The Real Threat is Already Here
Leadership Lessons from Norway, and a goodbye
As an interim leader with gifted leadership skills, I’ve learned to navigate moments of crisis—those critical junctures when everything seems to be falling apart. These are the fires I step into, where patterns quickly emerge, and the root causes become clear. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about transforming them into opportunities for growth.
Living in Norway: A Nation of Contradictions
In many ways, my time in Norway has mirrored the challenges I face as an interim leader. It has offered me a unique perspective on how leadership works within larger societal systems.
Living in Norway for nearly three years has given me a chance to observe these dynamics on a societal level. While Norway’s natural beauty is undeniable, I’ve seen cracks beneath the surface. Whether meeting business leaders, investors, or even neighbours while walking the dog, I’ve noticed a recurring theme: no one starts the conversation. It’s always me saying Hi first, even after a prior exchange. Are you kidding me? Really?
This lack of connection reflects a deeper issue. Norway’s wealth has bred complacency, and its deep-rooted socialism has hollowed out its foundations. A recently published book, Landet som ble for rikt (The Country That Became Too Rich), captures this sentiment. Written by a former McKinsey consultant, it critiques how excessive wealth has undermined Norway’s culture and progress.
The Price of Overconfidence: A Nation Built on Oil
Ironically, McKinsey—a firm that built its fortune advising governments and corporations—is now auditing its own strategy and employee development. I’ve experienced those companies firsthand during my time as a CEO, telling my how to run the businesses! Governments worldwide, stripped of expertise due to destructive policies targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), turned to overpriced consultants to fill the gaps. The result? Bloated consulting fees, declining tax revenues, and a workforce stripped of innovation.
Governments generally float on tax revenue. Norway, however, is a unique case: it floats on oil revenues housed in the massive Oil Fund. This fund has made Norway an empire, but it’s a precarious one. The vast loans and borrowed money that drive the economy have created a bubble. This bubble, born from oil wealth and overconfidence, has made people arrogant.
When this bubble bursts—and it will—the consequences will be enormous. I can’t predict when it will happen, but the shockwaves will be felt throughout Norwegian society. The reliance on a single source of revenue, coupled with complacency, leaves Norway vulnerable to collapse when this safety net frays.
A Decline in Innovation and Talent
Universities, incubators, and innovation hubs churn out reports lamenting a “lack of talent” and an inability to retain international employees. No wonder Norway continues to fall on the list of the world’s most innovative countries. Departure penalties on future corporate profits and the exodus of wealthy Norwegians won’t solve these problems.
And what of Norway’s spirit? The Viking mentality—once a symbol of resilience and independence—seems lost. Where is the boldness, the drive, the determination? It feels like this identity exists only in books and movies, far removed from the reality of today’s Norway.
The Beauty That Remains: A Connection to Nature
Yet, the beauty of Norway remains undeniable. Its vast, untamed nature offers solace. I’ll never forget the majestic moose’s—the true kings of the forest—gracefully navigating their domain. These moments of encountering such powerful creatures reminded me of Norway’s potential: raw, grounded, and deeply connected to something greater.
There are still fragments of tradition. Families gathered around the fire during long winters, cleaning streets to celebrate spring—these moments linger, but they feel detached from their deeper meaning. Instead, they’ve become empty rituals, part of a pattern that lacks soul. COVID-19 only reinforced this disconnection, isolating people further and pushing society apart.
Closing the Chapter: A Goodbye to Norway
After almost three years, my family and I have decided to end our Norwegian adventure. While we’ve cherished the breathtaking landscapes, the deer, foxes, and moose's in our backyard, and the serenity of nature, the future lies elsewhere. I wish the people of Norway wisdom and a little Viking strength to rediscover their identity and rebuild their foundations.
Leadership Lessons: Confronting the Past to Build the Future
The past carries two major factors: events and emotions. To heal, one must face both—bring all the guilt and failures into the present and resolve them. Only then can a new vibration emerge, allowing the law of attraction to work its magic.
Leadership, whether in organizations or societies, requires more than managing crises. It demands the courage to see the fire, step into it, and guide others toward a better future. Norway, like any organization or individual, has the potential for transformation—but only if it confronts its truth.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Ron