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  • Camilla Krog drives HSO International firmly towards success.

Camilla Krog drives HSO International firmly towards success

If you’re lucky enough to meet Camilla Krog, you might not realize the calibre of the person standing before you.

Meet
Camilla Krog
Project Manager | HSO International

"Curiosity is important to keep up with the expanding applications of technology and needs of customers."

Reinventing and reimagining her career journey

It’s no surprise that Camilla has received accolades spanning three decades, or that people describe her as a ‘motivator’, ‘an amazing Project Leader’, and ‘one of the most trustworthy and dependable’ people they have worked with.

Camilla is originally from South Africa, where she sharpened her skills in business analysis and solutions development across several industries. Today, she makes a difference as a Project Manager with HSO International in the Netherlands, leading diverse teams and providing digital business solutions in enterprise resource and customer relationship management, as well as data and analytics projects. Why the shift in industries? Every so often, Camilla wants to level up and reinvent herself.

Diversity is not just an asset in your portfolio

When it comes to any workplace, diversity of thought in your team is crucial, and gender is no exception. While women have demonstrated they can perform on-par with men, they bring different experiences and perspective. “I worked on a project where the HSO team has a strong female lead and a culturally diverse team of men,” Camilla shared. “Meanwhile, the customer’s team consisted of many women, led by a gentleman. It was a highly efficient and collaborative environment, because we had complementary perspectives across the spectrum, from technical expertise to business detail.”

When asked what individual skills are important for success in project roles, Camilla says: “Curiosity is important to keep up with the expanding applications of technology and needs of customers. From a business analysis perspective, you need enough depth of technical knowledge to know whether your product can solve your client’s issue, but also breadth to identify other opportunities to reach a solution. It’s something you gain not just with experience, but by asking the right questions along the way.”

“I find that moving across projects and diversifying your skills helps you think more strategically. It makes it easier to break down silos in your new field and unlock business opportunities.”

Camilla Krog Project Manager HSO International

Rising to the challenge

For Camilla, achieving success in leadership roles did not come without some challenges, particularly in fields that have been often dominated by men. “It’s all about adapting, as you would   a different culture. If you do your homework and gather your facts, you can stand your ground anywhere. You just have to read the room and reframe your message so it reaches your particular audience and they take you seriously,” she affirms.

But she admits that building confidence and resilience takes a bit more than emotional intelligence. “You have to realize that not every situation is fair, and be okay with hearing ‘no’. Don’t let that discourage you. This is how you build that resilience. If you get comfortable with vulnerability, you can seize every opportunity and get where you want to be.”

" The culture at HSO is extremely collaborative, value-driven, entrepreneurial and ever-evolving. There really is no dominant group or culture. You really feel free to share the perspective that goes with your background without fear of not fitting in,” Camilla said.

“I’m really encouraged by the combination of flat structure and high level of professionalism. We are constantly encouraged to improve standards without a bureaucracy to stop us, in an environment that offers structure and stability for personal and professional growth.”

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First, women who want career progression have to speak up

While some industries, tech included, are still male-dominated, Camilla thinks we are at a tipping point. “The environment is ripe for success, but two things have to happen. First, women who want career progression have to speak up, pose the hard questions, and ask for specific feedback. At the same time, those in management positions (women and men) need to lead by example and be mentors for them.” Her own experience at HSO International illustrates the opportunities.

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