A Success Story: Nordic Defender Strengthens Its Board with three deb. Alumni

Nordic Defender, the Nordic region’s pioneering crowdsourced cybersecurity platform, recently expanded its board with three individuals who bring diverse expertise and fresh perspectives. This achievement marks the end of a well-planned recruitment process led by deb. (Diverse Executive Boards), aligning the company’s mission to create a safer internet with a combination of drive for innovation and their global crowdsource network. Below, CEO Vincent Heidarinia and new board members Anna Engman, Malin Kjällström, and Alexandra Stolt reflect on the journey, the company’s vision, and the road ahead.

Q: Vincent, How would you describe your company’s mission and the role your board plays in advancing it?
At Nordic Defender, our vision is simple yet impactful: to create a safe internet by stopping cyberattacks. Central to this mission is our crowdsourced security platform, the only one of its kind in the Nordic region, which combines global talent and AI to deliver customized cybersecurity solutions tailored to address evolving threats.

The board ensures our strategy aligns with this mission, driving strategic alignment, maintaining governance and oversight, fostering global collaboration, advancing innovation, securing market leadership, and ensuring actions are connected to our vision.

Q: Anna, you have extensive experience in scaling organizations within the cybersecurity sector, tell us what excites you about joining this board?
I was drawn to Nordic Defender’s approach to cybersecurity. The combination of technical solutions, AI, and crowdsourced knowledge is truly unique. I’m excited to help Nordic Defender reach a wider audience and challenge traditional players in the market.

Q: Vincent, what inspired you to seek new skills or perspectives for your board at this time? What approach did you take to identify and attract the right candidates?
We brought in new skills and fresh perspectives to help us grow and innovate as we expand our crowdsourced security platform. We focused on finding board members with experience in cybersecurity industry , scaling businesses, and global collaboration. By tapping into our networks and highlighting our unique mission, we attracted talented individuals who align with our vision. This balanced approach ensures our board is ready to guide us in creating a safer internet and staying ahead in cybersecurity.

Q: Malin, you are an expert in business development and fundraising, what do you hope to accomplish as part of this board?
I aim to provide strategic insights to help the company scale effectively, support impactful partnerships, and contribute to its fundraising strategies.  Ensuring alignment with market opportunities and securing the right resources are key priorities for me.

Q: Alexandra, tell us about your background and what are you most looking forward to as a member of this board?
I have a background in helping businesses scale, secure funding, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes, particularly within finance and technology-driven sectors. Joining Nordic Defender’s board excites me as it offers the opportunity to contribute to a company driving proactive cybersecurity solutions through advanced technology to create safer digital environments.

Q: Anna, what was the most memorable or unique part of the recruitment journey for you?
The warmth and passion of the Nordic defender crew for a start. But also, embarking on this journey with two out of three Board members being pregnant, giving birth and bringing along babies to meetings. It really shows another inclusive way to do business!

Q: Vincent, what made you choose deb. to support this initiative?
When we began the process of recruiting board members, a friend recommended deb. to us. That’s how I got connected with Hanna, and from the very start, the experience was outstanding. Hanna was incredibly friendly and professional, and she quickly understood our needs. She presented candidates who matched our requirements impressively well, which was remarkable given how challenging it is to find individuals with expertise in cybersecurity. The diversity and quality of the candidates really stood out and aligned perfectly with what we were looking for.

Onboarding a new board member is no easy task—it requires building trust, ensuring cultural fit, and fostering a long-term relationship. Throughout this process, Hanna was an invaluable partner. She guided me through every step, helping me address questions, navigate challenges, and ensure we made the right choice. Her support made a complex process much smoother, and I’m genuinely thankful for her expertise and dedication.

Q: Malin, what was the best part of the recruitment journey for you?
The most memorable part was connecting with the leadership team and seeing their passion for redefining cybersecurity. 

Q: Alexandra, what do you hope to accomplish as part of this board?
I aim to support Nordic Defender’s growth by strategically guiding funding initiatives, scaling efforts, and fostering robust governance to address risks and regulatory challenges while building a sustainable foundation for success in this rapidly evolving industry.

Q: To wrap up, what is one piece of advice or insight that guides you in your professional life?
Alexandra: Embracing openness and authenticity builds trust, fosters collaboration, and drives resilience through transformation and growth.

Anna: It’s always better to do something than to do nothing. Get the ball rolling. That way you will learn. You can always redo it if it doesn’t work.

Malin: "Stay curious and embrace the unknown”, reminding me to approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Looking Ahead

With their team in place, Nordic Defender is poised to scale to new heights. As Vincent reflects, "Together, we are creating a safer internet while redefining what it means to innovate in cybersecurity."