When you grow up 100 meters from the sea, and your family runs a fishing boat operation, you learn to respond pretty quickly to a tilting horizon.
By studying finance, shipping economy and strategic crisis management at NHH in Bergen, Kay Erik learned to analyse and respond to the unexpected in the maritime environment – and to see around corners to identify an emergency in the making.
His thesis work about crises in fish farming – closing the loop on escapees and halting the spread of disease – yielded some universal principals of crisis prevention. In his work as a Consultant in Maritime Solutions, he uses a dynamic process of double loop learning to help organisations reach a higher level of intelligence – after the mistake has been made.
"It’s all about which assumptions you’re willing to let go of, such as, 'this is the way we’ve always done things', and reincorporate the new insights into your process."
Why did he choose DNV to make his mark on the maritime world? Kay was attracted to the crossdisciplin ry approach to making operations safer and reducing the likelihood of tragic mistakes. At DNV he works with experts in operations, organisational psychology, economic specialists, military strategists and naval architects to gain a holistic view and enhance preparedness.
"DNV also spreads knowledge between customers to increase situational awareness – that way every company doesn’t need to make the same mistakes others have made. That’s how we’re raising the level of understanding and insight across the maritime industry."
Improving the knowledge and skill base makes it easier for companies to do the right thing – even within their financial restrictions. He’s impressed with DNV’s openness and high ethical standards. "You’re encouraged to follow your conscience – you don’t have to take on any project you don’t feel comfortable with – there are no penalties for refusal." And what has he learned from the fish? Learn to read the signals early, and pay attention to sea changes. You may not always get a second cha ce.