Lara Abrash on Leadership, Decision-Making, and Career Growth at Deloitte

Lara Abrash didn’t just climb the corporate ladder—she redefined the ascent. As Chair of Deloitte’s US firm, she leads one of the most influential professional services organizations in the world. But leadership isn’t just about strategy and governance; it’s about listening, making tough decisions, and preparing the next generation for success.

In this episode, we dive into Lara’s career journey, the lessons that shaped her leadership style, and the pivotal role mentorship played along the way. She shares why listening is an active skill, why calculated risks drive innovation, and how personal fulfillment should be at the core of career decisions. From navigating the complexities of corporate governance to the evolution of mentorship in a fast-changing business world, Lara offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to lead at the highest level.

Key Takeaways

1. Lara Abrash is the Chair of Deloitte’s US firm, overseeing governance, risk management, and long-term strategy.
2. Effective decision-making hinges on understanding trade-offs and seeking diverse perspectives.
3. Leadership isn’t about just managing—it’s about vision, impact, and preparing the next generation.
4. Listening is a skill that requires active engagement, not just hearing.
5. Corporate culture thrives when leaders embrace calculated risks and innovation.
6. Personal experiences shape leadership styles—Lara’s mother was a key influence on her career aspirations.
7. Deloitte fosters an apprenticeship mentality, emphasizing mentorship and continuous learning.
8. Career fulfillment should be a guiding principle in professional decision-making.
9. The ability to pivot and stay curious is crucial in today’s leadership landscape.
10. The distinction between management and leadership requires a mindset shift from execution to strategy.
11. Trusted leadership is essential for navigating uncertainty and change.
12. Stewardship isn’t optional—leaders must actively prepare the next generation for success.

Chapters

00:00 Who is Lara Abrash and Deloitte

02:52 The Role of the Chair at Deloitte

05:59 Navigating Decision-Making in a Complex Environment

09:00 The Importance of Listening as a Leader

11:58 Personal Influences and Early Aspirations

15:00 Career Journey and Growth at Deloitte

18:58 Navigating Corporate Culture and Personal Growth

21:10 The Importance of Fulfillment in Career Choices

22:48 Understanding the Art of Accounting

25:37 The Role of Leadership vs. Management

28:06 Transitioning from Manager to Leader

35:07 The Evolution of Mentorship

38:47 Key Ideas for Aspiring Leaders

42:04 Stewardship and Future Leadership

Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network

🔗 Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/

🐦 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined

📩 Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/

🔥 Share your brand across the WRKdefined Podcast Network: https://wrkdefined.com/work

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices