How do you build a future-ready boardroom? For Mie Krog, the answer lies at the intersection of strong business acumen and a deep appreciation for the human side of business.
As Chair and former executive with over 20 years of leadership experience at companies like LEGO and JYSK, Krog has spent her career driving transformation. As the co-founder and Ambassador of SelectionF, she has also been instrumental in championing female executives across the Nordics. We have asked Mie to share her unique approach to strategy, the enduring importance of professional networks, and why a genuinely open mindset is a modern leader’s greatest superpower.
You were instrumental in building SelectionF in Denmark from its early days. What problem did you set out to solve – and why is that mission still relevant today?
The Danish private business sector predominantly is made up of SME and MME’s. Tracking the numbers and the development of female representation on boards and in management positions in this part of the sector has shown us time and time again that making changes here, takes even more time and even better business relations between competent female board profiles and founders and PE companies. We set out to make the growing cohort of female CXO’s known to this sectors boards. First via a digital platform, which however proved to be too reactive. Later we changed the concept to empower these women to build stronger relationships with boards and networks themselves. This pivot made a difference. And learning about how this agenda develops across the Nordic has also put new perspectives to the conversation which I am very proud of. Denmark and Danish companies have something to learn from its Nordic counterparts.
Your career spans senior executive leadership, CEO roles and a broad portfolio of chair and non-executive positions across very different industries. Which experiences have most shaped the way you contribute in the boardroom today - and in what types of strategic situations do you believe you add the greatest value?
I am driven by growth and transformation and the dynamics of this is more universal than we think. Over the years I have learned that “culture actually can serve strategy for breakfast” and be the strongest leverage for strong strategy execution – if we take it seriously and develop it carefully. This combined with the acknowledgement that most companies are facing not only radical changes in their marketplaces but also in their talent bases has taught me that we as boards and leaders need to think even more holistic and integrated than ever. It takes strong facilitation and listening skills to be part of future ready executive leadership, and I am very attentive to our role as boards to also think talent development and succession. I bridge sector and functional insight with strong business acumen across multiple business models – it is a unique combination of insights, and I value the human side of business – somehow this is a powerful combination.
You have worked to advance women in leadership and boards for many years. Where do you believe companies still get it wrong when they talk about diversity - and what would a genuinely strategic approach look like to secure diverse executive management and boards?
A genuine open mindset is the core for getting it right. I am amazed about how few executive leaders have truly trained their personal mindset and are capable of recognizing their own patterns and biases. Leaders who can both differentiate and integrate across differences have a unique superpower. I believe this should be obligatory as part of leadership development programs. Personally, I started my training early already as a student and this has helped me bridge both cross functional perspectives and cultural perspectives easily over time.
SelectionF is a network for women who are already highly accomplished. Why do experienced CxOs and board professionals still need a network like SelectionF - and what can happen when the right people, perspectives and opportunities are brought together?
Doors and perspectives which have been either closed or fixed, remain a hindrance if we do not learn from each other. I truly believe in mirroring other talented leaders – male or female. We all need to be inspired – but with professionals that we can identify with. Personally, this has helped me tremendously over time.
Looking ahead, what would you like SelectionF to achieve over the next decade - and what would you say to a senior leader considering joining the network or to a company considering becoming a strategic partner?
Join, learn and help multiply this important agenda – you will never regret.
It creates value for so many and it is so much bigger than you. Young women and men need leadership role models they can be inspired by – and the future needs it.
Who is Mie Krog?
Experienced Chair, Independent Non-Executive Director and strategic advisor with a broad board portfolio across finance, mobility, hospitality, technology and other industries.
More than 20 years of senior executive and CEO experience, including leadership roles with companies such as LEGO, JYSK, Salling Group/ILVA and Kentaur.
Chair of Scandinavian Executive Institute, Aarhus Letbane and Ruths Hotel, and Board Member of Forenet Kredit.
Brings extensive experience in strategy, growth, transformation, customer-centricity, digitalization and organizational development.
Co-founder of SelectionF, now serving as a SelectionF Ambassador.
