»Effective leadership calls for trust, action, and a clear sense of direction«
From anthropologist to IT project manager
Anne Vadgaard has always been driven by her passion for working with people – a passion that has shaped both her education and career choices later, and remains central to her leadership style today. With a background as an anthropologist and a master’s degree in cultural studies, her path to leading large, critical IT projects wasn’t immediately obvious. But a field study at Microsoft and a PhD dissertation on democracy and digitalisation in the public sector were pivotal in determining her direction. These experiences sparked her curiosity and opened her eyes to the profound impact of digitalisation and IT on society – and the complexities of integrating technology with societal processes.
»Digitalisation is key to everything, but it can often be difficult to incorporate it smoothly into the institutions that are deeply rooted in our society,« says Anne.
- In 2017, Anne joined Netcompany as a Business Consultant, recognising the company as a crucial player in the digital transformation of the public sector.
»Netcompany is a leader when it comes to digitalising the public sector. There is a strong belief in taking responsibility for advancing digitalisation in Denmark, and it’s a development I want to be a part of,« she says.
»A good leader must be able to challenge the status quo«
Much has happened since Anne joined Netcompany. She has now been promoted to Principal and leads several large public projects, where she works to ensure the digital implementation of critical IT solutions.
»I’m responsible for delivering infrastructure that’s essential for the functioning of society. If something doesn’t work as it should, it affects not just the systems, but the entire society – and thus also the individual citizen. This gives me a great sense of purpose in my daily work,« says Anne.
When asked what drives her as a leader, the answer is clear:
»I strive to develop every day – both as a leader and as a person.«
Anne’s curiosity to learn and develop also shines through in her leadership style. One of Anne’s top priorities as a leader is to stay updated on all major processes she works with. As a leader, this might be unconventional, but for Anne, it is a very conscious decision:
»As a leader, you must dare to have an open and honest dialogue with your employees. I am very aware of my own technical limitations, and therefore I highly value their technical input. It’s important for me to know where we are in the process so that I can meet my employees exactly where they are and at the same time set a clear direction. This way, we can reach our goals as a united team,« Anne explains.
»I’m motivated by inspiring others«
Anne thrives best when she has the opportunity to think in large, organisational terms – and not least when she can be a source of inspiration for her employees.
»As a leader, I aim to show my team members that at Netcompany, there are countless opportunities for success if you take ownership of your own development. This applies not only to career growth but also to finding a balance between career and family life,« explains Anne and adds:
»As a parent of young children, I know how challenging it can be to balance career and family life. I won’t pretend it’s always easy – there are tough moments. But for me, what matters is that it’s possible and that the two don’t have to exclude each other. You should be able to have a fulfilling career and be a good parent.«
She’s especially grateful to work in a company where this balance is not only possible but also actively supported. She sees it as part of her role to create a direction that inspires both within and outside the organisation.
»I find that there is great flexibility at Netcompany. You can shape your work life to accommodate both exciting projects and quality time with your family. It’s about being able to set your own boundaries around time and resources. For me, focusing on opportunities rather than limitations is crucial, and it’s an approach that’s deeply embedded in Netcompany’s culture,« Anne concludes.
