With his first job in the Danish merchant fleet, it was far from certain that Kristian Johannesen would end up in the world of data — and today leading a consulting team where he helps companies leverage data to create business value. 

This is an area where AI, automation, and new data technologies are shaping how companies make decisions, drive growth, and ensure sustainable solutions. 

In this blog post, Kristian shares his experience building a career in data and offers his perspective on where the field is headed. 

My path into data 

After high school, I sailed in the merchant fleet and trained as an unlicensed ship’s assistant. It gave me valuable experience in collaboration, discipline, and problem-solving, but I quickly realized that life at sea was not for me, partly due to the long periods away from home. 

Instead, my path led through studying economics, where my interest in statistics and mathematics gradually drew me into working with data. Starting with Excel and later with SQL and Power BI, I found great satisfaction in using data to reveal patterns, generate insights, and drive decisions. 

Later, I had the opportunity to join twoday, where I got to work with cloud technologies, Azure, and eventually Databricks — and most recently, I have also stepped into a leadership role. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing people grow and thrive in their roles. I have had managers who trusted me with responsibility even when I faced tasks I had never encountered before. That taught me the immense impact of giving space for learning as a leader. And speaking of learning, it’s a mindset that is incredibly important when companies embark on a stronger focus on data. 

Megatrends shaping work with data

For me, the most exciting part of working with data is that the technology around it never stands still. New features and possibilities constantly create new ways to work with data—and make it more important than ever to understand the forces and trends shaping data work now and in the near future. 

Data is not just about calculations. It’s about understanding relationships, discovering patterns, and turning insights into actions that drive growth and innovation. At the same time, companies are in the midst of a transformation, with several megatrends setting the framework for working with data: 

AI and autonomous agents are changing the rules. Tasks that once required hours of manual work can now be automated. Developers focus on quality, strategic decisions, and facilitating dialogue while AI handles routine tasks. The combination of human judgment and AI creates value, not just efficiency. 

Sustainability and regulation shape solutions. ESG requirements, climate considerations, and social responsibility influence data architecture, reporting, and compliance. Transparency and responsible technology use are critical for both compliance and trust with customers and partners. 

Speed and adaptability are crucial. What used to take months as a proof of concept can now be completed in days, if the right skills, tools, and structures are in place. Rapid experimentation and implementation determine whether companies follow the market or set the standard. 

Data is no longer a “nice-to-have.” Technological advances in society make it essential for creating competitive advantages and delivering tangible results that make a difference for both customers and employees. 

The future of working with data  

When I think about the future of data work, I see opportunities first and foremost. 

Our work environment is constantly evolving—AI, regulations, climate, and customer needs are always changing — and with that come new paths for innovation. 

At the same time, there is responsibility: We have technologies that can create real improvements, but we must use them ethically, sustainably, and for the benefit of people. 

I look forward to exploring the opportunities our technology partners create alongside us. The speed at which new features are launched has exploded in recent years, and it’s fantastic that, as a partner with companies like Microsoft and Databricks, we get to test things early. This allows us to equip both customers and employees with the technologies of the future. 

For me, it’s not just about technology. It’s about creating value for people—making employees’ daily work easier, enabling more data-driven customer decisions, and contributing to a more sustainable society. In my world, data is not just numbers on a screen; it’s a source of insight, innovation, and responsible growth. 

We are in the midst of constant development, with a unique opportunity to shape the future. Modern data solutions can combine data, AI, and cloud technology in ways that were previously unimaginable. It’s both challenging and meaningful—and that is exactly what makes working with data so exciting.