In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of Mogens Birkelund, the CEO of S.C. Nordic A/S, and explore his journey in the dynamic realm of business leadership. Birkelund shares insights into his motivations, significant accomplishments, leadership style, and the strategies that have set S.C. Nordic apart in the market.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Motivations
Mogens Birkelund traces his career back to the telecom industry, with significant involvement in startup ventures over the past three decades. Returning to Denmark in 2008, he found inspiration during the planning of UN’s COP15, leading him to focus on the power grid and envision changes, particularly in SmartGrid and Virtual Power Plant challenges. His motivation was rooted in developing technologies that showcased potential solutions for the power grid.
Defining Success: Accomplishments and Challenges
As a CEO, Birkelund takes pride in defining a project for developing Virtual Power Plant technology called GridManager. Despite the company being ahead of its time, Birkelund successfully raised capital and formed partnerships with major Danish utilities and IBM’s Smarter Planet programs. A significant accomplishment was his re-entry into the industry, establishing S.C. Nordic with a new platform and team. He highlights the organic growth and the development of a solid customer base in Denmark.
Leadership Style: A Blend of Lean Development and Supportive Engagement
Birkelund describes his leadership style as aligned with LEAN development and a ‘fail fast’ approach. Focused on execution and customer engagement, he emphasizes the importance of delivering minimal viable products and ensuring the team feels supported and empowered. Leading by personal engagement, Birkelund guided S.C. Nordic’s growth to 18 team members across three countries through organic means.
Strategies for Market Differentiation
In the early days, Birkelund recognized the need for differentiation and positioned S.C. Nordic as the preferred partner for industrial and commercial customers engaged in Ancillary service or Virtual Power Plant markets. By offering technology, know-how, and ongoing management as a service, S.C. Nordic seeks alliances and partnerships in the renewable energy market, exemplified by their collaboration with Norlys, Denmark’s second-largest utility.
Navigating Challenges: A Collaborative Approach
Birkelund recounts a challenging situation involving the introduction of a new role, Aggregator, due to Denmark’s EU membership. As an early mover in this role, S.C. Nordic collaborated closely with Energinet.dk to overcome unforeseen challenges and adapt to evolving regulations. The achievement lies in the shared goal of developing flexibility resources for the power grid.
Guiding Principles: Customer-Centric Decision Making
The core values guiding Birkelund’s decision-making process revolve around customer appeal and partnership. With a focus on entrepreneurship, he ensures offerings resonate with customers, making it a point to listen to their views and expectations. S.C. Nordic’s team members adopt the same approach, fostering a culture of problem-solving and collaboration.
Staying Informed: Accessible and Attentive Leadership
Birkelund stays informed about industry trends by investing time in reading materials related to Energinet.dk and maintaining close contact with customers and utility partners. Accessibility and active listening to concerns and reflections contribute to his success as a CEO.
Success Factors: Focus on Value Creation, Execution, and Listening
According to Birkelund, the key factors contributing to S.C. Nordic’s success include a relentless focus on value creation, execution, and attentive listening to customers and partners.
Future Aspirations: Consolidation, Expansion, and Strategic Alliances
Looking ahead, Birkelund envisions consolidating S.C. Nordic’s position in the Danish market while expanding into Scandinavia and Germany. The establishment of S.C. Nordic Inc. in the US signifies a commitment to further market opportunities through value creation and strategic partnerships.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Birkelund’s contributions have earned S.C. Nordic prestigious awards, including the Best Smart Grid & Demand Response Solutions Developer in 2022 and 2023, recognition in The Silicon Review’s 50 Smartest Companies of the Year in 2023, and acknowledgment in World’s Leaders Magazine as one of the World’s Most Versatile Business Leaders Making a Mark in 2023.
In conclusion, Mogens Birkelund’s journey as the CEO of S.C. Nordic A/S is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to innovation, and strategic leadership, shaping the company’s success in the dynamic landscape of the energy industry.
