Culture Builders | Part1: Danske Commodities - insights from the founder and his HR chief

In this episode of ‘Run The Business,’ I had the privilege of feature as a guest. I discuss with fellow trail running enthusiast Anthony Gay my take on how running, especially long-distance, and leadership can go hand-in-hand and how I have already worked on research into this very field. Using the testing platform High Potential Trait indicator, and working with experts at Thomas International to apply it to leaders who run as well as investigating my own theory that runners make better leaders. And if you hang on to the end you'll enrich your life with my secret recipe for that perfect high octane morning fuel.

A recording from a live stage discussion during Commodity Trading Week. We examine the aspects around the McKinsey report 'The Great Resignation'. We talk talent attrition and attraction, associated causes, threats and opportunities. As usual I try and lean on my panelists for solutions and concrete hacks they have seen work in their own environments. The challenges associated with creating the work places of the future with the ultimate aim to retain talent and bright minds.

A spontaneous meeting in Geneva with Dave Behrends of Sucafina on why he still loves the coffee industry but also on his wider beliefs around finding a company that will help you to build your dreams and leave a lasting legacy. We touch on themes of sustainability and AgTech, but also on the friends that Dave has made along the way, whether that be farmers, colleagues or mentors.

Our latest podcast is taken from a recent meeting I had with Jan Rindbo, CEO since 2015 of international shipping company, NORDEN. We had discussed how NORDEN is disrupting the old-school image of the shipping industry, establishing itself as an employer that welcomes a diverse talent pool and forward-thinking employees. We tackle people questions such as:Who’s responsible for building the culture.Feel the values. Not just something on the wall.Unlocking value inside the teamsWar for talent in the global shipping arena.

Diversity is not just a LinkedIn post. It's an active strategy.  This episode is from a recent interview I carried out with Jan Voetmann, Head of Analytics at Orsted. I had originally interviewed Jan just as he had walked in the door at his new employer. Now, a year later, I wanted to pick up with him and see among other things how those plans of diversity hiring were shaping up and where psychometric testing can help both with hiring and retaining talent

This is about running. If that's not your thing then maybe give this episode a miss. My guest is Polar/Team GB Endurance Coach Nick Anderson. The session is based on a LinkedIn live event we had recently where we covered a whole host of topics such as Performance optimisationForming habitsConcrete techniques on how to sustain a good thing (ie running)Self motivationGoal setting and mindsetReturn on investmentPerformance and RecoveryData from your wrist watch and how to benefit from it.

Addressing the 🐘 in the room: Women in commodities as well as a whole raft of other topics around culture, loyalty and leadership. Recent guest and long-standing friend of the house, Tamara Weinert gives an honest account of her own experiences, both as current President and CEO America at Outokumpu as well as in her previous leadership roles at Vattenfall. She has gathered plenty of experience and personal anecdotes on all of the above.   

In this second helping of a recent get together with Henrik Lind and Dion Sorensen we get into the role and place of feedback in a performance culture. We also cover a somewhat provocative take on the value in business of the MBA and how do you know when it's time to hand the reins of your business over to a new CEO? 

For those who like to listen on the run – our massively popular series of interviews with Danske Commodities founder, Henrik Lind, and business psychologist, Dion Sorensen has been converted into an air pod-friendly podcast.  In this, the first part of the two-part series, they share their ideas on how cultures and visions are formed and what defines good leadership. They also give their honest view on the challenges of creating a diverse workforce

What are the gains and pitfalls of leading a company full of entrepreneurs? MFT Energy’s CEO, Torben Nordal Clausen, gave me some of his time to share some insights from his company that runs a shareholder model based on the belief that a sense of ownership brings out the best in people.