1st Tuesday: 5 Things About Christy Sovereign

Name: Christy Sovereign

Education: Carlson School of Management, '89 BSB

Current Title: President and CEO, 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

Senior Managing Director, Minneapolis Lead, Accenture

Years Served in Current Role: I have spent over 35 years at Accenture, with the privilege to serve as the CEO of the 2026 Games since May 2022.

Hobbies: Enjoying time with family and friends
 

The Carlson School welcomes Christy Sovereign, the president and CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, as the featured guest of the 1st Tuesday Speaker Series on June 3. Secure your seats for the next 1st Tuesday event at this event registration link. Before Sovereign takes the stage at the McNamara Alumni Center, here are five things to know about her:

What was your first job?

My first job was waiting tables, which I suppose was a precursor to a career in client service! The daily tasks and challenges of waiting tables provided a practical training ground for many of the core principles and characteristics of servant leadership. Waiting tables is a role where success is directly tied to your ability to serve others effectively, and that desire to serve has stayed with me throughout my career.

What about the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games excites you?

My role as CEO is deeply personal to me. My sister, Katie, has been a Special Olympics athlete for over 40 years and, through her, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of inclusion in sports. I’m honored to be at the helm of an incredible team that’s focused on leaving a legacy and long-term impact that will extend well beyond the week of competition. The 2026 Games provide a platform to strengthen Special Olympics programming and, importantly, increase opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities by fostering an ongoing commitment to inclusion in workplaces, schools, and communities across the state of Minnesota.

What’s a trait you value in a leader?

Raised with a sister who has an intellectual disability, ‘Respect for the Individual’ is a core value of mine. I value the ability to actively listen, understand the unique perspectives of everyone around the table, and appreciate that everyone has a key role to play and contribution to make to deliver on team outcomes. Leadership is the art of assembling talent, creating the right environment, and providing the right tools and support to bring out the best in everyone.

What’s a lesson from school you still use today?

Working with others in a group and understanding the art—and power—of the collaborative process was a tremendous learning opportunity provided by the Carlson School. Collaboration across the team is so much more impactful and powerful than any individual contribution, and the mantra of “ferocious debate among friends,” which enriches all ideas that come forward, is a working principle that I’ve carried from the classroom to my leadership teams.

What’s your top advice for students pursuing careers in business?

Business and market change are guaranteed; being nimble/agile/adaptable is a critical skill if you want to be successful. Stay curious and be a lifelong learner to enable you to evolve with the times and remain relevant. Be the person in the room who challenges the status quo with fresh perspectives by questioning existing practices and suggesting new ideas. Trust your voice and your instinct—and enjoy the ride!