Two prominent Danish business figures, Malou Aamund and Casper Kirketerp-Møller, shared their insights with the 2025 class of Berlingske’s Talent 100, an annual list recognizing Denmark’s top 100 business talents under 37. Meeting with the hopeful young talents, they reflected on how the landscape has shifted since they began their careers.

Aamund, a successful businesswoman with experience at IBM, Microsoft, and Google, emphasized the importance of maintaining a well-rounded life. She noted that today’s talents seem incredibly ambitious, often working long hours and pursuing demanding hobbies like marathons, but cautioned against sacrificing personal well-being. She advocated for cultivating passions outside of work to become more interesting as a leader and person.

Kirketerp-Møller, CEO of Clever and a 2011 Talent 100 honoree, echoed Aamund’s sentiments. He stressed the significance of setting boundaries and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, whether at home or in the workplace. He observed that younger generations are more adept at questioning established norms and inviting dialogue.

Both Aamund and Kirketerp-Møller acknowledged the role of inspiration and mentorship in their own careers. Aamund particularly highlighted the value of mentors both within and outside one’s industry or company. She challenged the talents to seek mentors in completely different fields for diverse perspectives and a reality check. While Kirketerp-Møller never had a mentor, he emphasized the importance of engaging in ongoing conversations with people who think differently.

Berlingske’s Talent 100 list recognizes young individuals who demonstrate exceptional ability, drive, and potential to shape Danish society. The talents are nominated across ten categories, including the public sector, business development, and green initiatives. Selection criteria include professional achievements, recommendations, CV, age (under 37), and diversity in gender, education, and professional background.