Growing up on the outskirts of Copenhagen, my early professional experiences shaped a strong sense of purpose. Having spent my academic and professional career building my financial toolbox in various investment banking roles, I realized early on the value of diversity in thought. This realization only deepened as I pursued a career in equity research, where I found myself as the only female sell-side analyst in Denmark. Being in the minority, I witnessed firsthand the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership.
As I progressed in my career, I knew I wanted to lead in a way that fostered diversity while making a tangible impact on the world. This led me to IMD.
I saw IMD as the perfect place to grow as a leader, largely because of its emphasis on diversity of thought, self-reflection, and academic rigor. Reflecting, being in such a setting with people who think differently than I do, has been essential to my growth – as have the integrated exercises, discovery trips, and expeditions.
No two days have been alike. One day, we’re thrown headfirst into a crisis management simulation, the next day we’re flown to Singapore to learn about the power of technology from some of the world’s most influential companies and governments.
My most recent Discovery Expedition to Argentina was a revelation. I learned more in 24 hours in Buenos Aires than I have from most management books. Three lessons now live in my decision journal (another addition to my vocabulary this year)
- It’s better to be decisive and directionally right than precisely wrong
- Play to your strengths, don’t try to do everything yourself, and
- Interdependence can be incredibly powerful – especially in fostering innovation.
I believe these apply just as much to my personal life and leadership journey as they do to companies and governments.
IMD’s focus on sustainability has been another key part of my journey. With expert guidance from professors, we are constantly challenged to think critically about how businesses can integrate sustainability into their core strategies. From a global perspective, three urgent problems have become clear to me: climate change, the loss of nature and biodiversity, and inequality – or the erosion of social cohesion in society. Fortunately, I’ve also realized that across every sector of the economy – from renewable energy to green cement, lab-grown meat to electric airplanes – a race is underway to find solutions for cutting global emissions. It seems the decades-long case for reducing emissions has finally taken hold, and we’ve entered a phase focused on solutions. However, we no longer have time for incremental changes. These solutions require transformative action. The exciting opportunity for leaders today is to be part of this transformation task force and to demand to be placed in the positions that matter most for solving these tough challenges. Many years from now, I hope I can look back and say that’s exactly what I did with my career.
As I reflect on my journey at IMD, I realize how much I’ve grown – not just as a leader, but as someone ready to drive meaningful change. The challenges we face today, whether in sustainability, equity, or innovation, demand bold and decisive leadership. My goal is to step into that space, not only to be part of the solutions but to lead with purpose and conviction. The future requires leaders who are unafraid to push boundaries, who can mobilize teams, and who are ready to tackle the toughest problems head-on. I look forward to being one of them.
