Name: Fredrik Asche Kaada

Title: Business Strategist

Organisation: Net Expert Hub

Fredrik is a MarTech pro who blends digital expertise with a passion for sustainability. With 3+ years of experience, he drives customer engagement and builds brands that make a difference. His background includes a trekking guide and UNCTAD projects. Ready to make an impact in a challenging new role.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Fredrik's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

Building trust requires consistent effort and a multifaceted approach. As a leader, I prioritize open and honest communication, ensuring everyone stays informed and aligned. I show vulnerability by admitting my mistakes and actively listening to my team, empathizing with their experiences. I recognize their efforts and lead by example, demonstrating the behaviours I expect from others.

I believe authenticity, integrity, and competence are key to building trust. I strive to be genuine, always follow my promises, and demonstrate my expertise. I create a stable environment by maintaining consistency in my actions and decisions. I also focus on developing strong relational intelligence, which helps me foster deeper connections with my team. Ultimately, I lead with humanity, capability, transparency, and reliability, which allows me to build trust with all stakeholders.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

The vision and mission are intertwined yet distinct. The vision is aspirational, painting a picture of the desired future, like Net Expert Hub becoming the leading platform connecting businesses with top-tier MarTech expertise. Conversely, the mission is grounded in the present, outlining the steps to achieve that vision. For Net Expert Hub, this means curating a global network of specialists, providing on-demand access to skills and knowledge, and fostering a collaborative community.

The real-world application involves building a comprehensive expert database and a user-friendly platform. MarTech empowers businesses to navigate the complex landscape through insightful resources and unbiased reviews. This translates to publishing cutting-edge content, facilitating knowledge sharing, and continuously improving the platform to meet evolving needs. By focusing on these actions, Net Expert Hub and MarTech contribute to achieving the shared vision and driving MarTech innovation.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

Leadership focuses on enabling others to achieve their full potential, not on control. To empower your team, create an environment where everyone feels valued, capable, and motivated to give their best. It's easy to overthink, but significant positive growth will likely occur when diverse teams and functions are in sync, and each person's contributions are recognised.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

My grandfather always maintained a warm smile and personality, inviting me to great conversations and recent news. He demonstrated how much being present for each one matters, both in the short and long term.

For example, when it was as simple as walking around the neighbourhood, it took an extra 30 minutes, not because of slow speed, but because of the increasing sphere of influence on the local streets, and what a strong memory it is. I'm thankful! He was, and will always be, one of my top role models and mentors, showcasing a fulfilled life with travels, warm relations, and a spirit of adventure.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Leadership is all about nurturing growth and helping those around me shine. I work hard to cultivate a space at Net Expert Hub where my team feels genuinely encouraged to take the lead, share their ideas, and showcase their unique talents. This involves giving them the freedom to explore, opportunities to learn and grow, and continuous support along the way.

I believe in leading by example, showing the importance of open communication, teamwork, and the pursuit of improvement. I focus on my primary responsibilities, delegate tasks thoughtfully, and always welcome feedback to keep us on track. By staying committed to these values, I hope to empower my team and me to reach our shared goals and spark innovation in the MarTech industry.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

I wholeheartedly agree that failing to plan often leads to setbacks, and I believe in a proactive approach to planning at Net Expert Hub. For my weekly plan, I prioritise tasks, allocate time for projects, and schedule meetings, ensuring I dedicate time to connect with my team. Cold email marketing and a strong CRM system are key, alongside strategic Monday meetings.

Further, I review progress towards our goals monthly, analyse key metrics, and adjust strategies as needed. Looking ahead to the year, I focus on long-term objectives, identify growth opportunities within the MarTech landscape, and explore potential partnerships to expand our network and reach. This multi-level approach helps me stay organised, focused, and adaptable to the industry's ever-evolving demands.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

Many new leaders find delegation challenging, but there’s no need to be concerned! Begin by changing your perspective. View delegation as a way to empower your team at Net Expert Hub rather than simply offloading your tasks. Determine which assignments suit their strengths and offer them clear expectations, deadlines, and support.

Remember, trust is essential. Have faith in their capabilities and give them constructive feedback. This will allow you to concentrate more on strategic priorities while promoting team growth.