Gathering virtually for the last after-work session of the year, Rising Leaders participants and AmCham members were joined by Thomas Anglero, IBM’s Nordic Director of Innovation, for an impactful session on finding yourself and taking chances.
“You are living in an unprecedented time of opportunity. Why do I say that? COVID. COVID-19 leveled the playing field. People considered experts in their fields have had their entire businesses turned upside down.
Who is to say that you are too young, too inexperienced to have the answer? The experts sure don’t. You have the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t be afraid to speak up and take chances. The time is now.” – Thomas Anglero
Anglero passionately recounted the story of how he ended up in Norway – and how joined IBM. Born and raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Anglero charted the difficult path of “walking the cultural tightrope” when moving to and working within a different culture. Fittingly, 2020-21 Rising Leader participants represent 16 countries, and several are new to the Norwegian workforce.
As work has now more than ever encroached into the home, the group discussed how to create boundaries and disconnect, but also how to find motivation and remain driven during tough times.
Participants chimed in with their own experiences and advice to conclude an inspirational session.
Thomas Anglero
Nordic Director of Innovation
Thomas Anglero, an expert in innovation and artificial intelligence with 25 years of industry experience, is also a highly regarded motivational speaker. Before IBM, Anglero served as the Nordic Director of Innovation at the Norwegian Tax Authority (Skatteetaten).
Thomas is a dedicated social entrepreneur, holding courses and lectures on passion, leadership and dignity. In 2008, Thomas received the “Top 10 Most Influential Foreigner” award in Norway for his contributions, expertise, energy, and ability to communicate complex subjects in a simple way to audiences ranging from CEOs and Heads of State to aspiring young leaders.
Rising Leaders, a joint AmCham-US Embassy initiative, brings together entrepreneurs, young professionals, and student leaders in an innovative program to promote diversity and connect promising talent. Through the program, participants engage international business leaders, learn about AmCham member companies, explore careers, and gain business and leadership skills.
The 2020-21 Rising Leaders class – comprised of 17 women and 10 men between the ages of 23 and 35 – bring with them experience from healthcare, classical music, urban planning, organizational psychology, immigration, engineering, communications, technology, teaching, economics, finance, and marketing. All 27 program participants have demonstrated leadership, entrepreneurial, and/or business excellence in their educational pursuits and careers thus far.
For more information about the program, or to learn how your organization can get involved, please contact Madeleine Brekke.
Rising Leaders participants visited Yara International’s headquarters where they were welcomed by Senior Vice President of Food Systems Transformation, Pablo Barrera Lopez.
Rising Leaders participants visited Accenture Norway’s headquarters where they were welcomed by Managing Director and Head of Accenture Technology, Torbjørn Eik-Nes. As the first in-person company visit in many months since the pandemic, participants were eager to absorb Eik-Nes’ career insights and professional guidance.
Rising Leaders participants and AmCham members were joined by Lars Erik Grønntun, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Kahoot! who shared his leadership experience and thoughts on building highly innovative yet resilient teams.