Name: Signe Horn Rosted
Date of birth: 18th of February 1977
Title: CIO, IT Director
Company: Energinet
Degree: Cand Scient Soc., Roskilde University
What do you find most interesting about your career and your leadership position?
To make a difference – for people and for the green transition. Meaningful work with a “purpose” is paramount to me. As a manager, it is an incredible driver to be part of a professionally strong organization where, together with the right people, I can make a decisively important difference in an area that is important for the whole of Denmark. By ensuring the integration of 100% renewable energy into the Danish energy system, we are not just ahead in Denmark. We are also the front runner for the rest of the world. For me, it is crucial that everyone sees and understands their important contribution in this context – and takes responsibility for this socially important task – regardless of whether you are an economist in the marketing department or an IT developer who creates complicated IT systems to support the supply-critical operation of the electricity grid.
Tell us about a female role model and the impact they had on you – either personally or professionally?
I am inspired by the number of female managers who in recent years have participated in the public debate about more equality in the Danish labour market. Especially with the starting point that we don’t all have to be the same and that it’s OK to be a leader in the same way. I am inspired by leaders such as Nana Bule, Mie Krogh and Helle Thorning-Schmidt, who with their very different voices contribute to pushing this very important agenda. I am also inspired by Thomas Thune Andersen and Morten Hübbe, who are strong role models for the debate on equality – and who have concretely acted with initiatives in the area.
What advice would you give to young female students today?
Feel for what you want – and trust that you can. Be proud of the mistakes you make along the way. They teach you more than success.
Looking into the future, what role do you think STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education will have?
A massive role. There is technology built into the solutions of the future, also in the energy sector. It is absolutely crucial to combine the different perspectives (data, engineering, tech, etc.) to create the energy system of the future. In the coming years, we must find solutions that do not exist today. To that extent, it requires innovation and courageous organizations that dare to invest in their employees’ potential. My experience is that the greatest results come when we combine cross-disciplinary skills and ensure both human and professional diversity.