Ca­reer - Un­filtered: Doubt is a nat­ur­al part of work­ing life and lead­er­ship

What motivates you most in your role as Head of Integrated & Supply Planning at Coop Denmark?
"Being part of a community and contributing to the transformation Coop is undergoing – where we are not just improving, but rethinking how we run our logistics. The entire value chain and supply chain are a critical foundation for achieving and sustaining commercial success. So being the bridge between the structural and the human, and between strategy and operations, makes a great deal of sense to me. The grocery sector is truly unique: It is fast-paced, demands a high level of detail, and there is a short distance from idea to action, with an expectation that we quickly see the impact of what we do."

When is your work most challenging?
"Balancing the right priorities and bringing the organisation together around a transformation with many parallel tracks. We cannot succeed at everything at once, so it becomes essential to be clear about direction and choices. The complexity lies precisely in the fact that different parts of the organisation naturally move at different speeds – some are ready to accelerate, while others are still building stability and understanding. It requires presence and capacity to understand different perspectives and priorities, while also being able to drive progress through involvement, trust and shared ownership, rather than trying to control everything yourself."

When do you feel most in doubt in your working life?
"Earlier in my career, I saw the feeling of doubt as something that meant I was failing, or as a sign that I lacked knowledge or skills. It felt like something that needed to be resolved – preferably quickly. The MMD programme at CBS has helped me embrace doubt as a natural part of working life and leadership. Strategy and change are rarely about finding the perfect answer from the outset, but about continuously refining the direction together with others. And where strategy and change have the greatest impact on business processes and relationships, that is also where the doubt tends to be greatest."

Which decision has had the greatest impact on your career – and why?
"The most important decisions in my career have been my job changes. Experiencing different industries and cultures creates a natural basis for comparison and reflection on why things are the way they are. Organisations have different dynamics, customer needs and requirements for the supply chain. It has helped me greatly that I moved from Sweden to Denmark for a job, which has also given me new perspectives on culture, organisations and ways of working. Executive education has also played a crucial role: The HD programme strengthened my professional competences, while the MMD programme added a new dimension on a personal and interpersonal level."

What do you do differently today compared to before you began at CBS?
"I spend more time seeking out perspectives beyond my own organisation. CBS has been an important platform for both professional inspiration and networking – through my HD programme and later the MMD, as well as the communities that have continued beyond my studies. One of the most important things I have taken with me is the value of continuously challenging my own assumptions. Experience is important, but it can quickly become a limitation if I do not also seek out new perspectives. That is why I actively try to engage in professional communities and dialogues where I can be challenged and inspired by different ways of thinking and working."

What would you like to learn or improve next?
"I have always been fascinated by strong communicators and storytellers who can convey clear messages about complex dilemmas. Improving my ability to communicate concisely and precisely – to convey thoughts, strategy and actions – would, I believe, strengthen both my connection with colleagues and overall understanding."

What ambitions or dreams in your working life have you yet to achieve?
"I have always had a dream of working abroad and in an international context – that dream has, in many ways, been realised, but I hope the future will bring even more adventures. Another ambition is to be part of, and succeed with, a business turnaround – I believe that is something I will achieve within the next few years."

What has your work taught you about yourself? Name one good and one less good thing.
"Over time, I have become more aware that the best solutions rarely emerge on their own, but most often through shared dialogue and reflection. I have also learned how important the working context and organisational culture are to me. They have a significant impact on how I thrive and stay motivated. An environment with a high pace, a complex supply chain, strong collaboration and a high degree of autonomy is important to me."

What do you hope to have gained from your working life in 10 years’ time – beyond title and salary?
"First and foremost, I hope to be able to look back on a working life that has developed in harmony with my family and personal life. Over the past 10 years, my working life has given me opportunities for personal development and allowed me, as a person, to try and experience new things. I hope the next 10 years will offer the same."