#MeetOurTeam – Frode

What does a typical workday look like for you?

Most of my day involves tasks related to project management, such as planning, follow-up, reporting, and so on. There are also quite a few meetings—most of them on Teams. Fortunately, I occasionally get to work on more "architectural tasks," where I develop solution concepts or help define the needs that must be addressed. When I also get the chance to take on a product owner role and focus on end-user functionality, I find my job particularly rewarding.
Luckily, both of the major client projects I'm currently working on include a bit of all these aspects. Variety is beneficial, as long as the number of tasks to juggle at once remains manageable.

What technologies do you work with?

As an end-user, I primarily utilize Microsoft 365, but I need to grasp a wide range of technologies at a project management level, including operational architecture (both on-premises and cloud), networking/security, development, integration technology, and more.

After 29 years as an IT consultant, I've seen many technologies come and go—yet many remain "same, same but different." The only programming book I've read with any real interest was Rodnay Zacks' 1983 masterpiece "You and Dino Learn Basic." The book was released when I was 12, and I used it to try to write a program for recording skating lap times. Unfortunately, I ran out of memory (1 KB) on my Sinclair ZX81, so I never completed the masterpiece. I never quite got along with programming syntax, so during my school years, I was more inclined towards assembly programming, control systems (PLCs), and automation. I have GREAT respect for skilled developers!

What motivates you at work and in your role, and what do you find enjoyable?

Motivated by working on projects where one can create real and lasting value for clients.

The most enjoyable part is tackling intellectually challenging problems that can be solved collaboratively, often at the intersection of technology and business processes.

What is the best part about working at Cegal?

There are many talented colleagues, and since the Cegal-Sysco merger, I've had the opportunity to meet many Cegal people at other locations, primarily in Trondheim, Oslo, and Stavanger. The office environment in Haugesund is great—it's nice to be able to take a break with a game of pool during the workday.

What is important for success in your field and why?

Sometimes, it's essential to play the devil's advocate.

It's about daring to ask the critical questions and not just being transactional and doing what the client asks: WHY do you want this? The ability to see and understand risks—technological, progress-related, and financial—is crucial. Being proactive and agile—listening before speaking (something I'm not always great at myself).

"Agile" isn't a new concept—the Agile Manifesto from 2001 didn't emerge in a vacuum. My (only) published article in Computerworld from 2004 was about collaborative contract forms and agile development processes (the article is still available on "the dark web"). So, I've been focused on collaboration in client/supplier relationships for over 20 years.

Do you use AI in your work?

I found ChatGPT amusing at first, but I don't actively use it or any other generative AI at the moment. I've seen some AI-generated analyses that seem impressive at first glance, but lack substance upon closer inspection.

What are your favorite podcasts?

As a man over 50, I enjoy listening to "Misjonen med Antonsen & Golden" when I work out. I used to watch "Masterchef Australia" while rowing—probably not the most common choice for gym entertainment. Not exactly intellectual content, but it helps distract from tedious tasks.

Is there anything else fun we should know about you?

I dabble in woodturning and generally enjoy working with wood, though I don't yet have a solid business plan to justify all the equipment in my workshop. I live with my wife and cat on a former small farm with a large garden, where my family has lived continuously since 1614. For over 10 years, I was heavily involved in board work and team management in handball, but after all three children moved out, I've regained plenty of personal time. I play padel once a week with Cegal colleagues, which I always look forward to. In theory, I enjoy fishing, mushroom picking, hiking, etc. In reality, the difference between Lars Monsen and me is quite noticeable.

I ran a sole proprietorship for 5 years before joining Sysco—"project assistance and technology consulting" (PROBITEK). In the late '90s, a colleague and I planned to write a textbook on software testing—we were young and ambitious, believing we were among the best in the field. Fortunately, it remained just a plan. As an industrial economics graduate from NTH, the plan was to work in organizational development—I definitely did not intend to become an IT consultant! That's how life goes... I'm also fairly competent in the kitchen, though I'm not a food snob and eat just about anything. If there's one thing I hate: DULL KITCHEN KNIVES! If I were a dictator for a day, there would be something about this in the penal code.