“Birthe was a board member of Sparebank 1 SR-Bank ASA from 2008-2020, where I was the chair from 2016. During the time we worked together, Birthe was also the chair of the Audit Committee. Being a board member of a bank is a demanding and sizeable task, requiring solid financial, risk and regulatory knowledge.
Birthe was always well prepared, focused and engaged in the meetings. She has the ability to quickly grasp the essence of the large amount of information that a board duty in a bank requires. Her experience from business, especially capital intensive businesses and finance, was useful knowledge to draw upon. She focused on what was essential, offered good observations and questions, and shared things from her experience where it could have been useful. She has a professional approach combined with good interpersonal skills that contributed to good cooperation and atmosphere between the peers within the board, as well as with the group CEO and the administration. Birthe was always “on” with regards to events that could have had effect on the bank, and was proactive and alert, also outside of the scheduled meetings. To summarise, Birthe is a highly knowledgeable and reflective board member, and I recommend her for future board positions in listed as well as unlisted companies.”
– Dag Mejdell, Chairman of the Board of among others Sparebank 1 SR-Bank ASA and
Norsk Hydro ASA
“Our company was in a critical phase when Birthe came in as a mentor. She has exceptional analytical skills, great at setting priorities, and worked closely with us to move forward, especially with regards to finance and professionalisation. We received applicable help and advice about building a company, receiving capital and professionalisation of the board. With Birthe’s help we issued shares and raised funding from Innovation Norway. She was very dedicated and followed us up closely.
On a personal level Birthe is dedicated, efficient and professional, which was beneficial to us. She shared also personal experiences on the topic and put us in touch with people in her network, in particular our new chair of the board. Cooperation with Birthe was
instrumental to achieve progress in our company.”
– Kristine Askvik and Silje Katrine Robinson, founders of weCare Family AS
“Everybody needs someone to talk to about their career. It’s good to take a break in your daily life and discuss things about your career with an external party. Having a mentor is a great way of discussing everything from smaller events to bigger topics about your career path, values and personal development.
Birthe’s mentoring has been beneficial for my career. In our conversations Birthe both challenged me to think long-term and work on personal development short-term. With her solid experience from the business world in general and mentoring in particular, Birthe can help to gain better insight and awareness. I can highly recommend mentorship through Cebima.”
– Rune Tovsrud, Bank Manager BM Sparebank 1 SR-Bank ASA
“Birthe Cecilie is a creative driving force with infectious positivity and energy. With her professional gravity and experience she is a constructive challenger who is easy to discuss things with. She is down to earth and solution-oriented, and is of a great value as a mentor for me in my challenging life as a founder.”
– Atle Lothe, Founder of Offshore Power Plant AS
“As a next-generation owner in a family business, it has been both inspiring and challenging to find my place within an established structure. Through guidance from Birthe, I have gained a clearer understanding of my role—both within the family and the company. She has helped me identify my values and strengths, and has supported me in building the confidence to contribute in my own way, as a valuable leader and owner.
Birthe is a trustworthy, open, and insightful conversation partner who asks the right questions, challenges when needed, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the dynamics within family businesses. Our conversations have provided me with tools I use daily—both in strategic work and in interpersonal relationships.
I wholeheartedly recommend Birthe to other NextGen leaders who wish to develop themselves and take on a clearer role in the family business in an authentic and sustainable way. “
– Anonymous feedback
“Birthe has a rare combination of professional expertise within traditional finance and more typical coaching and mentoring areas. Together with her ability to observe and adapt the shape to the context, it makes her a valuable contributor as an advisor/ Advisory Board member, as well as executive board member and mentor. I have personally had the pleasure and benefit of sparring with her when building up my own board portfolio, and worked together with her to develop a concept for Advisory Board. In my experience we compliment each other ver well in such occasions, and I am open to take on Advisory Board roles together with her in future.”
– Katrine Trovik, Advisor & Board Professional