Welcome to our interview series presenting our accomplished board candidates. These interviews give you a unique opportunity to get to know our accomplished board candidates, who are ready to bring their expertise and insight to the boardroom.
We have access to Norway’s most comprehensive database of board candidates and from it 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 how important good governance is to achieving strategic and operational goals.
Through these interviews, those of you who need to recruit new board members will gain insight into what motivates them, how they view 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 value creation and modern business leadership.
This time we talk to board candidate Mikael Sletten
Mikael Sletten has been engaged and active ever since his student days in London, when he led the student union at Regents Business School, and today, 12 years later, his roles include a seat on the board of YoungFinance.
Mikael Sletten gained experience in shipping and finance early in his career, but what perhaps stands out most is his time as commercial director at Ulriken643, when he played a central role in getting a new cable car and restaurant on Ulriken in Bergen financed and built, along with the associated concepts and strategies – work that has contributed to great success for the company and to a destination the people of Bergen are proud of today.
Today he works on the other side of the table at Nordea, providing financing and advice to businesses, organisations and industrial players in Western Norway – always with a focus on sound and sustainable business concepts, and on responsible, profitable operations and development for his clients.
In addition to being relationship manager for corporate clients in the large corporates segment, Mikael is also professional lead for Nordea’s “Startup & Growth” unit in Region West.The “Startup & Growth” unit is responsible for the services and relationships that fall under Nordea’s umbrella for growth companies and start-ups, including taking part in and staying close to the ecosystem, owner communities included. S&G helps innovative companies with high growth potential with advice on capital strategy, investor matching and, not least, financing and other banking needs. In this respect, Mikael has good insight into the venture, PE, corporate venture and start-up communities, and not least experience of what companies need in order to succeed, both with investors and in securing bank financing during a growth phase.
What motivates you to serve on a board?
I am motivated by the opportunity to have an influence and to take the long view, together with a committed board.
What do you think are the most important qualities of a good board candidate?
The most important qualities of a good board candidate are the ability to distil complex information and complex issues into manageable information that can serve as a basis for sound strategic choices. The ability to keep sight of the long-term picture, even when there is a lot of noise, is another important factor. At the same time, it is crucial to be decisive and able to change course quickly when the situation calls for it. Good interpersonal qualities, such as clarity combined with humility in discussions, are also important for healthy board dynamics.
What is your philosophy on board work?
Good board work is characterised by an open-minded board, free of prejudice, that trusts its own experience and expertise but appreciates that fellow board members have more expertise in their own areas. A board should focus on the visionary and direct the use of resources so that it creates as much value as possible in pursuit of ambitious goals, through open and clear interaction with the management and the CEO. The board should set the goals and make them achievable.
How would you like people to describe you after a board meeting?
Clear but open in dialogue. Prepared and reflective about the issues. Knowledgeable and level-headed.
What is the most valuable lesson you have taken from your previous board experience?
The most valuable lesson I have taken from previous board experience is the ability to be prepared for the unexpected. Things very rarely go 100% as expected in an ever-changing world.
What do you hope to contribute as a board member?
I can contribute my varied experience, my innate commitment and my sound core values. I bring a relatively young mind, but with relatively solid experience across several industries, in client-facing work, project management, financing, sustainability and change management.
