Name: Carina Moselund Jensen
Title: Head of Secretariat
Company: Danmarks Nationalbank
Please introduce yourself
My name is Carina Moselund Jensen, and I am 40 years old. I earned my MSc in Economics (cand.oecon.) from Aalborg University in 2007, and I am currently pursuing a master’s in management and leadership.
I generally consider myself strong-willed, but I have a weakness for Pepsi Max and a love for shoes. My office wardrobe is the one with the biggest pile of shoes, and I tend to wear the most colourful ones to brighten up a rainy day.
How did you imagine your career when you were around 20 years old?
I did not have a clear career path in mind. Back then I was simply enjoying university life. I was fairly good at maths and had a keen interest in social issues and politics, particularly monetary policy. However, my primary goal was to find a job with a sense of purpose, where I could feel that my efforts made a positive impact on society. Fast forward four years, and it felt like a dream come true when I landed my first job at Danmarks Nationalbank, whose main objective is to ensure that Denmark has a robust economy.
What does a day in your life look like in your current role?
Every day brings something new, which makes this role so fascinating for me. My schedule is typically packed with both internal and external meetings, yet my day rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Being a staff function, we play a crucial role in the organisation’s coordination, communication, planning, and facilitation. This means we are always in tune with the organisation’s pulse, and whatever is on the minds and in the hands of our colleagues quickly becomes our priority as well.
What motivates and excites you the most about your career path and the leadership position you hold?
Overall, I find it incredibly inspiring and a great privilege to work alongside such talented and truly dedicated people.
Throughout my career at Danmarks Nationalbank, I have held various positions across different departments. What characterises both the organisation and my career path is the opportunity to explore diverse areas of economics and continually seek out and build new knowledge. One of the aspects I value most about my current role is the ability to blend my experience and interests, particularly between economic analysis, process management, and communication.
A significant source of motivation for me is the diverse experiences and backgrounds within our team. As a leader, I believe it is crucial to leverage our differences, bringing each person’s unique competencies into play to achieve the best outcomes for the organisation.
Share with us the biggest lessons you learned on your journey to where you are today.
Firstly, I believe in giving your best effort and focusing on the present task. This leads to satisfaction, valuable experiences, and skills that will be recognised.
Secondly, identifying and being aware of my values has been crucial. Once established, they serve as a compass, guiding you through tough decisions. Staying true to them ensures you always have a reliable guide.
Lastly, I wish I had been better at celebrating my own successes and those of others. What you nurture grows. Equally important is accepting and embracing failures, as they are inevitable and a vital part of the learning process.
Tell us about a role model who inspired you to become the leader you are today.
I have had several role models, both men and women, but my first female leader left a particularly strong impression on me. It was through her that I truly understood the meaning of authenticity and integrity. These are not just buzzwords in management literature; when genuine, they can create psychological safety, boost motivation, and drive results. She taught me the significance of staying true to myself and my values and being afraid to show vulnerability.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, or to students today, what would it be?
Seize career opportunities as they come. You do not need to have all the answers right away; trust in your abilities and do not hesitate to seek help. Cultivate your network and relationships, as they can unlock new opportunities and offer support during tough times. Mentors can provide valuable guidance, perspective, and advice.
Also, remember most things in life and your career are not set in stone. So, be kind to yourself. Embrace the journey, and you will find your way to your goals.
How do you see STEM education shaping the future?
I believe that STEM education has always been vital and will remain so in the future. It is essential for driving economic growth and pioneering technological advancements and innovations. STEM professionals will play a significant role in addressing global challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.
Why is it important for you to promote diversity and inclusion within STEM?
I recognise the benefits of diversity and inclusion across all fields of study. However, it is especially important to have access to a variety of perspectives and ideas when searching for innovative solutions to address the complex global challenges. Greater diversity and inclusion – not just in terms of gender – simply leads to better and more creative problem-solving.