Leadership Profiles: Daniel Holmgaard Aagesen

Leadership

How would you describe yourself as a leader?

“I focus very much on each individual in the team. For me it is not about having the last say, its more about empowering people.” As a leader, Daniel believes in learning how his team works and finding ways for them to both work to their strengths and give them opportunities to develop and learn new skills, “I set the goals, and make sure each person’s skills are empowered.”

Another part of Daniel’s leadership is the continuous learning from his team, his colleagues, and from his current MBA studies which he has recently taken on. “I started the MBA program because I wanted to develop myself and make sure that I have the skills needed to lead my business unit and develop the team. So far it has been fantastic, and something I can highly recommend.”

How does Etteplan support leadership and growth?

“Organic growth and acquisitions” are some of the ways in which Etteplan, as a continuously growing company – expands its opportunity for prospects within the organization. Daniel shares his experience in working for a company that was acquired by Etteplan – the openness and communication throughout the company has made the adjustment to a new company, and role, a smooth one. According to Daniel, “there are so many people to have access to. It’s very transparent and always easy to get access to feedback… the opportunities are there for those who want it. ” Being acquired by Etteplan has therefore opened up both a network of support for leaders and colleagues, as well as opportunities to develop.

Culture

How would you describe the culture at Etteplan?

“Everyone is very active in collaboration, even though we are so many people in so many locations there is always someone you can go to.” Daniel actively encourages and supports collaboration between teams, fostering an open culture.

The company that Daniel worked for was recently acquired by Etteplan, and so far the experience of the integration of companies and cultures could not have been more positive. “I’ve been here a year, ever since we were acquired and it’s been very positive, people are very welcoming. I like the fact that we are able to visit different locations.” With locations in eight different countries, there have been opportunities to collaborate across borders – “it's been very beneficial that we are able to get support from all the other business units and locations.” Visiting customers in various locations has allowed Daniel to get to know his colleagues and grow his network abroad, while simultaneously adding depth to the knowledge and understanding of his customers which is an important part of how the culture at Etteplan is shared across borders.

In what ways do you feel you have an impact on the company culture?

Daniel looks at the culture from two different perspectives, the culture within the company and the business culture that we also project to our customers and other stakeholders. The company culture within Etteplan is ever changing, “when you acquire a company you bring in new culture, and I can see that the times are changing and new people are coming on board. So far this has meant kind of adopting and integrating their culture with Etteplan – so that transforms the culture going forward.” Part of the onboarding for Daniel means learning to evolve the culture and community within his team and colleagues, embracing new knowledge and competences.

Daniel takes a similar approach to the company culture that Etteplan projects – learning about the practices of the companies that we work with. “We always try to understand what is it the customer is asking for,” Daniel adds – what makes our offering so interesting is that new ideas and methods that we have acquired along the way can be shared, challenging the ways that are set.

Values

Our values are: Customer oriented, attractive and proactive. What do they mean to you?

“Because we provide a 360 degree service we are able to support our customers on so many levels.” Aiming to exceed expectations and being proactive for customers includes preempting the need for other services that the customer did not even realize could be included. “So, we can actually sometimes provide even more service than the customer asks for. For me it's all about understanding the customer, understanding the case, their needs and supporting it.” What highlights Etteplan’s core values the most is this aspect – the range of our service areas.

How are the values seen in practice?

Daniel interprets Etteplan’s values collectively, always working together. The pool of competence within Etteplan spans internationally, and so encourages communication and synergy between countries as well as business areas. “It’s all about growth and happy customers” being able to come together in the best interest of our customers and our people. “For example, the Danish office can always seek support from Finland, Sweden, Poland, or even China. There are different domains and so much knowledge in the group that you can always reach out to.”

Wildcard: If you could offer one piece of advice about anything, what would it be?

“Stay curious because things in the world are changing constantly, both in technology, culturally, and in society. So stay curious and be willing to learn and interact with the people around you because there's always someone who knows something you don't know – that would be my advice.”