The evening opened with an atmosphere of anticipation as the room filled with attendees eager to hear from industry leaders. André Thormann from 360 Finance Network introduced the evening’s theme, followed by Maria Anker Andersen from Female Leadership Academy, who highlighted the organization’s mission to support young professionals. A moment of light-hearted applause set a welcoming and engaged tone for the event.

We had the pleasure of Ida B. Kongsted, CEO of VL Groups and a member of the FLA Executive Advisory Board, setting the scene by sharing her career journey. With a refreshingly relatable approach that resonated with the young professionals in the room, she emphasized the importance of consciously developing skills and building a strong professional network.

Building on Ida’s insights, Carsten Egeriis, CEO of Danske Bank, provided candid reflections on his leadership journey - from unexpected career shifts to managing crises. He opened his speech with a fundamental question: “Why is everyone not a leader?” leaving a moment of silence for reflection. Then, with a knowing smile, he delivered a simple truth: “Not everybody wants to be.”

From there, Carsten unpacked the realities of leadership - the responsibility, the fast pace of change, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Through engaging storytelling and personal insights, he emphasized that leadership is not just about ambition but about resilience, adaptability, and creating followership through trust.

With Carsten’s reflections setting the stage, Britt Meelby Jensen, CEO of Ambu and one of only two female CEOs in Denmark’s C25 index, took the floor. Supporting Carsten’s point, Britt underlined that leadership is developed, not something one is simply born with. She highlighted that great leaders are shaped by experience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Among the key leadership attributes, Britt emphasized decision-making, authenticity, and managing roadblocks. Her perspectives reinforced that leadership is not about innate ability but about developing the right mindset, embracing challenges, and committing to growth.

Mads Nipper, former CEO of Ørsted, brought an energetic and relatable presence to the stage, instantly resonating with the young professionals in the audience. With authenticity and humor, he shared insights into leadership, stressing that career success is not about following a perfect plan but about staying true to one’s values and seizing opportunities - even when they feel intimidating.

Leadership, he noted, is not about having all the answers but about being adaptable and continuously learning. Finding personal values early is crucial, as purpose-driven leadership creates real impact. He also offered a reality check: “Even though you signed up for an important position, it doesn’t mean your family did.” His key message to aspiring leaders was simple but powerful: stay passionate, mission-driven, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.

Moderated by Jakob Garf from 360 Finance Network, the panel debate addressed key concerns for aspiring leaders. A recurring theme was the importance of self-awareness - understanding personal strengths, embracing discomfort, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing professional landscape.

On breaking barriers, the panelists emphasized that leadership is not reserved for a select few but is accessible to those willing to take risks, develop resilience, and build the right network. Carsten Egeriis highlighted the necessity of perseverance, while Britt Meelby Jensen encouraged attendees to seek inspiration and continuously push their limits. Mads Nipper, true to his engaging style, reminded the audience that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown.

When discussing leadership in a rapidly evolving world, all three speakers agreed that success hinges on curiosity, adaptability, and fostering strong relationships. Leadership is not just about making decisions - it’s about building trust, inspiring teams, and ensuring that a company’s purpose remains clear even in turbulent times.

The Aspiring Leaders event at PwC left attendees with valuable insights and inspiration. A few key takeaways stood out:

• Leadership is a choice, not a given: Not everyone wants to lead, and that’s okay. Those who do must embrace responsibility and continuous learning.
• Success is built on execution: Hard work, resilience, and a track record of delivering results are essential.
• Curiosity and networking matter: Staying engaged, learning from others, and cultivating meaningful relationships pave the way for long-term success.
• Challenges are opportunities: Stepping out of your comfort zone is the best way to develop as a leader.
• Balance is crucial: Sustaining high performance requires prioritizing well-being and personal fulfillment.

The event showcased that leadership is not about a title - it’s about influence, mindset, and the ability to inspire change. As the next generation of leaders left the room, one message rang clear: leadership is a journey, and it starts with the choices you make today.