Meet board candidate Kenneth J. Kløw

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 Kenneth J Kløw

Kenneth holds master’s degrees in both business and engineering. With his experience as CEO of several companies in different industries, always with technically advanced products and services, he is keen to bring his commercial mindset to bear in driving profitable growth.

Kenneth has management experience from both large international and listed companies and smaller Norwegian limited companies with employees on the shareholder register.

What motivates you to serve on a board?

Using my own expertise to create value together with others. To be completely honest: I am driven by “making money” and I dare to say so. I have a passion for sales and am probably a typical born trader, someone a CEO and board will benefit greatly from. The road to success is to professionalise the company both externally and internally and to focus on processes, structure, quality and reliability. This is what customers want, and they are happy to pay a little extra to those who master it.

What do you think are the most important qualities of a good board candidate?

Being interested in people!

Beyond that, you must be able to discuss, be solution-oriented and be able to make decisions. Dare to speak your mind and take your place, and not least be well prepared for board meetings. Show understanding and tolerance when others disagree with you, and strike a conciliatory tone when discussions become heated.

You must be able to think in new ways and be creative. Challenge today’s business models and be open to adopting new technology. The board should be an arena where the CEO gets impulses and input. Board members must therefore be forward-leaning and engaged

What is your philosophy on board work?

The board’s most important job is to look ahead. To work on business development and strategy, and to position the company optimally in an increasingly dynamic world.

The board should fill the CEO with positive energy and challenge them if the company’s development is not going to plan. The board should help the CEO perform, not act as the police, ready to “arrest” at any moment.

Board members must actively share their experiences, good and bad, as well as their own specialist expertise.

How would you like people to describe you after a board meeting?

That I was well prepared and contributed to good, constructive discussions. That I was in good spirits and struck a positive tone.

That I came up with good suggestions and ideas the CEO can take further.

What is the most valuable lesson you have taken from your previous board experience?

Dare to challenge “established truths”. Don’t accept vague answers about why things are the way they are. Ask the “stupid” questions and force the discussions onto a track where the board and the CEO have to think afresh. You are often very surprised at how many good ideas you can take further afterwards

What do you hope to contribute as a board member?

Moving sales much higher up the priority list and giving it real weight in the strategic plans. Keeping the focus on the company being profitable, and getting the business to understand that it only exists because its customers allow it to.

In short: helping the board and the CEO keep a commercial focus and think sales and markets every single day!

Do you need new board members? Get in touch!