The evolving workplace (or what I wish I told my younger self)

In 1983, when I walked through the doors of my first job in Washington, D.C., I could have never anticipated where life would take me — from a young staff accountant to a vice chair at Ernst & Young, advising C-suites and boards, as well as leading thousands of professionals. And now it’s bittersweet to be retiring from EY in just a few short weeks.

This spring, as graduates everywhere are preparing to navigate their transition to the professional world, I’d like to share three things I’ve learned over the decades — and what I would tell my younger self.

First, the workplace has evolved in countless ways. Interoffice memos gave way to email and instant messaging, executive teams have thankfully diversified, and long gone is the idea that bosses must be stern overseers. Today, the most effective leaders know that authenticity, listening to others and showing empathy are key to winning trust. Now, it’s not only welcomed, but encouraged, that we bring our whole selves to work.

About eight years ago, my youngest son came out as transgender. While I had long prided myself on supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, this was a transformative moment. With my son’s permission, I shared openly about our family’s journey, hoping to convey to LGBTQ+ people that they are seen, cherished and valued. I then leveraged my influence to advocate for change, working to pass anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination laws in Virginia and Massachusetts and to lobby Congress in support of the Equality Act.

It’s clear that people don’t want to work for bosses: they want to work for, and with, real people. Being yourself, and being open and honest, helps create trust with your teams, as does listening to their ideas and respecting others’ perspectives.

Second, I’ve also learned about the power of servant leadership. I’ve lived through terrible events, from 9/11 to several recessions to social injustices and now the pandemic. Each of these challenges has underscored that, in times of crisis, leaders are meant to serve, not be served.

In 2009, I was leading our Strategy and Transactions team when the financial crisis struck. Our business worked on corporate transactions, and I immediately focused on the economic fallout. But that moment was not about my fears. My teams were anxious and afraid, and I realized I needed to be calm and show others that I cared rather than put myself first.

On an aircraft carrier, the officers are always the last to eat. Bring this mindset into your career: Focus on serving your teams and meeting their needs before your own.

Lastly, like many people, staying at home during the pandemic helped me find a balance for the first time in years. I recognize that I’m lucky; my kids are young adults, and I haven’t been juggling virtual school with a full-time career. But if there’s one small silver lining of the pandemic, it’s that talking about emotional wellbeing and preventing burnout is no longer taboo.

Earlier in my career, I contemplated quitting on three separate occasions. I loved my job but was burned out. Turns out that working 16-hour days for 18 months with no vacation is a recipe for exhaustion and cynicism, and I had to learn the hard way that it’s not selfish to set boundaries. I am hopeful that today’s professionals are now keenly aware that prioritizing their mental, physical and emotional health is a must.

At this turning point, I look back at my younger self with empathy and nostalgia and am grateful for all my life experiences to date. To tomorrow’s leaders: learn your own lessons, pass them on to future generations and enjoy the ride. Take it from me — the years will fly by faster than you can imagine.

Based in Northern Virginia, Richard Jeanneret is a vice chair and U.S. east region managing partner for Ernst & Young, a position in which he has led more than 12,000 East Coast professionals. He previously served as EY Americas Strategy and Transactions Leader. Jeanneret holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Boston College. He is an ex officio board member of the Partnership for New York City, a member of the Economic Clubs of New York and Washington, D.C., and a board member for Vienna-based Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, the Lincoln Center Business Advisory Council, Over & Above Africa and Out Leadership’s Global Advisory Board. Jeanneret is retiring as of July 1, 2022.