Kathrine Forsberg ─ Transforming businesses into trailblazers…
September 30, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Kathrine Forsberg
CEO
Atea Danmark
Are you looking for a leader who transforms businesses into trailblazers? We know the person — Kathrine Forsberg!
Kathrine stepped into the role of CEO for Atea Denmark in 2020, where she is successfully leading the company through the pandemic. She is responsible for transforming the Danish organization and building a strong business. Kathrine has more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry, and has extensive experience defining growth strategies with general and leadership management. She excels in creating a clear vision, setting precise goals, and ensuring those goals are achieved. However, nothing motivates her more than reaching the finish line with her team.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Kathrine Forsberg!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
It usually surprises people to hear that I have five children. No twins or triplets and the same father.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I never kept track of air miles and the pandemic has not changed my travel habits. I use the technology at hand; hence I have the black belt in Teams, Webex, Zoom etc.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
I tasted snake meat on a street market in Shanghai. I remember my children being much more courageous than I!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Entering the IT world 20 years ago without an IT degree, I was responsible for launching the Cisco Networking Academy Program in the Nordic countries, ensuring more than 10.000 students achieving basic networking skills.
Taking over the role of CEO in Atea Denmark two weeks before the pandemic hit and having to send all employees home to work while ensuring that our customers were able to continue their businesses under the new circumstances.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
As a young woman I was lucky to be surrounded by people who encouraged me to seize the opportunities that arose. Today, I try to do the same for the young people in my network.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Choose your manager wisely. Make sure that he or she is willing to help you succeed!
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
It is on my agenda to help young people move forward by showing that I believe in them e.g., recommending them for managing positions in Atea.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Building a circular, carbon neutral and sustainable future with the help of IT. Atea holds a position in the ecosystem — right at the intersection between Nordic buyers and the global IT industry – that entails both an opportunity and a responsibility to take the lead.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Engaging in different boards. I learn a lot about myself and the impact the work of these boards have on our society. For instance, I am on the Danish Board of Business Development, which is an initiative of the Danish government to unite the various efforts within the business promotion.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Succeeding in reaching our goals within sustainability. The Danish Government wants to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2030, and technology plays a central part. As the largest Nordic IT company, we need to contribute in every way that we can.
