Welcome to our series of interviews presenting our outstanding board candidates. These interviews give you a unique opportunity to get to know the inspiring individuals who are ready to bring their expertise and insight to the boardroom.
We have handpicked a selection of experienced leaders with a broad range of backgrounds and expertise. They represent a diversity of perspectives, and all share an understanding of the importance of good governance in achieving strategic and operational goals.
Through these interviews you will gain insight into what motivates them, their views on board work and, not least, the personal qualities and skills they can offer. We hope this will give a fuller picture of each candidate and inspire engagement and discussion about the role of the board in modern business management.
This time we talk to Ingrid Tjøsvold, a highly experienced senior executive/CEO and board chair/board member. Ingrid gained board experience early in her career. She has held, and still holds, board positions in privately held family-owned companies, publicly owned companies and public limited companies (ASA). Today Ingrid is chair of the board of Sigurd Hesselberg and a board member of GC Rieber Salt.
What motivates you to serve on a board?
Learning and sharing expertise motivate me. It is rewarding to have to familiarise yourself with new markets and the challenges facing a company, and to learn from the new colleagues you meet.
What are the most important qualities of a good board candidate?
- Preparing for board meetings is fundamental. Board members must have enough time to come to meetings prepared, but also time for ad hoc meetings when needed.
- Supporting owners and management in demanding situations.
- Daring to take on difficult discussions.
What is your philosophy on board work?
Supporting management and owners with the opportunities and challenges they face. With senior executive experience under our belts, we all know the loneliness of the role and the pressure to perform. I want to make the case for being a board colleague who motivates and supports management, not one who only makes demands and checks up on them.
How would you like people to describe you after a board meeting?
I hope my fellow board members find me well prepared and engaged. I also hope that I help facilitate good discussions in which we question our way to conclusions together.
What is the most valuable lesson you have taken from your previous board experience?
There is a lot that could be mentioned here. It is important that the board is quick off the mark and helps management take early positions (cautiously, if need be) where the opportunities are, and, at the other end, takes action on costs when it sees “clouds on the horizon”. Perhaps best summed up as assessing risks and opportunities.
What do you hope to contribute as a board member?
I hope to contribute strong operational experience, from both day-to-day operations and strategy work, and from both a management and a board perspective.
Hopefully also enthusiasm and good humour.
Would you like to know more about Ingrid and which board positions she can take on? Feel free to contact us
