Current Job Title and Company

Postdoc at AAU Business School

How did my interest in my research field arise?

Two key experiences sparked my interest in strategy implementation. First, during my master's thesis, I examined strategy implementation in a large company in Aalborg. The project sparked my curiosity about why strategy implementation is often so challenging in practice. Looking back, the thesis became a major source of motivation for my subsequent work as a research assistant and, later, as a PhD student.

Second, as part of the Strategic Management Lab at AAU Business School, we conducted a national survey that highlighted strategy implementation as one of the most challenging aspects of strategic management in Danish companies. This made me realize that, if organizations are to successfully turn strategies into action, researchers have an important role to play in shedding light on these challenges and developing new ways of thinking about strategy implementation.

What am I most passionate about in my work?

What motivates me most is collaborating with companies to better understand how strategy implementation can be managed in practice. This interaction formed a central part of my PhD journey and has shown me that practitioners are genuinely interested in finding better ways to translate strategy into action. Bridging the gap between research and practice is therefore something I find both meaningful and highly rewarding.

In the long term, what impact can my research have on society?

Organizations today operate in an environment characterized by constant change. As a result, strategies must be continuously adapted, and strategy implementation must become more flexible and responsive. My research examines how organizations create, sustain, and redirect attention toward evolving strategic goals.

I hope my research can contribute to supporting managers and organizations engaged in strategy implementation by encouraging new ways of thinking about the implementation process and providing insights that can help organizations navigate strategic change more effectively.

Advice for current and future PhD students

Hard work is, of course, an important part of completing a PhD, but I would like to share two pieces of advice. First, actively seek out networks with other PhD students, both within your own department and at other universities. A PhD often involves longer periods of independent work, and having people with whom you can discuss challenges, ideas, and experiences can make the journey both easier and more enjoyable.

Second, remember a piece of advice I once read about a brilliant scholar whose passing came far too soon: "Everyone here is clever, so distinguish yourself by being kind." Academic excellence is important, but kindness, generosity, and collegiality are qualities that leave a lasting impact on those around you.

A bit about the person behind the researcher

While I enjoy spending time in academic environments, I equally value opportunities to step outside the university walls. Whether it is a walk in the forest, fishing by the sea, or running along the fjord, being outdoors helps me recharge and gain new perspectives.

I also have a great passion for music and festivals. For more than ten years, I have been part of the dedicated team behind Alive Festival, an experience that has taught me a great deal about improvising during unforeseen events and how much can be achieved when working together

Casper Gamborg Holm LinkedIn