Birger Steen is the CEO of NORSAR, a globally leading seismology research institute in Kjeller, Norway. He holds a master’s degree in finance from INSEAD, a master’s in Computer Science from NTH. He has held executive and non-executive roles in Microsoft, Schibsted, Scandinavia Online, McKinsey, Parallels, Nordea, Nordic Semiconductor, Freyr, Pagero, and other growth companies across technology and finance in the US, Russia, Scandinavia, and Europe.

Cold War II: What we need to do differently as executives and people leaders

Most likely, you grew up as a professional and a leader during the unprecedented 30-year period of relative peace and prosperity that started in the early 90s. This golden age is now irrevocably over. Whether we choose to call the new reality “Cold War II” or something else, we all need to update our situational awareness, our moral compasses and some of our ways of working in response. Birger Steen will connect the new geopolitical context with the everyday responsibilities of HR professionals, executives and board members, and suggest some tradeoffs you need to start working on with your team back at work on Monday, if you have not already done so.

• Business and public sector shaped Cold War I; leaders must safeguard democracies
• Reassess ERM, ESG, recruiting, talent, and DEI
• HR guides tradeoffs and ensures psychological safety