Name: Diana Bach-Laursen
Title: Senior Director & Center Head
Company: Energinet
Please introduce yourself
My name is Diana Bach-Laursen, I’m 45 years old and I hold a Master of Science in Information Technology (MscIT). A unique fun fact about me is that I travelled to Disneyland Paris to work, believing I was proficient in French. It turned out I had a lot to learn! Despite the initial language challenges, I was determined and didn’t give up. Through persistence and hard work, I not only improved my French but also gained valuable insights into cross-cultural communication and how different people can view the same issue.
- How did you imagine your career when you were around 20 years old?
Prior to my Master degree, I studied German and French thinking I would work in diplomacy or as an interpreter at the EU headquarters. Although I now work in IT and mostly speak Danish on the job, I know that my fundamental understanding of languages and cultures aids me in my everyday work, working with many different stakeholders. I believe that IT can be viewed as an organisation, a culture, or a language of its own, and in fact, it can be easier to learn IT than foreign languages, as IT is fundamentally composed of just 1s and 0s.
- What does a day in your life look like in your current role?
In my current role, no two days are alike, which is something I truly enjoy. Much of my time is spent meeting with colleagues, team members, and partners to discuss frameworks, directions, and challenges. These discussions are crucial for aligning our goals and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, I dedicate time to strategic planning, project management, and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies in our field. As a leader, I’m also involved in budgeting, recruiting, and other administrative duties.
This variety keeps my work dynamic and engaging, allowing me to contribute to our organization’s success in multiple ways.
- What motivates and excites you the most about your career path and the leadership position you hold?
What motivates and excites me the most about my career path and the leadership position I hold is my natural curiosity and passion for continuous learning. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in various roles, each offering unique challenges and learning experiences. I thrive on being challenged by complex problems and finding solutions. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to develop others, guiding them to reach their full potential and witnessing the power of collaborative effort in solving tasks. Additionally, I find it incredibly rewarding to meet and work with colleagues whose skills and perspectives complement my own.
- Share with us the biggest lessons you learned on your journey to where you are today.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on my journey to where I am today is that it’s okay not to know everything from the start. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and growth has been incredibly valuable. I’ve also realized that not thinking like everyone else can be a significant advantage. Diverse perspectives bring innovative solutions and fresh ideas to the table. Everyone has something unique to contribute, and it’s through collaboration and valuing different viewpoints that we achieve the best outcomes.
- Tell us about a role model who inspired you to become the leader you are today
While I haven’t had a single specific role model, I have been inspired by many different women throughout my career. What they all have in common is their resilience, intelligence, and ability to navigate complex challenges. Their collective example has taught me the importance of staying true to my values, continuously seeking growth, and supporting others along the way.
- If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, or to students today, what would it be?
It would be to just go for it and believe that you can achieve your goals. Trust in your abilities and don’t be afraid to take risks. At the same time, remember that you don’t need to rush. It’s important to find a balance between being ambitious and patient, knowing that every step you take brings you closer to your dreams.
- How do you see STEM education shaping the future?
STEM education is pivotal in shaping the future by equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges of our rapidly evolving world.
It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for driving technological advancements and scientific discoveries.
- Why is it important for you to promote diversity and inclusion within STEM?
As more female students engage in STEM educations, we can expect a more diverse and inclusive workforce that brings a wider range of perspectives and ideas. This diversity will lead to more comprehensive solutions to global issues, from climate change to healthcare.
Ultimately, STEM education empowers the next generation to create a better, more sustainable future for all.