much great advice.

I think often about advice shared with me by Mike Sutcliff, the former Group CEO of Accenture Digital.  Mike said, "Assume positive intent. Most people are trying to do the right thing."  

Putting this advice into practice changes the whole tone of a conversation and even a company's culture.  If someone makes a mistake, it is usually not because they wanted to be wrong. Coach instead of criticize. Be constructive, she says.  

It doesn't help matters that woman are under-represented in science and technology, she says. "So most women working in the field experience the challenges that come with underrepresentation," she says. "Diversity is probably more important in technology than almost any other field, because technology is about innovation, and innovation requires diversity of perspective."  

And when it comes to winning a Women Leaders in Technology award, Worrell says that it's an honor to be recognized, and she's especially honored to a part of the inaugural class of women to receive the award. "Looking at the full roster of winners, it's a very impressive group," she says.  

Professionally, what are you most looking forward over the next 12 months?

Worrell: "Capgemini recently acquired a majority stake in our company. This will be the second change of ownership for our company in two years, and I'm looking forward to getting to know a new set of clients and colleagues."