June, Senior Advisor in Kristiansand shares her thoughts on Leadership, and tells her story about how she first got in contact with Advantek. Get to know her better in this interview!
How did you get in touch with Advantek?
I first came into contact with Advantek in 2022 while working as an advisor and recruiter at a local staffing agency. At the time, Advantek was one of my clients. In the middle of 2024, as the new hiring regulations came into effect (April 1st, 2023), I received a call from Fredrik Alkenhoff. He had some questions related to the changes, and we ended up having a broader conversation about the industry, challenges, and future opportunities.
At that point in my career, I had started reflecting on what I needed in order to continue growing – both professionally and personally. I realized I was ready for a new environment that could better support my ambitions, values, and long-term goals. When Fredrik suggested a more in-depth conversation, the timing felt right — and that’s how my journey with Advantek began and I’m truly grateful for that.
Tell us briefly about your professional background
I hold a bachelor’s degree in public health, and I also have additional education in recruitment from Kristiania University College, as well as training in Motivational Interviewing (MI). My academic background gives me a solid foundation for understanding people holistically – and when I recruit, I do it with both professional expertise and heart.
Before entering recruitment, I spent many years in the fitness industry, working with people to build physical and mental strength. I also worked for seven years at Varodd Arbeid og Inkludering AS, Southern Norway’s largest employment inclusion company, where I guided people outside the workforce into meaningful jobs.
Back then, I had the candidates and needed to find the jobs. Now I have the jobs – and I need to find the right candidates.
What is your role?
I work as a Senior Recruiting Advisor in Kristiansand. My role includes managing and developing a portfolio of clients within the oil and gas sector, acquiring new business, and leading a team of sixteen consultants.
I’m responsible for the full delivery process — from initial contact to long-term follow-up — and I take pride in building strong, trust-based relationships.
Clients often tell me I’m a valuable partner because I bring a strategic mindset and a genuine interest in their success. I share my insights, collaborate closely with their teams, and work hard to find the best solutions — not just for today, but for the long run.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Training is a big part of my life — It’s my way of recharging and staying grounded in a busy life. I truly believe in the principle: “Lean body, strong mind.” Staying physically active helps me manage stress and stay balanced. I enjoy strength training, mobility work, cardio, yoga – basically anything that gets me moving.
I’m married to Espen, who’s a firefighter, and we have three amazing children. I spend a lot of time with them and their activities. I also love spending time with friends, cooking, sharing a glass of wine, going out, and dancing at concerts or discos. I’m a social and joyful person — being around people gives me energy.
Tell us about your view on leadership
I always try to see the best in people. From my experience, no one underperforms on purpose. We’re all doing our best — and my job as a leader is to make sure people have what they need to succeed.
I make myself available, and I’m not afraid to have the difficult conversations when needed. I lead with empathy, because at the end of the day, we’re all human — and leadership is about how we are, not just what we do.
I strive to be a leader who speaks with people, not at them. This creates an environment where people feel safe to express their needs, perform at their best, and enjoy their work.
I’ve also learned that you can’t assume someone is doing well just because things look fine on the surface. Follow-up is critical.
To me, the mandate of leadership — and the responsibility that comes with being an employer — is something I take very seriously. I do my utmost to live up to that responsibility in a professional and supportive way, every day.