Kenneth Titlestad

Director of Industrial IT, OT & Cybersecurity at Sopra Steria Kenneth Titlestad combines a fascinating group of personal interests from psychology to business and technology. 

His journey is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and how a diverse set of skills can coalesce into a unique and impactful career. Titlestad's path is particularly noteworthy for young professionals grappling with the fast-paced evolution of technology and its intersection with business.

His love for technology began in the '80s with a Commodore 64. Titlestad describes himself as someone not interested in gaming, but in "exploring technology." However, when it came to formal education, he opted for a degree in organisational psychology and business. Titlestad notes, "I didn't get a job within psychology or HR. I got a job within IT. I had the skills for it, and then the future was kind of sealed for me."

An industry perspective 

The pivotal moment in Titlestad's career within OT was a trip offshore on an oil and gas platform. "When I stepped on an oil and gas platform, I was really amazed," Titlestad recalls. This eye-opening experience led him from IT to Operational Technology. He adds, "I noticed that the computers they were running the whole machinery or factory  on were vulnerable Windows XP machines. I became interested in using my competence in IT to actually make a difference for the operational side of the industry."

Titlestad uses his background in psychology and business to navigate the complexities of technology and industry at Sopra Steria. He answers the question of whether he'd do it all again similarly: "Looking back at the choices I took back then, I don't think I should have or would have taken any other direction." His educational background lends a nuanced understanding of cultural differences and informs his strategic thinking.

When asked about challenges, he pinpoints the "complexity and faster and faster development of technology." Titlestad believes collaboration is the key. "Each and one of us is not able to grasp the whole area of technology," he adds. To keep up with the relentless pace, Kenneth taps into his inherent curiosity. "I spend a lot of time reading things that are outside my main focus just due to curiosity," he says.

As a man that enjoys experimentation, he credits much of his success to his insatiable curiosity and his ability to set high targets. He also stresses the importance of attending to the "little things," explaining, "if you do that well, in the long run, it'll actually pay off with you feeling confident."

Titlestad's story is not just one of a tech-savvy executive but also of a lifelong learner constantly navigating new terrains. His career exemplifies the kind of interdisciplinary skills that will be increasingly crucial as technology evolves, cementing his role as a forward-thinking leader at Sopra Steria.

One of his key pieces of advice for any is to be curious. 

“I try to grasp all of the things that happen around me. So, the things I would like to bring out are pieces of advice that taught me to be curious and, at the same time be brave and courageous, set high targets, but also to take care of the little things.”

Read the full story HERE.