Jens Soerensen: Speed, Structure & Soul in Leadership

Jens Soerensen, The Wide View: Redefining Leadership Through Speed, Structure, and Soul

In this conversation with Jens Soerensen, a globally seasoned executive turned strategic advisor, and prior to this in heavy operational top positions across bases/companies across Scandinavia, Germany, and the United States, we explore a leadership philosophy built on intensity, clarity, and human connection. From boardrooms across Scandinavia, Germany, and the United States to his advisory platform The Wide View in Denmark, Soerensen has consistently challenged conventional business thinking, advocating for speed, individuality, and a deeper understanding of organizational “soul” as the true drivers of success. He is also a national and international speaker.

Leadership at Full Power

We began by asking, “Across decades in top leadership roles, what has defined your approach to performance and energy?”

Jens Soerensen replied, “Over my time in top business positions, I’ve accelerated my energy and power 80% of the time. The remaining 20%, I used to push that 80% even further. I always say: Gear up whenever you can.

Leadership is not a passive role. It’s about intensity, presence, and continuously finding ways to elevate your own capacity. When you operate at that level, it becomes contagious, your organization begins to move with the same momentum.”

The “Strong Triangle” of Global Influence

The Worlds Times: How have your international experiences shaped your leadership mindset?

Jens Soerensen replied, “I’ve had the privilege of working across Scandinavia, Germany, and the U.S., what I call a strong triangle. Each region brings a distinct strength: Scandinavian trust and structure, German precision and discipline, and American speed and ambition.

By combining these, I built my own leadership framework, one that is both grounded and dynamic. It allowed me to make independent decisions with confidence, backed by a diverse and deeply practical knowledge base.”

The 3M Framework: Markets, Methods, Mechanisms The Worlds Times: You often mention your “3M” approach. Can you explain what that means in practice?

Jens Soerensen replied, “My ‘analysing JS package’, the 3M, is simple but powerful: Markets, Methods, and Mechanisms.

You must understand your market in depth, refine your methods continuously, and ensure your internal mechanisms are strong enough to execute. Most organizations fail because they overlook one of these pillars. I go deep into all three, every detail matters.”

Speed as a Strategic Advantage The Worlds Times: You are known for your “48-hour rule.” What does it represent?

Jens Soerensen replied, “Whatever the challenge, big or small, it must move within 48 hours. Not everything will be solved, but everything must progress.
Speed creates clarity. It forces decisions, reduces noise, and builds trust within teams. Organizations that hesitate lose energy, and once energy is lost, performance follows.”

Structure Before Strategy The Worlds Times: That’s a bold stance, putting structure before strategy. Why?

Jens Soerensen replied, “Because strategy without structure is just theory.

If your foundation isn’t solid, your processes, your people, your internal alignment, then even the best strategy will fail. Structure creates the conditions where strategy can actually work. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.”

Breaking Away from “Business as Usual” The Worlds Times: You’ve been critical of standardized business models. What’s your perspective?

Jens Soerensen replied, “There’s too much waste in business, too many smart words and so-called models that aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.
Many corporations operate ‘by the book.’ With all respect, that’s a disease.

You need to get into the fast lane. Go against standards. Create your own models. Differentiate yourself. Build a dynamic approach and surround yourself with people who believe in it. That’s where real growth happens.”

A Frontline Leader The Worlds Times: How would you describe your leadership presence?

Jens Soerensen replied, “I’m a frontliner. Always have been.

I stand in front of my people, my teams, my partners, my friends. Leadership is not about sitting behind a desk, it’s about being present where it matters. I want to feel the pulse, the energy, the blood must run, and it must run fast.”

The Soul of an Organization Lastly, we asked, “What is the most overlooked factor in building a successful company?”

Jens Soerensen replied, “To become successful, you must first care about the soul of the company.

If you ignore it, the inner mechanisms will die, no matter how strong your numbers look.

I believe in attitude and gratitude. These are not soft values, they are the foundation of sustainable success.”

Jens Soerensen: The Wide View

Hookline: “The Wide View. Beyond the Possible.”

Born on July 18, 1959, in Middelfart, Denmark, Jens Soerensen has built a distinguished career as a global executive, CEO, chairman, and now strategic advisor. With top-tier international
education and decades of cross-industry leadership, he is widely recognized as a generalist with deep expertise in the automotive sector, as well as a trusted board and advisory member.

Career Timeline Highlights

• 1977 to 1998 Senior Executive in Finance and Administration at Lydex, Walker, and Tenneco, covering Scandinavia
• 1999 to 2000 CEO of ad-DATI, Denmark’s largest automotive wholesale cooperation at the time
• 2001 to 2014 Leadership roles at FTZ, Chairman and later CEO, transforming the company into a major Nordic force with approximately 640 million EURO in turnover
• 2003 to 2006 Strategic expansion into Germany with Hella, headquartered in Lippstadt, introducing the One House Philosophy, a cultural transformation driving unity, happiness, and measurable performance gains
• 2015 to Present Founder of The Wide View, delivering top-level strategic advisory and M and A expertise across industries