Merete Hverven and Mark Schneider | Panel discussion | Investment Conference 2025

This episode explores leadership and culture in the context of organizational success, particularly focusing on diversity, innovation, and crisis management. The discussion begins with Merete Hverven's transition from HR to CEO, highlighting the critical role of leadership in successful mergers and overall business performance, emphasizing that having the right people is paramount. Mark Schneider builds on this by discussing the evolution of diversity and inclusion, noting its impact on decision-making and ethical considerations, viewing it as both a correction of historical wrongs and a driver of better results. More significantly, the conversation addresses gender diversity, with Hverven pointing out the need to actively encourage women in tech and leadership roles, a sentiment echoed by Schneider. As the discussion pivots to innovation, the leaders emphasize the importance of learning from failures and creating a culture that supports experimentation, with Visma distinguishing between "projects" and "experiments" to foster innovation. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, both leaders reflect on the importance of communication, trust, and adaptability in navigating crises, underscoring the significance of a strong organizational culture.