Societal- and Business Development Consultant at BDO

• How do you work with sport at BDO?

BDO delivers a broad range of services to Norwegian sport. We work across everything from audit and advisory services for elite clubs, national federations and major sporting events, to sponsorships and various forms of strategic and financial advisory through BDO Consulting. Together with a colleague, I lead BDO’s sports initiative.

In recent years, we have delivered analyses and assessments for elite clubs, sports councils and other key stakeholders within the sports sector. Much of this work focuses on highlighting sport’s contribution beyond the pitch. Sport creates significant value in areas such as public health, inclusion and local economic activity, yet these effects are often insufficiently documented in decision-making processes. Our role is to make these contributions measurable, understandable and relevant for decision-makers, partners and others who help shape the framework conditions for sport.

BDO has a clear ambition to be a long-term partner for Norwegian sport and to contribute to sport achieving its broader societal mission. For me personally, with a background in elite sport, it is both meaningful and motivating to continue working in an environment I know well and have great respect for.

• What do you believe defines good leadership?

Key aspects of good leadership are about creating people who dare, who want to succeed, and who are able to do so. This involves giving responsibility early and showing trust before it is fully “earned”, because that is how people grow. A good leader encourages risk-taking, allows room for failure, and creates a climate where initiative is rewarded.

At the same time, leadership is about seeing people, showing attentiveness, recognising contributions – even the small ones – and clearly signalling that every individual matters. The best leaders understand what motivates the people around them and take active care of their teams, both as resources and as human beings.

• Describe the academic environment at BI / MSc in Business

I experienced the academic environment at BI in Oslo as both intellectually strong and highly professional. Our class was small, just under 20 students, which allowed for close follow-up, high-quality discussions, and strong relationships with both fellow students and academic staff. The lecturers were consistently highly competent, approachable and engaged, and the level of teaching and academic output represented a clear step up from the bachelor’s programme.

I particularly appreciated the active learning approach, with high expectations for participation in discussions, case work and presentations. This created a learning environment closely aligned with business practice, preparing us well for working life. At the same time, the programme places high demands on independence, structure and personal effort. This can be challenging, but it is also character- and discipline-building.

I felt seen and recognised, both academically and personally, and experienced that effort and quality were genuinely reflected in the results. With excellent campus facilities and close academic support from professors, I have an overwhelmingly positive overall experience. I never regretted my choice, and I would choose the same programme again.