It’s been an incredible journey
After 21 years I have now left Telenor, and I can tell that a career in Telenor is no ordinary career. It’s filled with change, unexpected opportunities, new countries, new people and of course, more change. It’s like many careers rolled into one, stretching out for more than two decades. To say I’m thankful for the experiences that Telenor has given me would be an understatement.
I’ve heard former colleagues say that you can’t truly appreciate Telenor until you’ve left. In our everyday lives ‘on the job’ we tend to focus on the challenges, obstacles, everyday disagreements and what’s for lunch. But I’ve come to realize that it’s not these minor occurrences that shape your career. It’s the people around you.
I could write volumes about everything I’ve learned during my years in Telenor, and maybe one day I will. However, as I am about to embark on my biggest pivot in 20 years, I would instead like to focus on all the people in this company who made going to work every day a pure pleasure.
A few years from now I probably won’t remember much about the seemingly complex projects or insurmountable issues we’ve faced in Telenor, but I will remember how passionate and deeply curious the trainees were in Grameenphone. I will remember that the Telenor Pakistan HR team is just about the most forward-leaning and professional team I’ve ever met. I will remember the warm greetings I’ve received every time I walked through the doors of dtac house. I will remember the incredible energy and endless winning spirit of the employees in Myanmar. I will remember the pride of the employees in Bulgaria, as they became a part of the Telenor family. I will remember the incredible stamina of the Serbian team as they fought to become and remain the market leader. I will remember the many friendships I’ve formed with colleagues across Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and how impressive you all are. And last but not least, I will remember my hard-working, diligent and dedicated colleagues in Group Units. Thank you for everything; you will always have a big place in my heart.
Life-long learning and constantly pushing for improvement have been one of my passions, so I signed off with a ‘learning opportunity’ in this Ted Talk. I believe you will all find some valuable lessons on how to be an even better team player:
I’m lucky to have been a part of this incredible journey. The people are what make Telenor a success, so I hope my colleagues will remember to be kind to each other, learn from each other and never forget that good can become better. The everyday obstacles are not what stick with you after your career ends. It’s the people who matter.
For those of you who wonder what I am going to do, it will be a portfolio of activities;
Senior External Advisor with McKinsey & Company’s Organization Practice.
Performance Business Coaching of leaders and HIPOs.
Consulting from my own company Haug Advisory, primarily within leadership, people and digitalization.
In addition I will spend a bit more time on my mountain related hobbies !