11.5 min read

Pernille Laage Andersen

With a dynamic journey spanning the Telco and IT sectors, Pernille Laage Andersen has consistently embraced innovation and transformational challenges, sculpting her career amidst the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Read all about her insatiable appetite for growth and her relentless pursuit of opportunities in her High Tech in High Heels profile.

Table of contents

Get to know Pernille

Your career at a glance

I have always worked in the Telco and IT industries. The first major milestone was being part of building the first mobile network in Switzerland. Continuously striving for exciting new challenges with increasing responsibility with a focus on Tech transformation and organisational changes. At the beginning of my career, I worked as a support engineer building and supporting mobile networks; the natural next step was to work more tactically with planning and dimensioning of telco networks and combining this expertise with project management. Following project management, program management, and leadership have become larger and larger parts of my job, leading me to where I am today with responsibilities for large strategic, organisational digital transformations impacting and supporting the entire organisation.

Describe yourself in 3 words

  • Result oriented
  • Positive
  • Good energy

On a scale of 1 to 5, where are you today in life?

On a scale of 1 to 5, where are you today in your career?

On a scale of 1 to 5, how happy are you today with your life?

Your favourite book?

The most captivating book I’ve recently enjoyed is “Gud er Italiener” by Eva Ravnbøl, a Danish journalist who has made Italy her home. This book is a rich collection of stories, brimming with nuanced observations and intimate details that paint a vivid picture of Italy and its people. Ravnbøl’s writing is infused with humor, beauty, and a clear-eyed love for her adopted country, making the narrative not only entertaining but deeply moving. The way she captures the essence of Italian life, with all its charm and complexity, is truly enchanting. For anyone who hasn’t already fallen in love with Italy, this book will surely ignite a desire to experience its wonders firsthand.

Your favourite quote?

I cherish two quotes that resonate deeply with me: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever,” a profound reminder from Mahatma Gandhi about the importance of embracing each day with the eagerness to learn and grow, as if it were both our first and our last. The second is the timeless adage “Carpe diem – seize the day,” urging us to grasp the present moment with both hands and make the most of the opportunities it offers. These quotes inspire me to approach life with a sense of urgency and curiosity, living fully in the now while continuously seeking knowledge and wisdom.

What childhood passion have you lost in adulthood?

Spending long, beautiful summer nights engaged in games like hide and seek, for instance.

Which passion or pastime will you never let go of?

I take great pleasure in bringing together family and friends, united by my passion for crafting delicious meals and desserts. This act of gathering and sharing not only nourishes the body but also the bonds between us, making it an experience I deeply cherish. It’s in these moments, surrounded by loved ones and engaged in the joy of cooking and eating together, that I find true fulfilment and happiness.

Your dream of a completely different second career?

Given the opportunity, I would definitely dedicate my time to voluntary work with a humanitarian aid organization. Engaging in such meaningful activities not only contributes to the betterment of those in need but also enriches my own life with purpose and a deeper understanding of global humanity.

Cut loose from all strings, what would you like to do with your life?

My dream is to purchase a beautiful house in the south of France, spacious enough to accommodate my entire family, creating a haven of warmth and togetherness. Alongside this, I aspire to dedicate my time to voluntary work with a humanitarian aid organization, contributing to a cause greater than myself and making a tangible difference in the world. This combination of personal fulfillment and altruistic endeavor represents the perfect balance, enriching my life and the lives of others.

"I take great pride in watching my team members succeed and receive the recognition they deserve."

Pernille’s career

Your work motivations?

Being very resultoritented, it motivates me to deliver complex stragetic digital transformational programmes on time, budget and scope which makes a difference to the business and the corporate strategy. I thrirve with strategic digital transformation delivery acceleration and implementation of large technology and infrastructure programs across the private and public sector where leadership of highly effective teams in international and diverse environments is my most important task. I take great pride in watching my team members succeed and receive the recognition they deserve. I find it exceedingly motivating to work with great people and challenging goals while having fun and learning something new every day.

How does your family contribute to your career?

My family is a pillar of support for my career choices and understands the dedication required by my work. They take pride in my accomplishments and celebrate the milestones I've achieved. This foundation of encouragement and pride fuels my motivation and reinforces my commitment to excel in my professional endeavours.

The biggest obstacles to career growth in our industry?

The fields of IT and Technology have traditionally been male-dominated, but there's a positive shift underway with an increasing number of women entering tech roles and ascending to top management positions. While these changes mark progress toward gender diversity, there remains significant room for improvement to achieve greater balance and representation.

Your biggest obstacles facing the technology industry?

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry brings diversity and introduces fresh perspectives, challenging the status quo and contributing to a richer, more inclusive workplace culture.

What have you gotten noticed for throughout your career?

My approach is highly result-oriented, focusing keenly on achieving my goals. I bring a positive attitude, coupled with a high level of energy and drive, to everything I do, fueling my motivation and determination to succeed.

The major accelerators for success in our field?

I aim to deliver quality results within the realm of the newest technology, applying creativity and a proactive attitude to navigate challenges and innovate solutions.

“The fields of IT and Technology have traditionally been male-dominated, but there's a positive shift underway with an increasing number of women entering tech roles and ascending to top management positions.”

What question do you get asked most often in your line of work?

How do you manage gender diversity? How can you stay positive and have this high level of energy and drive?

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Successfully delivering highly complex transformation initiatives that significantly support the corporate strategy is a key goal. Equally important is cultivating a harmonious, well-functioning, and happy team. Watching my team receive the recognition and success they deserve brings immense satisfaction, underscoring the value of teamwork and collective achievement in realizing strategic objectives.

