Kristian's testament to the power of teamwork
Kristian Galaaen has spent nearly 20 years climbing the ranks in VARD. He started out as an Electrician Apprentice, and today he is Vice President Project Management and part of the management team at Vard Electro. He has learned that great projects are built on collaboration, a shared passion for excellence – and trust.
05. December 2024
A career shaped by exploration
Starting his journey as an apprentice electrician in 2005, Kristian quickly embraced opportunities. Over two decades, he has had several roles across the globe, from Electrician in Brevik to Supervisor in Romania and Project Manager in Brazil. He was even a Ship Electrician in the Norwegian Navy, sailing through Europe, Canada, and the USA.
– I actually ended up living five years in Romania and another five in Brazil. I still get to work with many of my colleagues there today. However, I’ve picked up something valuable from every place I’ve been and every team I’ve worked with. My experience from working abroad has without doubt given me a whole new perspective on teamwork, Kristian explains.
He believes successful projects are all about fostering respect and commitment within teams, whether based in Norway, Romania, Italy, USA, Canada, Vietnam, Brazil, or other countries.
– When people respect and know each other, it’s much easier to work through challenges. With that, great projects are much more achievable, he states.
It’s all about the people. The expertise, the willingness to learn, and the passion. That’s what makes Vard Electro a great place to work
– Kristian Galaaen
Projects that inspire
For Kristian, a successful project isn’t just about hitting milestones though; it’s about delivering something the entire team can be proud of.
– Either you do it right, or you don’t do it at all. That has always been my philosophy, he says.
When asked about which project he is most proud of, he has a hard time deciding. He’s been involved in quite a few success stories throughout his career.
– I had two installation projects while living in Brazil. The lay and construction vessels Skandi Recife and Scandi Olinda for DOF. They both stand out as personal highlights. Especially since they were the last two offshore vessels built there, and truly state-of-the-art equipped, Kristian tells us.
Skydiving to disconnect
When Kristian Galaaen is not working, he prefers to jump out of planes. A hobby that demands total presence.
– When you’re free-falling, there’s nothing else. It’s one of the few moments where my mind is completely clear, he explains.
Just as in VARD, his hobby requires trust within the crew. It’s all about being present and performing your best.
– VARD is full of talented people who are genuinely passionate about what they do. It’s that passion that drives us to deliver extraordinary work, says Kristian.
A commitment to excellence
Looking ahead, he’s more than ready for more steep learning curves.
– Steep, but healthy, learning curves help us push forward. The level of excitement when you work hard towards a common goal and succeed is unlike anything else, he explains.
– It’s all about the people. The expertise, the willingness to learn, and the passion. That’s what makes Vard Electro a great place to work, Kristian says.
