Can you tell us about your first job and what you learned from that experience?
My first role after completing my degree was as a Corporate Accountant at DOF Subsea. There, I developed a strong understanding of financial processes and the importance of accuracy in accounting. I also learned the value of structure and efficient systems, especially in a fast-paced industry. Additionally, I quickly realised the significance of taking initiative and being proactive to achieve strong results.
What was the biggest challenge you faced early in your career?
The biggest challenge I faced early in my career was being a perfectionist and taking on too much work. I aimed to deliver high-quality results while meeting strict deadlines, but this often led to an overwhelming workload. Over time, I learned to prioritise tasks, recognise that “good enough” is often sufficient, and focus on progress rather than perfection.
Was there a moment, opportunity, or decision that significantly shaped your career path?
A key turning point in my career came four years ago when I joined TSC Subsea. After nearly ten years in various roles within a global company with structured processes and systems, I had built a strong financial background. However, stepping into a managerial role in a smaller company was a completely different experience. Being closer to operations, actively involved in decision-making, and contributing to the company’s growth was incredibly exciting. It didn’t take long for me to realise that this was the right move and the perfect role for me.
Can you share the key steps and experiences that led you to your current role?
Throughout my career, I’ve always been eager to learn and gain a deeper understanding of company processes beyond my core responsibilities. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside highly skilled colleagues who have generously shared their knowledge and experience. My goal remains to learn something new every week, which has helped me develop strong technical expertise.
My technical background led me to my first managerial role, and within a year, I was promoted to Finance Director. It was a steep learning curve, but I believe the key success factors were initiative, challenging existing processes, and being a team player. For me, leadership isn’t about giving orders—it’s about collaboration, trust, and setting the right example.
What motivates you to do your work every day?
One thing I love about my job is creating opportunities for others. While some may describe me as highly results-driven, my true motivation comes from sharing my knowledge and supporting my team in their career development and growth.
Can you share an experience or achievement that made you feel especially proud?
A moment at work that made me proud was seeing my team succeed. Looking back, there have been several moments in my career that I’m proud of—restructuring processes, implementing the global S4 Hana system, and driving revenue growth. However, my greatest achievement is seeing how far we have come as a team over the past few years.
What do you wish you had known when you were just starting out?
One piece of advice I would give my younger self is to define what “good enough” looks like and recognise that most tasks don’t require 100% perfection. Rather than waiting until something feels perfect, share drafts or progress updates early to gather feedback from colleagues or your manager.
How do you manage your career alongside personal responsibilities, and what strategies have helped you?
Balancing work and personal life can sometimes be a challenge. Remote work and technology make it easy to always be “on,” and working in a global company with colleagues across different time zones can blur the boundaries even further. Throughout my career and in various roles, this is something I’ve had to revisit and reassess to find the right balance for my current situation.
For me, spending time with family and friends, as well as staying physically active, is a top priority. Despite a busy schedule, I make sure to set aside time for these activities. The best way for me to unwind is by spending time at the cabin, especially in winter when I can go skiing. It’s where I can truly disconnect, recharge, and gain perspective. I believe it’s essential to have an activity or place that creates a clear separation between work and personal time.
What guidance would you offer to other women looking to advance in their professions?
My advice to women aspiring to grow in their careers is to:
- Build your network early – For me, participating in YoungShip Bergen has been instrumental in making valuable connections and learning from others in the industry. The insights, friendships, and fun experiences you gain from networks like this are irreplaceable.
- Find great mentors – I’ve been fortunate to have (and still have) mentors who have been invaluable sparring partners throughout my career. Gaining advice and perspectives from someone with more experience can be extremely beneficial.
- Dare to take up space – It’s often said that female leaders must seek opportunities while male leaders get the call. This needs to change. But for that to happen, we must make ourselves visible, step forward, and embrace bigger responsibilities with confidence.
- Support each other – Career growth is not an individual journey. We must lift each other up, regardless of gender.
What changes or progress would you like to see for women in the workplace in the future?
For the next generation of women leaders, I hope to see a culture where talent and competence are recognised regardless of gender. The maritime industry and the business world as a whole have much to gain from greater diversity in leadership teams and boardrooms. It’s crucial that we continue to push for equality, champion inclusivity, and actively support the talented individuals around us to foster a more diverse and progressive leadership culture.
What does this International Women’s Day represent to you, and why is it important?
Celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity to recognise the impact of women, highlight role models, and share success stories that inspire future generations.
Despite the progress made, gender equality has not yet been fully achieved. Women continue to face disparities in pay, leadership opportunities, and representation across many industries. Executive roles and boardrooms remain male-dominated, and many women still encounter bias, discrimination, and barriers to career advancement.
While strides have been made, structural changes in laws and corporate policies are still needed to close the gap. Raising awareness and fostering discussions on issues like equal pay, parental leave, and diversity in leadership are essential to maintaining momentum.
Young women and girls need to see strong, successful female role models to encourage them to step into leadership roles and pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries. IWD is a reminder that gender should never define opportunities.
Importantly, International Women’s Day is not just about women—it’s about fostering a more inclusive society where everyone benefits from gender equality. It’s an opportunity for all of us to raise our voices, challenge biases, and support policies that drive fairness and equity.
While some may argue that significant progress has been made, IWD serves as a reminder that there is still work to do—and that celebrating achievements, raising awareness, and advocating for change remain as crucial as ever.
