Kresten is the CEO of Adapt, the company is Danish by origin, with an office in Lithuania.
As head of the Digital Agency Adapt, Kresten Wiingaard knows how the Danish job market works. As a volunteer career coach at ReDI School, he helps international women find their way into it. And he has a simple message for other business leaders: Get involved.
In Denmark, a job opportunity often begins with something as informal as a cup of coffee. But what if you have no professional network? What if you don't even know what Danes mean when they suggest a ‘coffee chat’?
For Kresten Wiingaard, CEO of Adapt, this is exactly where career coaching can make a difference.
“Denmark is a networking country. If you arrive here without a network, without knowing the language or understanding the culture, finding a job can be incredibly difficult.”
As a volunteer career coach at ReDI School, Kresten helps international women navigate the Danish labour market. Many have professional qualifications from their home countries but are forced to change careers.
“Changing careers is difficult enough when you're Danish. Imagine doing it in a country where you don't know the language, the culture or the unwritten rules.”
Finding the steps towards a dream job
ReDI's Career Coaching Programme matches students with volunteer professionals for a period of six months. For Kresten, the first step is always to listen.
“You have to meet people where they are. Before you can really help, you need to establish trust.”
He has coached women from India and several South American countries, each with different challenges and expectations.
“My goal is not to help someone land their dream job immediately. It's about helping them see a way forward. I help them find the staircase and the steps that might eventually lead to the job of their dreams.”
One of his contributions is opening his professional network. He introduces his coachees to people working in Danish companies, not necessarily to secure a job interview, but to help them understand workplace culture and build connections.
“I tell people in my network: You don't have to have a job available. Just take the time to meet up. Explain what qualifications your company looks for and what it takes to work there.”
But career coaching is also about helping people deal with rejection and stay motivated.
“It's a numbers game. You can send out 500 applications and still not get anywhere. That's the tough part. Sometimes my job is simply to help them accept that reality, keep their spirits up and encourage them to carry on.”
Most of the women he has coached so far have found employment, although not necessarily in their preferred field or in full-time positions.
“Getting that first foothold in the labour market makes it easier to take the next step.”
More than an open door
Kresten's involvement with ReDI began when an employee asked whether Adapt could provide classrooms for ReDI's tech courses.
“Of course. We had empty offices after working hours. Why wouldn't we make them available?”
Today, Adapt hosts three ReDI tech classes every Tuesday at its headquarter in Christianshavn, Copenhagen. Some employees have also contributed as volunteer teachers or shared their professional experience with students.
Kresten often meets his coachees at the office before their evening class.
“They get to walk through the door, experience the atmosphere and get a feeling for the working culture. That matters.”
But his commitment goes beyond opening Adapt's doors.
“I believe one of the greatest things we can achieve as a society is to help people who come to Denmark become part of it. Especially women. When women have the opportunity to work and build their own careers, it benefits their families and our society.”
“Put your ego aside. Just listen.”
Kresten understands that some professionals may hesitate to become career coaches. What if they don't have the right skills?
“You might think: Here I am, a white Danish man. What do I know about the challenges facing a woman from another culture? But you have to put your ego aside. And just listen.”
In fact, he points out, people like himself are exactly the kind of people you are likely to meet when applying for jobs in Danish tech companies.
And coaching is far from a one-way experience.
“You gain a unique insight into other people's cultures and challenges. It really makes you realise how privileged you are to have grown up in Denmark.”
Above all, he says, there is the satisfaction of being able to help another person.
An hour can make a difference
Kresten's message to other business leaders and professionals is straightforward.
“Give your time. That's what can really make a difference to someone who is struggling. Most people can find an hour once a month.”
He knows that lack of time is often the first objection.
“But that's exactly why it matters. It's a question of priorities. You could be the one who makes the difference between someone remaining outside the labour market and eventually having to leave the country or finding a way in.”
For Kresten, volunteering is also about putting his own values into practice.
“I want a Denmark where we have a sense of community, not a polarised society. And if that's what I believe in, I have to act accordingly.”
His conclusion is simple.
“I can't help everyone. But I can help some.”
Become a volunteer career coach at ReDI School
ReDI's Career Coaching Programme connects international women developing their tech skills with professionals who can help them navigate the Danish job market.
As a volunteer coach, you will be matched with one or more students, receive an introduction to coaching techniques and meet regularly over approximately six months – typically for an hour a month.
You don't need to have a job to offer. Your experience, your network and your time can help someone take the next step.
Interested in becoming a career coach? Learn more about volunteering at ReDI School in Aarhus or in Copenhagen.
