Anders Hojte is the COO and CoS (Chief of Staff) of Stibo Systems, the Danish headquartered MDM Software business. He is a seasoned Executive and Strategist with a passion for bringing new ideas from design through to implementation.
He has a proven track record of delivering business excellence in a number of different environments including the Technology, Professional Services, Military and Public Sector industries. He thrives in “knowledge-heavy” companies, with a strong product and solid performance culture, that depend on their employees and therefore prioritizes their retention.
What does good leadership mean to you?
Good leadership, to me, is about cultivating a culture of trust, respect, and empowerment. It involves not only inspiring and guiding teams toward shared goals but also supporting individual growth. By providing a clear vision and reliable direction, a good leader ensures everyone understands how their efforts contribute to the organization’s success. Effective leadership also entails making tough decisions that may not be popular but serve the greater good of the team and the company in the long run.
How did you ensure that the people agenda was at the forefront of the transformation that you were driving?
During transformational processes, I prioritized the people agenda by regularly engaging with team members and actively seeking their input. I implemented feedback mechanisms that allowed employees to voice concerns and suggestions, ensuring HR initiatives were not just top-down but reflective of the workforce’s needs. I also ensured these initiatives were directly tied to business outcomes, making the case for their importance undeniable.
What is the best example you have seen of Transformational Leadership?
The most striking example of Transformational Leadership I witnessed was a CEO who transformed a failing company into an industry leader. This leader didn’t just change policies but rebuilt the company culture around innovation, accountability, and a can-do attitude. By focusing on transparent communication, fostering a shared purpose, and investing in employee development, they cultivated an environment where every employee felt empowered to contribute to the turnaround.
What is the most important thing you have learnt in your career so far?
Adaptability is the most crucial skill I’ve learned in my career. The business landscape is constantly changing, and success hinges on the ability to pivot quickly and efficiently. It involves embracing change, whether it’s technological advancements, market shifts, or internal company evolution, and using these as opportunities for innovation, growth, and evolution.
Is there anything you wish you’d known when you started your career? And anything you would tell yourself at an earlier stage in your career?
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to prioritize building strong relationships from the outset. Understanding that networks are not just about the number of connections but about cultivating meaningful partnerships that can support both personal and professional development is vital. A motto I’ve adopted is: “It’s not just about what you know, but who you know.”
What changes to your industry do you anticipate over the next two years and are you excited by this?
In terms of industry changes, the rise of AI and machine learning will revolutionize the way we work. The prospect of integrating these technologies excites me as they promise not only to streamline operations but also to open doors to innovative ways of delivering services to our clients. Furthermore, I anticipate a hyper integration of AI and machine learning within the next two years – the race to be a ‘first mover’ is exciting as it promises efficiency and new service offerings.
What type of people do you like to work with and what makes them good leaders?
I gravitate toward working with individuals who are proactive, collaborative, and empathetic. These qualities are hallmarks of good leaders because they create an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and motivated to exceed expectations.
What fascinates you about your job?
What captivates me about my role is the endless opportunity for strategic problem-solving and the implementation of cutting-edge solutions that drive our mission forward.
As a leader what skills do you continuously work on to keep you at the top of your game?
To remain at the top of my game, I continually refine my strategic foresight and emotional intelligence. By staying attuned to industry trends and nurturing strong interpersonal relationships, I can lead my team effectively through any challenge.
What keeps you awake at night?
The thought of my team not having the right tools or resources or support to navigate the fast-paced changes in our industry can keep me awake at night. It’s essential to be proactive in addressing these challenges to maintain team morale and performance.
AI and digital landscapes are ever-evolving. What skills or areas are you currently focusing on to ensure your organisation remains at the forefront?
In the AI and digital landscapes, I am honing my expertise in data analytics and user experience design. By enhancing these areas, I aim to keep our organization ahead, providing top-tier service that meets the evolving needs of our clients.
How do you foster a culture of continuous learning within your teams?
To promote a culture of continuous learning and winning, I encourage professional development and knowledge sharing within the team. I believe in rewarding innovation and providing opportunities for team members to explore new areas of interest that can benefit our work.
How do you feel that AI will impact the workforce over the next 3-4 years and specifically within the HR arena?
As for the impact of AI on the workforce, particularly within HR, I foresee AI streamlining many administrative tasks. This shift will allow HR professionals to focus more on strategic initiatives such as talent development and employee engagement.
How do you integrate diversity and inclusion strategies into your leadership approach, and what impact do you believe this has on your organization’s culture and performance?
Diversity and inclusion are integral to my leadership style. I believe these principles significantly benefit our organization’s culture and performance as they bring diverse perspectives and foster a more creative and innovative work environment. Furthermore, it is a priority in our ESG 2025/2030 strategy.
What strategies do you find most effective in creating a more inclusive environment?
The most effective strategies for creating a more inclusive environment include facilitating open dialogue, establishing mentorship programs, and ensuring diverse representation across all levels of the organization. These practices promote understanding, dismantle biases, and help everyone feel they belong and can contribute their best work.
Interviewer: Richard Brennan
Please feel free to contact Richard directly via email rbrennan@hiec.com should you have any questions or would like to discuss the above or anything else further.