Meet Esben Bager ??

Esben Bager is a highly qualified engineer specializing in mathematical modeling and optimization of financial markets, with degrees from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Currently part of the executive team at Danish software company Leapwork, the 31-year-old brings extensive experience from five years at McKinsey & Company, where he focused on strategic advisory for businesses, particularly in digital technologies and the establishment and launch of new ventures.

Esben has a deep understanding of how startup and scaleup companies should approach strategy formulation and execution, which would be highly beneficial in a board role. He excels in anticipating challenges and providing strategic advice on overcoming them effectively. His technical background, combined with years of experience in digital technologies and a degree in industrial management and mathematical optimization, enhances his ability to contribute unique analytical perspectives to board discussions and strategic planning.

This blend of leadership, strategic insight, and technical expertise positions Esben as a valuable link between various functional areas, strengthening the holistic governance skills necessary at board level. While his current board experience is limited to being part of the Leapwork executive team, he is eager to significantly expand this aspect of his career.

Esben has participated in the board network organized by Board Talent and Heidrick & Struggles since January 2024. Through this program, he has gained valuable insights into board governance and developed new skills essential for effective board work, including strategic oversight, risk management, and fostering innovation.

Why do you want to engage in board work? “My motivation stems from a passion for creating well-functioning businesses that harness the full potential of digital technologies. I believe that by developing and scaling these successful enterprises, I can inspire others to leverage technology effectively to achieve their goals. My technical background as an engineer, combined with years of advising companies on similar challenges, has shown me that there is still significant untapped potential in this area. Board work offers a unique opportunity to help realize this potential, drive strategic growth, and demonstrate the benefits of digital innovation to a broader audience.”

What do you see as the biggest challenges for boards? “One of the primary challenges boards face is acquiring and maintaining a deep understanding of technological advancements and their implications. Boards need to be proactive catalysts for progress, questioning whether management is thinking long-term enough and focusing on critical areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, and securing supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainties. It’s crucial for boards to anticipate where the company will be in the next two, three, or five years and ensure they are on the right path. This often requires a diverse mix of expertise and a forward-thinking approach to navigate these complex challenges effectively.”

What are your thoughts on diversity in boards? “Diversity in boards is crucial for effective governance and decision-making. This diversity should encompass not only gender but also age, expertise, and ethnicity. A board should, as a minimum, ?reflect the demographic profile of the industry and geography in which the company operates, and even strive towards setting the bar higher. While achieving a perfect match may be challenging due to the limited number of board seats, striving for greater diversity helps prevent the creation of an echo chamber. Diverse perspectives and backgrounds enable the board to approach problems from various angles, leading to more robust and innovative solutions. Incorporating diverse viewpoints enhances the board’s ability to address complex issues and drive the company forward.”

How do you think young talent can best position themselves to join Danish and international boards? “Young talent can position themselves effectively for board roles by being exceptionally well-prepared and proactive. This preparation involves gaining a deep understanding of the company, its market, and its specific challenges. Participation in programs like Board Talent can provide invaluable mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. Additionally, seeking out roles such as employee representatives on boards or participating in advisory boards for startups can provide significant experience. Networking remains essential – connecting with professionals on platforms such as LinkedIn and actively expressing interest in board opportunities can help young talent stand out. Demonstrating a fresh perspective and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking can also be advantageous.”

What can you bring to the boardroom as a young talent? “I can bring a comprehensive blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to the boardroom. My background in engineering, coupled with extensive experience in digital technologies, equips me with a unique analytical perspective. I’ve got a solid foundation in both technical and strategic domains, which allows me to bridge different functional areas within a company. The experience ranges from driving digital transformation to a modern operating model for a global leader in sustainable energy, building and launching an eCommerce channel for a global retailer in 13 weeks, or knowing in detail what it takes to build an excellent software scale-up like Leapwork. The mix of these experiences gives me a platform to be the proactive catalyst in a board room and help companies harness the potential of digital technologies.”