Meet Dogu’s Newest Board Member: Øystein Nygård
By: David Smith
Tags: Management, Startup, Business, Startup Lessons, Business Strategy

Oslo, Norway — Øystein Nygård has spent the better part of the last two decades structuring and managing projects around the globe. He brings incredible experience and insight to the team, and we’re excited for the growth ahead.

DJS: What interested you in joining Dogu’s board?

ØN:

As an employee and partner in PwC you are not allowed (for independence reasons) to have board positions and as soon as I left PwC that was something I really wanted to do. When Marius told me that Dogu might be looking to replace some members of your board, I was all in.

I knew Dogu from discussions with Marius on a social event / weekend outing and was fascinated by the story, the guts it took to start, and what you guys have accomplished. But also the possibilities for expanding the company abroad and to really start to scale. That was the one thing that really got my attention.

I was fascinated by the story, the guts it took to start, and what you guys have accomplished.

DJS: What do you think of Dogu’s future?

ØN:

I think that, taking the right actions, the “sky is the limit». The market for your product is huge, the product is great, we just need to polish the on-boarding and the marketing/ lead gen to really get this to fly. However — this is no easy task. We need all employees involved in doing this and I also think that some structure is needed to channel the energy of the company to the right opportunities. If I can contribute to this, I would love to!

The “sky is the limit”… The market for your product is huge, the product is great, we just need to polish the on-boarding and the marketing...

DJS: What inspires you about this company?

ØN:

As mentioned above — the story behind, the guts it took to go for it, what has been accomplished so far, and the possibilities that the company has. I get inspired just thinking about it!

DJS: How does your background from PwC prepare you for this role?

ØN:

I have worked with top management in both large and small companies for more than 15 years, and I have been part of top management myself for several years. I know the challenges facing companies in different phases of their journey, and I think I can contribute with that knowledge.

Also, one of my strong suits is that I have an ability to see structure and opportunities where others don´t. This is something that I have developed running large transformation projects in both private and public companies — this I also think will be important for Dogu going forward. Also, the connections that I have built up as a consultant and partner in PwC can prove valuable for Dogu going forward.

I know the challenges facing companies in different phases of their journey, and I think I can contribute with that knowledge… I have an ability to see structure and opportunities where others don´t.

DJS: You worked your way up to Partner in PwC… what led you to quit and work with startups?

ØN:

Reaching my goal of becoming partner in PwC was not an easy journey. The people heading up the top management consultancies in Norway or elsewhere have put in a lot of “blood, sweat and tears” to get there. This means sacrificing time with friends and family, and I wanted to take that back for myself. That was one part of it.

Another part was a burning desire to really choose the companies that I work with — not just on the basis of who would make me the most money, but who do I want to help. And I feel that where I can make the most impact, and help the most, is when I work with startups. I can “give my time” away for free if I want, and no one can tell me that this is wrong — that inspires me. I really want to help — and if I can do that making some money in the process — great :-)

…becoming partner in PwC was not an easy journey… this means sacrificing time with friends and family, and I wanted to take that back for myself.

DJS: What gives you your passion for helping startups?

ØN:

In addition to that mentioned above, I thrive on using my creativity and ability to learn new things. For the first time in years I´m actually learning new things each day working with startups. I can use my creativity to come up with innovative solutions and actually get them implemented! The fast pace of the startup-world is something that really drives me and motivates me.

DJS: What motivates you in daily life?

ØN:

Spending time with my family and going on long runs is what I spend the most time on when I´m not working. I am a passionate runner, but have been injured for 10 months now, which is frustrating… Spending time with my wife and my two kids is top of the agenda. They have sacrificed a lot during my time climbing the “corporate ladder” and I want to use as much time as I can with them now.

I´m also a passionate football coach and hold the position as Chairman of the Board for the local football club where I live, which takes some time but is very rewarding.

Spending time with my wife and my two kids is top of the agenda. They have sacrificed a lot during my time climbing the “corporate ladder”.

DJS: What are your goals and expectations with Dogu?

ØN:

I want to contribute to keep the company growing and evolving going forward. I see no reason why Dogu can´t be 10–20 x what it is today in 3–5 years’ time. I want to really contribute to that in any way I can, together with management, owners and the employees of Dogu.

DJS: Where do you see Dogu headed 5 years from now?

ØN:

In 5 years the company is well established in both the European and US markets with 90% of its revenue coming from abroad. Dogu has added significant functionality to its current SalesScreen product and developed a new product supporting and enhancing that product. We are a preferred supplier worldwide in our niche and we are able to keep innovating and evolving to stay ahead.

I also want to see the company developing solutions that are state of the art, responding to trends in the market and emerging technologies whether that is AI, AR/VR or other technologies. I think we can do it, but it will require real leadership and dedication from both management and all the other employees.