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 Vibeke Strømme
Vibeke Strømme holds a master’s degree in engineering and is an experienced senior executive/CEO. Over the course of her career she has held a number of board positions.
Today Vibeke is a board member of the technology company Goodtech and has previously served on the boards of Multiconsult, Sevan Marine, Revus Energy, Otera and others. These boards range from small technology companies to large listed groups with international operations.
Vibeke has a strong desire to contribute to value creation in the green transition.
What motivates you to serve on a board?
First and foremost, I want to contribute to companies’ development and value creation through board work. I hope to share my expertise and experience, both what has gone well and what has been challenging.
Board work is also an important arena for learning, both personally and for transferring knowledge between companies. It is motivating to get to know new people, industries and markets.
What are the most important qualities of a good board candidate?
I believe a good board needs members with varied expertise and personal qualities.
A good board candidate should be able to see the bigger picture and think long term, support management in demanding situations, and have the courage to take on difficult discussions. I also think it is important to be willing to learn and keep up to date, so that the board does not become an obstacle to the company’s development.
What is your philosophy on board work?
Board work must be taken seriously; you have to set aside enough time for thorough preparation and be mentally present. As a board member you have considerable legal responsibility and an obligation to the owners to perform the role well.
After a board meeting, I want management to feel that they have been challenged and have gained new perspectives, and that I have helped give them energy and motivation.
What is the most valuable lesson you have taken from your previous board experience?
I have learnt an enormous amount, both as a board member and from reporting to boards, and would highlight two important aspects:
- The importance of a good chair who brings out the best in the board and supports the chief executive. This can make an enormous difference on a board.
- The importance of the board paying enough attention to the future, picking up signals early and ensuring that action is taken. This applies to both opportunities and challenges.
What do you hope to contribute as a board member?
I hope to contribute my strategic and operational experience to challenge, bring new perspectives and give energy to management.
One of our most important tasks as a board is to help management succeed – when all is said and done, they are the ones who create shareholder value.
Would you like to know more about Vibeke and which board positions she can take on? Feel free to contact us
