Hello Arild, tell us about yourself!
I am a happy guy, 62 years young. I am married with three grown kids, living in a suburb west of Oslo in Norway. If I have some spare time I like to be active, mostly golfing or skiing in the wintertime. I also have a 40+ year as a hobby musician. I am fortunate to have made a lot of friends over the years, so we have a very active social life.
What do you do as Sales Director at Genexis?
I am leading a team of 18 great and devoted people spread across the Nordic region. This team currently generates approximately 50% of the total sales of Genexis. My main job responsibility is to ensure that we have a top skilled and motivated team, meeting or exceeding our target both quantitatively and qualitatively (financial targets and customer satisfaction). I also do quite a bit of account management myself, for key customers.
What is your favorite part of working at Genexis?
I like the versatility. No two days are alike. While I enjoy always being close to our customers, I also get to work very closely with many of my very skilled and wonderful colleagues. Every day, I get to learn something new. Genexis is extremely customer-driven. By being so close to our market, we know what our customers want, and we can adapt swiftly to their needs.
Through good communication and dialogue, I can also influence corporate decisions to benefit our key customers as well as our company.
What is something you have accomplished with your work that you are extra proud of?
I am very proud of the fact that we have manage to create one closely knit team with people from what used to be four different countries (OpCo’s). During the last year we have managed to take out important synergies across country borders. We share information, knowledge and experience on a completely new level. This has brought new energy to the region and accelerates performance.
How would you describe the company culture?
I would say that the company culture at Genexis is interesting. Although it is a mix of different business cultures since we are part Nordic and part European, we have managed to form a cultural DNA built on engagement, curiosity, true passion, and respect. I think you either love it or you leave it. Personally, I really love it!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t worry so much. If you always try to do your best, you will succeed. Life (and career) is a journey, and you can’t fully plan it in advance or ever go back. Always try to be kind and generous to everyone around you. And remember: Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.
