Meet Louise Fredbo-Nielsen ??

In partnership with Heidrick & Struggles , Board Talent will initiate a series of interviews featuring members from our board network. Our first interview is with Louise Fredbo-Nielsen :

Louise Fredbo-Nielsen sen is a futurist and strategist at Future Navigator, and holds a Master’s degree in International Business & Politics from Copenhagen Business School. At just 40, she is also already known as a TV host, author, and public speaker. She has volunteered as a board member at SMILfonden, Kvinde?konomien, and Dj?f.

With over 10 years of experience as an international futurist, Louise has collaborated with a wide range of organizations, from large international corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises and municipalities. As a futurist she brings an outside-in perspective, focusing on future trends and technological developments that drive business innovation and problem-solving.

Louise has been part of the board network organized by Board Talent and Heidrick & Struggles since the beginning of 2024. This experience has enhanced her understanding of board dynamics and enabled her to leverage her strengths as a young talent.

Why do you want to engage in board work? “Since my early days at Copenhagen Business School, I’ve been deeply inspired by the strategic work between management, the company, and its board. It’s fascinating to be part of the process that sets the direction for a company. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand, both as an entrepreneur and also through my husband’s growth company, how crucial board decisions are. These experiences have shown me that while board work can sometimes be very practical, it also involves making significant and impactful decisions. In both large and small companies, the focus is on survival and continually asking the question: How do we overcome these major challenges? I find the opportunity to help shape a company’s future and contribute to its strategic direction very exciting.”

What do you see as the biggest challenges for boards? “As a futurist, my work involves looking into upcoming trends and understanding their implications for businesses. There’s a certain bias in my perspective, therefore, but it’s clear there is significant anxiety surrounding technological advancements. People are understandably concerned about how to adapt and ensure their company’s survival amid the rapid pace of change. Ninety percent of all data has been created in just the past two years, illustrating the overwhelming speed of technological progress. In 1958, the average lifespan of a company in the S&P 500 was 61 years. Today, it’s just 18. This dramatic reduction highlights the challenge of maintaining long-term viability. Companies must continually adapt to survive. For example, while ChatGPT and generative technologies have existed for some time, they are now more accessible and user-friendly, poised to transform how we work. Businesses are now tasked with determining how to effectively leverage these technologies to stay relevant.”

Louise also reflects on increasing environmental challenges: “On issues such as climate change and sustainability, it often feels like we’re navigating in the dark, spending significant resources on reporting and analysis rather than addressing the core problems. While these issues have long been on the radar for younger generations, they are now a major focus for all age groups, driven by increasing demands for transparency and accountability. And addressing climate concerns and sustainability reporting adds additional pressure, necessitating substantial resources and strategic planning.”

What are your thoughts on diversity in boards? “Diversity is essential for effective governance, and the current diversity on Danish boards is lacking. While there has been some progress, especially regarding women on boards, it’s far from enough. There’s also a need to address other aspects of diversity, such as age and ethnicity, to ensure we don’t end up in a situation where everyone looks the same and hires people they know. Such homogeneity can limit the range of perspectives and ideas while having a diverse board can enhance decision-making and innovation. We need to move beyond the traditional networks and open up to different backgrounds and experiences. It’s also about changing the culture and norms that have been in place for too long. By breaking out of the mold, we can create more dynamic and responsive boards.”

How do you think young talent can best position themselves to join Danish and international boards? “One crucial step is to be exceptionally well-prepared. Being the most knowledgeable person in the room about the issues at hand gives you the confidence to speak up and contribute effectively. Young talent needs to understand their unique strengths and how these can complement the existing skills on the board. Additionally, it’s important to actively express your ambitions. Saying out loud that you want to be involved in board work can open doors. Networking and reaching out to professionals on platforms like LinkedIn can create opportunities. It’s also valuable to gain diverse experiences across different sectors and organizations. This broad exposure can provide valuable insights and make you a more versatile board member.”

What can you bring to the boardroom as a younger talent? “I bring a fresh and external perspective from working with a wide range of companies and organizations. This allows me to see what strategies work across different environments and industries. My work as a futurist gives me a forward-thinking approach which is critical for helping companies navigate upcoming challenges and opportunities. I focus on maintaining a balance between staying calm amid rapid technological advancements and identifying the most crucial trends for the company. It’s about turning potential threats into strategic advantages. Furthermore, I emphasize the importance of being prepared and understanding the broader context of board work. By bringing this holistic view and future-oriented mindset, I aim to contribute to a board’s ability to make informed and strategic decisions.”