Welcome to our series of interviews presenting our talented board candidates. These interviews give you a unique opportunity to get to know our talented board candidates, 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 board candidate Janne Log
Janne is an economist by training and has 20 years’ experience from various senior management teams. Today she heads the interest organisation Samvirkene. She also holds several board positions.
Her current board seats include ONNA Greens, Norway’s largest vertical salad producer, HealthB, a health platform that brings together health information across public and private healthcare providers, and the Swedish-Norwegian Cooperation Fund (Svensk-norsk samarbeidsfond), a fund whose board is appointed by the Swedish government.
What motivates you to serve on a board?
For me, it is important to feel committed to the organisation where I am to hold a board position. That could be the sector, the ownership, the phase the organisation is in or the specific challenges it faces. Then I can contribute strategically and be a valuable contributor on the board.
What are the most important qualities of a good board candidate?
Time, interest and expertise.
You need time to prepare, but also time to take meetings at short notice when necessary.
Interest – there must be something about the organisation whose board you serve on that sparks your interest.
Experience from the sector, the ownership model or the phase the organisation is in.
What is your philosophy on board work?
Good board work is about contributing. There is often talk of control, but giving energy to management is just as important. This applies in particular to the CEO, who may need someone who pays particular attention to her or him. In some cases it may be relevant to contribute professional expertise; in my case, that could be government relations or crisis management.
How would you like people to describe you after a board meeting?
That I was well prepared, am engaged and keen to contribute.
What is the most valuable lesson you have taken from your previous board experience?
It is important to understand the business: the sector, the challenges and the phase the organisation is in. Over a long working life I have worked for companies that have faced various challenges: crises, capital raising, growth, changes of ownership, sale of the organisation, downsizing, strategy implementation and so on. It is important for me to understand the challenges and opportunities the organisation faces.
What do you hope to contribute as a board member?
I want to contribute my expertise and experience to good strategic discussions that result in good solutions for the organisation.
Do you need new board members? Get in touch!
