By SGN | 29 Oct 2025
For Joon-Seong Lee, the early days at Accenture in the 1990s were a test of curiosity, endurance and grit.
Fresh into his career, he threw himself into mastering consulting, from structured problem solving to strategy and process redesign, while building deep technical expertise in system design and implementation.
“I wanted to understand how to help clients capture new opportunities or solve business challenges effectively,” he says.
“I remember long nights at the office, switching between PowerPoint, Excel and system codes, trying to connect the dots. It was exhausting but rewarding, because every time we uncovered a meaningful solution, it felt like a small win.”
He quickly realised that consulting was not just about technical skill. It was about understanding people, translating data into insights and earning trust. From those early years, he learnt the value of resilience and the importance of navigating pressure, tight deadlines and constant change.
Learning what it takes to be a consultant
Projects did not always go to plan and deadlines often felt impossible, but for Joon-Seong, those moments taught him the most. “Ironically, I learned the most during these challenging times, and it built my resilience,” he says.
He sees consulting as a constant lesson in breaking down complex problems, navigating uncertainty, and working with clients to find solutions. “To truly add value, you have to keep learning and applying new skills,” he explains.
For him, consulting has been a lifelong journey of learning, one that began early in his career and continues today, especially in fast-changing areas such as Generative AI and Agentic AI. “Staying relevant means not just keeping up but staying ahead, and that requires speed and adaptability.”
Joon-Seong follows what he calls a T-shaped model for growth, developing deep expertise in areas such as data and AI while also building broad skills in leadership, management, and blending business with technology.
“Both soft skills and hard skills matter,” he says, “because it is not just about knowing your craft but knowing how to use it to make an impact.”
How analytics sparked a lifelong passion for AI
It was during those early years of consulting that Joon-Seong first discovered his fascination with analytics.
“I began my career at Accenture working in banking, on projects ranging from core banking to credit risk transformation,” he recalls. Over time, he became drawn to analytics after seeing how predictive analytics and data science could create real impact.
One engagement in particular, left a lasting impression. Predictive analytics was used to tackle customer attrition by accurately identifying those likely to churn. “That project was award-winning and truly eye-opening,” he says.
It was in that moment he realised how data could be used to uncover insights and help businesses make smarter decisions. That realisation sparked a passion for AI that has stayed with him ever since.
“I still remember an assignment in China where I built my first predictive model for a telecommunications client to drive upsell and cross-sell,” he shares with a chuckle. “The model did not perform as well as I hoped, but the lessons I learned were invaluable.”
Stepping into leadership positions
Over time, Joon-Seong’s expertise in data and AI, paired with his leadership potential, led to him taking on a variety of roles, from managing projects and teams to overseeing entire practices.
His work took him across the world, from China to Australia, London to Mauritius, and throughout ASEAN. One milestone was being part of the team that helped establish Accenture’s practice in China. His leadership earned him Accenture’s Leadership Award from the Singapore team in 2009.
He later took on senior regional roles across Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, leading data and AI teams in key growth markets. As a member of Accenture’s APAC Operating Committee and Southeast Asia Executive Committee, he helped shape and deliver the firm’s regional data and AI strategy.
With these roles came a shift in focus. Beyond projects and strategies, Joon-Seong began to concentrate on enabling his teams. “Leadership is about inspiring people to realise their potential,” he reflects. “It is about recognising strengths, creating opportunities, and leading by example rather than pushing from behind.”
The onset of COVID-19 tested these beliefs. Faced with sudden disruption, his teams mobilised quickly to develop AI-powered solutions such as optimising supply chains. “True leadership shows in times of uncertainty,” he says. “Leaders must step forward, confront challenges head on, and bring people along with them.”
Leading across diverse cultures also shaped his approach. “When working with teams and clients from different backgrounds, it is important not to prejudge and to recognise your own biases,” he advises. “The key is finding common ground and shared purpose so everyone can focus on what matters most.”
New horizons in New York: Leading and learning in a global city
Since the start of 2025, at Accenture’s request, Joon-Seong has been based in the company’s New York office as Senior Managing Director and Global Lead for Growth AI at Accenture’s Center for Advanced AI.
“Moving to New York was never part of my plan, but when the offer came, it was hard to resist,” he admits.
After several years leading APAC and ASEAN data and AI teams, he saw the move as a natural next step. Not everyone agreed, however. “Why leave the comfort of home, where you are already thriving, to start fresh abroad?” he recalls friends asking.
Nevertheless, with the encouragement and blessings of his parents and in-laws, he and his wife took the leap to begin a new chapter.
New York is fast paced, competitive and one of the most diverse cities in the world. “The city’s energy suits a Singaporean like me,” he reflects with a smile. “But with so many cultures, every conversation requires careful listening, open dialogue and a willingness to understand different perspectives before finding common ground.”
