01-15-2026
Success in your 20s is not about having it all figured out, says Jason Girzadas, CEO of Deloitte US. It is first about bringing an enthusiastic, fresh perspective and the cutting-edge experiences gained in your education to your organization. Second, he says, “Come with the willingness to learn.”
In his Executive Forum visit, Girzadas offered a roadmap rooted in ethics, transparency and long-term growth drawn from decades in the professional services industry.
For Girzadas, ethics and integrity in business are non-negotiable, especially in Deloitte’s sector, the professional services industry, where trust is the product.
Personal values matter deeply, and in large organizations they are strengthened by shared values and clear ethical frameworks. These frameworks can help ensure that good judgment and integrity are applied consistently. They also provide helpful guidance for everyday decisions about clients, work and relationships. As a student, learning to ask “What is the framework here?” prepares you to shape systems, not just make isolated “right calls.”
In a crowded market, Girzadas explains that creating differentiation starts with how an organization links business success to doing the right thing. Deloitte’s multidisciplinary services and long history of shared values go beyond technical capabilities; they reflect the principles that shape Deloitte’s work and brand.
Learning to frame your own career that way — leading with integrity as your differentiator — helps you stand out for the right reasons.
Girzadas describes today as a VUCA world that demands VUCA leadership: navigating volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity with clarity and courage. Deloitte is focused on being human-led and AI-powered, embedding tools across its consulting, tax and audit and assurance services. It expects its people to understand how AI can be an enabler.
Staying literate about AI while grounding decisions in strong ethics is necessary for every leader in today’s up-tempo business environments.
Girzadas’ journey, from introverted student to Deloitte US CEO, underscores the importance of self-awareness and personal transparency.
“You need to keep a personal inventory of the skills and experiences that you have and those things that you know you don't have that make you uncomfortable and nervous. Then find ways to address them,” says Girzadas.
He urges young professionals to keep an honest inventory of skills, seek feedback and be inclusive-minded team members who contribute energy, curiosity and respect to every group they join. In doing so, you align your personal development with the same transparency organizations expect: clear, consistent signals that others can rely on.
View and listen to Girzadas’ Executive Forum class:
The Daniels School’s Executive Forum is held in person on the West Lafayette campus and is open to the public, as seating permits. Follow the business school on LinkedIn to learn about upcoming Forum speakers and more.
