Petra Karmteg, serving as the COO at DNB Sweden, exemplifies the essence of leadership through clear direction and empowering her team to take ownership of their roles. With a wealth of experience in leading large departments and spearheading agile transformations, Petra’s leadership style fosters a culture of accountability and innovation.
Having navigated the interface between IT and business with finesse, Petra brings a diverse skill set to her role, including strategic analysis and operational change management. Her tenure at Storebrand and Accenture provided her with invaluable experience in driving successful change initiatives and leading transformative projects.
Petra’s track record speaks volumes, with a proven ability to implement strategies that drive simplicity, profitability, and employee engagement. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to achieving tangible results, making her a driving force behind operational excellence and sustainable growth at DNB Sweden.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Petra Karmteg:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
In both my personal and professional life, I am driven by a passion for constant change and that anything is possible as well as a commitment to continuous improvement. As a person, I value authenticity, collaboration, openness and drive. Outside the workplace, you’ll find me playing tennis exploring new cities over the weekend and spending quality time with my family and friends. Striking a balance between career and personal life is essential to me and I’m convinced that it contributes positively to my professional life.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
DNB’s inception is rooted in a rich history of commitment to financial excellence. Established in Norway in 1822 with a vision to be a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity, the bank has evolved to become a cornerstone of the Nordic financial landscape. From its early days, DNB has been driven by a mission to empower clients, foster innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the communities it serves. The branch in Sweden started in 1995 and has grown over the years and is DNBs largest international office.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I would say it is a combination of strategic foresight, adaptability and execution. I am described as a leader who points out a clear direction and coaches my employees to take own responsibility and find their own way under the direction that anything is possible. I have always had a strong focus on innovation, and client-centricity striving to transform opportunities into growth.
Which are the major services of the company and how do the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
DNB offers a comprehensive portfolio of financial services, ranging from traditional banking to cutting-edge digital solutions. Our commitment to staying ahead, embracing technological advancements and prioritizing client experience has positioned DNB as a trusted partner internationally.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
The most crucial aspects of our company culture revolve around openness, collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. We believe in empowering our employees, fostering a sense of ownership, and encouraging a diversity of perspectives. By championing these principles, we create an environment where business and people thrive, and employees feel motivated to contribute their best.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovation is crucial for any successful organization, and at DNB, we consider it a strategic imperative. By nurturing a culture that encourages and rewards innovative thinking, we remain agile and responsive to the ever-evolving needs of our clients.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
While individual heroics can be impactful, our focus at DNB is building a culture of collaborative achievement. We believe in the collective accomplishments and diverse skill sets within our teams. By prioritizing team processes, we ensure that every success is a shared victory.
What are your responsibilities as the COO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
As the Chief Operating Officer, my responsibilities overseeing the day-to-day operations, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring that all Business areas have what they need to keep everything running. The best part of my daily routine is witnessing the collaborative spirit among our teams and seeing the positive impact of our collective efforts to support our organization.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
My advice is to embrace humility, be open to learning, and prioritize building strong relationships. Leadership is not about having all the answers but about empowering those around you to contribute their best.
