SUSANNE FUGLSANG ON WOMEN IN TECH
It all started with a Macintosh 128k in 1984. Today Susanne Fuglsang thrives off technology and uses it to connect people – most importantly she’s an advocate of senior women in tech.
TECHNOLOGY IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING YOU DO. WHAT IS THE ONE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE IT WILL LEAD TO IN THE FUTURE?
The fact that we will need to upgrade and develop our skills through our whole life to be able to understand, take advantage of and exploit the possibilities that comes with it.
DO YOU HAVE A TECH START UP THAT INSPIRES YOU RIGHT NOW?
Yes, Cellink a Sweden-based bio-tech company that commercialises bioinks for 3D bioprinting of human organs and tissue. The company is the first bioink company in the world. How amazing is that?
YOU INSPIRE SENIOR WOMEN TO LEARN NEW DIGITAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS. WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
For me it is about self-empowerment, if you want to be employable and have a good social life in the future you need to learn and develop digital and technical skills. But it is also to be able to invent, influence and develop the services and products of the future.
WHY DO YOU FIND FEMALE NETWORKS IMPORTANT?
One of the big challenges today is that there are too few women involved in how future technologies are applied and used. I want to change this by highlighting role models and job titles that inspire women to choose tech-led educations and jobs. I also try to encourage practical work by arranging educational meeting spots where you can test 3D-printing, build robots, programme, test VR and a lot more.
YOU HAVE AN INCREDIBLE JOB TITLE: INNOVATION CATALYST & COO AT INNOVATION PIONEERS. WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL?
I work for and alongside our initiator companies, for example; IKEA, Volvo, Tetra Pak, Veryday, Rise, AstraZeneca and many more members and partners to develop their innovation capabilities through our learning formats Innovation in Action and Tank meetings.
Together we share knowledge, tools and insights around innovation management that benefits their organisations as well as society.
WHAT DO YOU REGARD AS THE MAJOR QUESTION WITHIN TECHNOLOGY IN THE FUTURE?
To work interdisciplinary, multiculturally, globally, over generations and in collaboration is something that requires training, education and creative leadership. The question of how humans affected by technology and the digital transformation will be able to change and adapt, is in my opinion as important as the technology itself.
SUSANNE IN OH-06
YOU HAVE ROOTS FROM SOUTH KOREA AND REGULARLY TRAVEL TO SEOUL. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SPOTS IN THE CITY?
The Garosugil area to eat and shop.
Samsung d’light exhibition space to experience new state-of-the-art digital technology.
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art for traditional, modern and contemporary art.
RECENTLY YOU STAYED AT BAEKYANGSA TEMPLE NEAR SEOUL WHERE NUN CHEF JEONG KWAN COOKS UP AMAZING VEGETARIAN CUISINE IN AN INCREDIBLE SETTING. WHAT WAS IT LIKE?
It was the most contemplative experience I’ve ever had. The combination of living and interacting with the monks and cooking temple food with Jeong Kwan was mind blowing. She became a friend and a role model for me.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SWITCHING OFF?
Meditate, watch documentaries, listen to music and hang out with friends and family.
WHAT WAS THE LATEST GARMENT YOU BOUGHT?
A black and white star patterned frill dress from Other Stories and a NASA t-shirt from H&M in Seoul.
WHAT GIVES YOU ENERGY?
Meeting people from all walks of life and listen and learn from their life stories. Test and learn new skills. Connect people.
