Frame Finding #022: The “We Lead the Wave” Frame

Spotted in: CNBC Interview with Accenture CEO Julie Sweet
Topic: How AI affects Accenture’s business model
Frame Used: Contrast + Technology Wave Analogy

Scenario:

AI poses a double-edged sword for service firms: it could empower their offerings—or replace them. When CNBC asked Accenture CEO Julie Sweet whether AI threatens their consulting model, she didn’t deny the disruption. Instead, she reframed the moment as proof of Accenture’s ability to grow because of change.

“We see AI as a massive opportunity.

If you go back to November 2022 when ChatGPT burst onto the scene, we had about 30 people globally working on GenAI, mostly in R&D.

In the first six months, we did $300 million of sales.
In the last six months, we did $2.6 billion in sales.
A massive change in just 2.5 years.

We went from 30 employees to over 500,000 trained in the fundamentals, 270,000 deeper, and 1,100 clients today and growing.

Just like prior technology waves, things change—and we are the ones who lead companies to the change.”

What This Frame Does

  • Highlights explosive acceleration: $300M → $2.6B creates instant contrast
  • Frames scale as proof of adaptability: 30 → 500,000 trained shows readiness at speed
  • Normalizes disruption: Calls AI one of many waves they’ve already mastered
  • Positions the company as the guide, not the disrupted

Why It Works

  • The revenue contrast is undeniable: From $300M to $2.6B in GenAI sales isn’t adaptation—it’s domination
  • Data proves readiness: It’s not a vision—it’s reality
  • Familiarity reduces fear: Comparing AI to past waves reassures stakeholders

Takeaway for Communicators

When your audience sees disruption, show them the inflection point. Let the numbers frame the shift—and position yourself as the one who already crossed the threshold.

Dry version:
AI could disrupt traditional consulting—but also create new revenue streams.

Framed version:
In six months, GenAI went from $300M to $2.6B in revenue for Accenture. This isn’t a disruption—it’s the next wave. And just like before, Accenture isn’t catching up. We’re already leading.