1. What have you found most challenging as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise?

Making sure that management and leadership make their outermost to highlight each individual and their potential. If managed correctly it can bring out the best of everyone within the organization.

2. How did you become a CEO or executive of a large enterprise? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Looking back can I see that a first important aspect was finding an industry which I enjoyed being part of. Second phase was very much about understanding myself, including limitations and faults. Being humble, and true to myself, has been a big part of what has taken me to where I'm today. Over the years have I identified where I can create most value and doing those things has made my career accelerate. I've always been a fan of parallel careers, hence today I give a lot of keynote, mentor people and educate besides my normal duties. By constantly having new influences into my life have I also been able to be a better and more understanding leader.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My days are built around my kids, Bill and Tom, who are still very young. We leave them at nursing school at 7am which enables me to do some work before the rest of the world wakes up. Prior to lunch do I spend on tasks which require thinking or reflection. After lunch do I try to have meetings or internal syncs. Once the kids are to bed do I attend emails and other admin stuff.

4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

I find it valuable to remember and recognize that not all people see the world as yourself. To understand each other and our drives must we understand that we can see different paths towards a goal, both being correct. Leadership is about understanding what motivates your team and that doesn't have to align with your own understanding. So, not judging others but instead trying to understand each other. It is the best way to go in the long run.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Digital darwinism is a book not so much about leadership but it tells a story on how important it is to always adapt the the evolution of our current context. It strengthened my beliefs in the importance of continually developing the organization you are part of.

6. How do you build leadership capacity in a large enterprise?

Decentralizing mandate both speeds up operations and builds confidence in the organization. Providing opportunities for all and nurture those who want to grow.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise so far?

On a few occasions have co-workers told me that I make a difference in their professional lives, that is the biggest reward I can imagine. It feels amazing to have a positive impact on someone else's life.