For Joon-Seong, networking goes beyond meetings and committees. “I try to bring people together around a shared purpose so they can inspire and learn from one another,” he says. “Curiosity, humility and openness make all the difference.”
Despite the move, he found Accenture’s culture familiar. “The core values remain the same, but working styles differ. You have to observe and adapt your approach to the situation.”
As part of Accenture’s Global Leadership Council, Joon-Seong now helps shape the firm’s global strategy, working with senior leaders to set priorities, review performance and address challenges that impact the whole organisation.
Beyond corporate responsibilities, Joon-Seong seeks out ways to build community and find his tribe in New York. He has embraced opportunities to stay connected with home, joining National Day celebrations organised by the Singapore Embassy and the Singapore Global Network.
“It is always special to celebrate National Day overseas,” he reflects. “In previous years, I have marked the occasion with red-and-white decorations, eating delicious Singaporean food, and listening to Kit Chan’s Home, which never fails to soothe a bit of homesickness.
Joon-Seong's views on the impact of AI
“Despite working with AI for decades, it has never stopped fascinating me,” Joon-Seong reflects.
His curiosity grew in an unexpected way during his search for an apartment in New York. For several days, he exchanged emails with “Grace”, a real estate agent who patiently guided him through listings and offered personalised recommendations. Only later did he discover that Grace was not a person at all but a generative AI-powered chatbot.
“Grace replied to my requests quickly and politely, just as a top-performing human agent would,” he recalls with a smile. “That experience brought to life the transformative potential of the latest AI technologies, Generative AI and Agentic AI.”
For Joon-Seong, this new wave of AI is unlike anything before. These systems are starting to think, reason and make decisions much like humans and, in some cases, even outperform us. “This is a profound shift that will reshape the way we live and work,” he says.
He believes the change is inevitable. “AI is unstoppable. Its impact will be felt in every industry and across every job.” Yet with that excitement comes a deep sense of responsibility. “Some roles will disappear, others will evolve and entirely new ones will emerge. We are entering the era of digital workers collaborating alongside humans.”
The key, he stresses, lies in how we respond. “Instead of fearing change, we should embrace it. Learning about AI, understanding its possibilities and applying it thoughtfully has never been more important.”
He shares a story of his Executive Assistant, Sherece Gripper, who initially felt anxious about AI. Instead of resisting the change, she chose to learn how to use it to enhance her work.
“Sherece’s approach was inspiring,” he says. “It showed me that embracing AI can be empowering rather than frightening.”
Joon-Seong believes AI will not simply replace jobs but reshape them. Roles such as prompt engineers already exist and new ones such as vibe coders are emerging, where developers guide AI with natural language instead of code. “This shows how technology can open possibilities we could never have imagined before,” he says.
For him, AI is not just a tool. “AI can unlock human potential in ways we have never seen, allowing us to achieve more, faster and in ways we never thought possible.”
What lies ahead in the age of AI
“Stopping the growth of AI is not realistic. What we can do is embrace it strategically, innovatively and responsibly,” Joon-Seong explains.
He believes accountability must be shared among governments, policymakers, academia, industries and individuals. Governments can promote AI adoption, policymakers set safeguards, academia upskills the workforce, industries innovate and support development, and individuals must keep learning to stay relevant.
Singapore has already laid a strong foundation for this approach. “Inaction is not an option. The AI race has already begun, competition is intense, and standing still means falling behind,” he asserts.
For those aiming to make an impact on the global stage, he stresses the importance of a global mindset, adaptability and a human-centred approach. “Adopt a global mindset, be willing to adapt quickly, invest in talent development, stay curious and never stop learning.”
His advice to Singapore’s startups and young tech talent is clear: think globally from the outset, remain agile and embrace lifelong learning. “In the US, I see people building for the world, not just their backyard. That is something we as Singaporeans can adopt more,” he reflects.
Leadership, he adds, is also about giving back. From mentoring students to helping charities harness technology, he finds meaning in lifting others. To those who aspire to lead on the global stage, his counsel is simple: step out of your comfort zone, be courageous and be ready when opportunity comes.
Reflecting on his journey, he closes with words from Lee Kuan Yew:
“There is a glorious rainbow that beckons those with the spirit of adventure. And there are rich findings at the end of that rainbow. To the young and the not-so-old, I say, look at that horizon, follow that rainbow, go ride it.”
About Joon-Seong
Joon-Seong Lee is Senior Managing Director and Global Lead for Growth AI at Accenture’s Center for Advanced AI in New York. He contributes to tech governance with SUTD, iShine, and the Singapore Computer Society. An avid runner and hiker, he has completed a marathon, summited Mount Fuji, and reached Everest Base Camp.
Connect with him here.
