A story from one of our Operations Teams
“We provide the operation of Netcompany’s own solutions, which means we are involved in the full lifecycle. From designing the solution to keeping them running afterwards. We’re even a part of closing them the day they’re no longer needed. This means that we know who delivered the solutions. We have all the necessary documentation, and we know who to reach out to if something doesn’t perform as expected. I think that’s quite unique.”- Mikkel Mandrup, Operations Manager at Netcompany
Mikkel Mandrup joined Netcompany as operations manager in May 2020. With more than 25 years of experience in IT operations, Mikkel has taken on nearly every role within that area over the years. An extensive experience that he draws upon in the daily management of his team.
Mikkel and his colleague Altino Sampaio from Portugal
Mikkel Mandrup, Operations Manager at Team 7
The Operations Department counts more than 200 employees spread across various teams and offices in Netcompany – one of those being Mikkel’s team which currently consists of approximately 20 people with different levels of experience, professional backgrounds, ages and nationalities.
Mikkel explains how it’s essential for him as a leader to challenge the ‘old ways’ of doing things to create the best foundation for more creativity and innovation and always embracing different perspectives.
“I think it’s important to remember that what seems normal today might not have been so a year ago. I try to incorporate this approach both in terms of the people I bring into the team and how I structure our daily operations.”
My victories are my team’s victories – and vice versa
One of the team members located at the Aalborg office is Altino Sampaio. Originally from Portugal, Altino came to Denmark in 2022 to live with his Danish fiancé. Only a few months after moving, he joined Netcompany as an operation engineer.
Before joining Netcompany, Altino spent most of his professional life in the academic world. With a PhD in Informatics Engineering and almost 15 years of experience working as an assistant professor in computer science, starting at an IT consultancy also meant embarking on a new career path. A transition that has gone smoothly – Both thanks to Altino’s technical competencies but also because of the team and their ability to work efficiently together across locations.
According to Altino, the team is built upon three key values: respect, understanding and empathy. Something that is evident in their everyday.
“Essentially, my victories are my team’s victories – and vice versa. I think our differences contribute positively to the way we collaborate because we’re all able to bring different perspectives to the table.”
Though most of the team members live in Denmark, the team consists of people from various countries and cultures. Besides Altino, this also includes Daria Kravchenko.
“Working here and having a day-to-day is what keeps me sane."
Daria Kravchenko, Operations Engineer and refugee
Finding support and opportunity
Millions of people fled their homes when Russia invaded Ukraine. Daria Kravchenko was among them – and together with her daughter, she came to Denmark as a refugee when the war started.
With a master’s degree in computer science and more than 20 years of experience working with database development and administration, it was Daria’s wish to continue to utilise her strengths and technical expertise. When an acquaintance encouraged her to apply for a job at Netcompany, she didn’t hesitate, and in May 2022, she joined Netcompany as an operations engineer at Mikkel Mandrup’s team.
Daria explains how her professional development has progressed tremendously since joining the team. Something that she appreciates alongside the support she has felt, not only from her manager but also from her colleagues.
“Working here and having a day-to-day is what keeps me sane. It keeps me distracted and I have felt a lot of support and understanding both from Mikkel and my team members in terms of professional as well as personal matters.”
Daria Kravchenko
Sam Al-Sapti (left) and his colleague
An obligation for curiosity
One of the newest members of the team is Sam Al-Sapti, who joined the team in August 2023, soon after finishing his degree in Software Development.
Being only 22 years old, Sam is not only one of the newest members of the team but also one of the youngest. As a recent graduate, he appreciates the strong focus on sparring and on-the-job training.
“In the team, we practice something that Mikkel calls ‘an obligation for curiosity’, meaning that you are not only encouraged to ask questions – you are expected to do so. And that’s something that we all practice within the team. I think that contributes to an open and trustworthy environment. And personally, it has helped me grow and learn a lot during a very short amount of time.”
No such thing as a ‘one size fits all’
Mikkel’s key to successful leadership is to look at his team members as individuals rather than as a unit. Because for him, being a good leader means never assuming that people are the same.
“There isn’t a ‘one size fits all’. I think it’s important to remember that everyone is different, and even though we work together as a unit, how people are, how they approach their tasks, the way they communicate, as well as their personal situations are all unique. I think that’s one of the most important aspects of my job. Always doing my best to understand how I can be a good leader for each of my team members and support them in achieving the best work-life for them individually.”