Tell us about your role models and/or specific mentors.

She is a charismatic and grounded leader who has successfully navigated her career while steadfastly adhering to her core values. These principles have been the foundation of her success, guiding her leadership style and decisions throughout her journey.

Your golden piece of advice to young women starting out in technology

Always believe in yourself, and stick to your values and gut feeling.

What is your leadership style?

I focus on identifying and appreciating each team member's strengths, leveraging differences rather than trying to streamline individuals. This approach fosters teams with a high degree of trust, commitment, and motivation. Believing strongly in coaching, facilitating, and accelerating people's development, I aim to bring out the best in my team. Watching team members succeed and receive the recognition they deserve fills me with immense pride.

Which supporting skills have helped you most as a leader?

My approach is centered on trust, belief in my team's capabilities, and a commitment to coaching them through challenges. They know I've got their back, ensuring a supportive environment that empowers them to excel.

How have you gained commitment from your team?

I believe that fostering commitment among my team stems from granting them ownership and responsibility, coupled with the assurance that I fully support them. This approach not only empowers them but also cultivates a sense of trust and belonging within the team.

"Always believe in yourself, and stick to your values and gut feeling."

Let’s get technical

Tell us something about the technology that drives your current business.

At the moment it is all about digital transformation, optimizing business possibilities, getting rid of old legacy, AI, data handling, ML, and more of going Cloud than staying on-prem.

What is technology for you?

For me, technology encompasses many things; it is the application of knowledge to achieve corporate business goals in a reproducible, efficient manner. I am always seeking knowledge of the newest technology, aiming to be a frontrunner and innovative in finding the optimal solutions to support the business strategy.

What are your views on future technology trends?

Future tech trends are the way forward to stay competitive in the market, but it's important to always be analytical and realistic about new trends.

In your opinion, what is the greatest technological invention and why?

I believe that during the pandemic, cloud trends have gained popularity in areas such as application and infrastructure software, business processes, and system infrastructure. The shift toward remote working necessitated by recent events has driven most companies to adopt cloud platforms, offering cost-effective solutions. Additionally, AI's significance is increasingly recognized as its applications become more widespread. New technologies like blockchain, machine learning (ML), and ChatGPT are also set to make a significant impact across various businesses.

Rate these technologies from highest to least impact on business.

  1. AI
  2. Chat GPT
  3. IoT
  4. Edge cloud
  5. Security
  6. Blockchain
  7. Human-like robots
  8. • Smart concepts (cities, buildings, …)
  9. Social media
  10. 3D printing

Can technology do good for society, or would it be better off without it? Explain.

I firmly advocate for the pivotal role of technology in fostering equal opportunities. At its core, technology holds a universal power: to bridge societal and individual disparities by democratizing access to products and services. Through continuous advancements, technology opens doors to wider availability of crucial services like healthcare and education, facilitating seamless access for individuals irrespective of their socio-economic status. This democratization underscores technology's profound capacity to dismantle barriers and foster a more equitable global landscape.

How do you keep your technology skills up to date?

To stay informed in the technology field, I actively join relevant networks, keep up with the latest news, and regularly read technology magazines and media outlets. This approach ensures a broad and up-to-date understanding of industry trends and innovations.

Your favourite online tools?

Online tools such as Microsoft Teams and Skype serve as vital resources for enhancing team communication. Effective online collaboration tools reduce the risk of team members overlooking crucial emails or updates, ensuring that everyone involved in a project remains aligned. These tools are especially important for supporting the hybrid work model, which has become a reality for many companies post-pandemic. They facilitate seamless collaboration across different locations, making it easier to maintain productivity and cohesion within teams operating in varied work environments.

Your favourite websites?

I keep up with news in the Danish business sector by reading 'Børsen,' a Danish magazine that provides insights on top management and corporate business strategies. For technology news, I turn to IT Watch and Computerworld. These sources offer a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and trends in the business and tech landscapes, keeping me informed and ahead in my field.

Your favourite and least favourite technology products?

My favorite tech gadgets, aside from my phone and laptop, include intelligent home appliances and smart home systems. These innovations simplify household tasks and enable remote control of home functions, making everyday life significantly more convenient.

“Success doesn't compensate for values or morality. While I certainly value success highly, I believe that there are aspects of life that hold greater importance.”

The woman behind the technology

What makes each human unique?

Their personality and individuality.

Does success compensate for value or morality?

In my perspective, success doesn't compensate for values or morality. While I certainly value success highly, I believe that there are aspects of life that hold greater importance. These include fundamental principles such as family, credibility, and morality. No amount of success can replace the significance of maintaining integrity, upholding moral standards, and nurturing meaningful relationships with loved ones. Success should be pursued in alignment with these values, rather than at the expense of them.

What is the relationship between the mind and the body?

For me, the intertwining of success and values is crucial, and it's essential that these two aspects are closely linked. When one is compromised or "out of order," it inevitably affects the other's functionality. Success achieved without integrity or adherence to moral principles lacks true fulfillment and sustainability. Similarly, values without tangible success may lead to feelings of unfulfillment or dissatisfaction. Therefore, maintaining a harmonious balance between success and values is paramount for overall well-being and fulfillment.

This or that?

Read the instruction manual

Just figure it out

Early adopter

Proven enthusiast

Laptop

Desktop

Apple

Windows

Fail at something

Never attempt it

Listen to the mind

Listen to the body

IOS

Android

E-book

Physical book

Flying cars

Personal robots

Google

Bing

Email

Phone call

Brainstorming session

Solo research

Packed lunch

Cafeteria

Work late

Start early

High Heels

Flats