Acceptable behaviors in one place may be deemed offensive or inappropriate in another . Alongside this awareness , we also educate people around unconscious bias , which aligns with how we talk to and about others . I am the executive sponsor for the LGBTQ + community , championing diversity , equality and inclusivity . We want everyone to develop , to become better leaders , better people and better employees for the company and more importantly , for themselves .”

Paving the way

Even before the disruption from the pandemic and current geopolitical tensions , Morten believes the manufacturing industry started to face a three-fold challenge . “ The global supply chain has been strained for some time ,” he expounds . “ Increasingly , organizations are moving to a regional set up , which is adding complexity because prior to today , we had been on a 20-year journey of globalization , and now , we are seeing those opened trade barriers start to lock down .

“ A further complication is the shortage of skilled labor . The population is getting older , and by 2050 , a quarter of the population in OECD countries will be aged over 65 . This problem is further compounded by an increasing disinterest in factory and shopfloor work as a profession .

“ The third challenge facing the entire industry is energy transition . Manufacturing is carbon intense , and while every company needs to embark on its own journey to carbon neutrality , obviously the more carbon there is to omit , the tougher that journey will be ,” he states .

“ If it comes down to a choice between having the perfect plan of action or the perfect team , from my perspective , there is no choice . I think Mike Tyson said it well , when he suggested that ‘ everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face .’ Best laid plans don ’ t always come to fruition . Recent circumstances are a case in point . In my view , capability and resilience planning offers a more appropriate approach . It ’ s a matter of building an organization that is flexible and agile . A decentralized business model that empowers local teams drives faster decision-making . This bolsters organizational capability , both in terms of competence but also mindset . While we can identify some long-term trends and mitigate accordingly , history has taught us that things will happen that we cannot always predict .”

Morten continues : “ We are in the midst of an energy and digital transformation . We have apps for everything , and society will only become more connected and centralized in terms of operational execution . This transformation is already affecting how people live in cities , and buildings , as well as how they work , and travel . Against the backdrop of sustainability , we have some clear longterm trends that we have to adapt to as a company , and we can use our technology and experience to help organizations on their journey to sustainability .”

It is in helping organizations to face these bigger challenges that ABB ’ s technology and expertise come into play . “ We are able to understand a customer ’ s problem and find a resolution ,” Morten continues . “ In tackling the issue , stepby-step , and working with local channel partners and distributors , we can help our clients achieve their goals . We often use

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