For Maria Anker Andersen, leadership is not a destination but a deliberate effort to expand the boundaries of who gets to lead. In a landscape where traditional corporate structures often overlook emerging talent, Andersen has dedicated her career to ensuring that diverse voices are not just heard but are actively included in the highest levels of decision-making. As the founder of FLA Leadership and a recognized Berlingske Talent 100 honoree, she bridges the gap between raw potential and professional excellence.
Building a Work Ethic and Strategic Mindset
The trajectory of Maria Anker Andersen’s career is rooted in a profound commitment to discipline and learning. Her early roles, ranging from a cleaning assistant at I. Anker Andersen A/S to a supervisor at Billetlugen A/S, instilled in her a foundational work ethic and the ability to mobilize teams around customer-centric goals. This grounded beginning paved the way for a stellar academic journey at the Copenhagen Business School, where she earned a Master of Science in Business Administration & Psychology. Her master’s thesis, which received a perfect 12/12 grade, focused on creating value-adding CRM systems through technical setup and leadership change management—a precursor to her future as a strategic operator.
Mastering the Corporate Toolbox
Before becoming a serial entrepreneur, Andersen spent years “building the toolbox” within the world’s most prestigious consulting firms. Her tenure at KPMG Denmark and INVERTO (a BCG company) as a Senior Management Consultant allowed her to master the complexities of strategy, stakeholder management, and business transformation. These experiences were critical in shaping her analytical rigor.
As the Head of Professional Services and later the Strategic Operations Lead at GetWhy, she led teams of consultants, analyzing customer journeys for FMCG and pharmaceutical giants, and supported leadership teams in executing high-stakes go-to-market strategies. These roles demonstrated her ability to navigate the intricacies of corporate Denmark while maintaining a vision for a more inclusive professional world.
Empowering Change through Entrepreneurship
Maria Anker Andersen’s most significant contributions lie in her ability to solve systemic problems through social entrepreneurship. In 2020, she founded FLA Leadership, the first non-profit organization in the Nordics dedicated to empowering students and young professionals to maximize their leadership potential. Under her guidance, a volunteer team of 80 individuals creates curated programs and podcasts like Vejen til Succes to foster cognitive diversity in top management.
“I want to ensure that diverse voices are not only prepared for leadership but also actively included in decision-making rooms.”
Her impact extends beyond leadership training into the digital space and sustainable fashion. She co-founded DiverseEksperter.dk, Denmark’s leading platform for connecting media and organizations with female and non-binary experts. Furthermore, her venture REIGN OF GAIA addresses the practical needs of women in business by creating sustainable, high-quality formal wear designed for the female body. By integrating ethics with enterprise, Andersen is proving that responsible business and equality are the cornerstones of modern leadership.
Vision for the Future
Maria Anker Andersen continues to be a prominent voice in the public debate, appearing on national media and hosting leadership-focused shows to advocate for systemic change. Her philosophy is clear: the next generation of leaders must be as diverse as the world they serve. By equipping emerging talent with the skills and confidence to step into their first roles, she is not just building businesses; she is building a legacy of equity.
Editorial Note
Maria Anker Andersen’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that the “toolbox” of a traditional career can be used to build a more equitable future. Her transition from high-level management consulting to founding impactful social ventures illustrates that true leadership involves opening doors for others. Let her story inspire you to reflect on how you can use your unique talents to foster diversity and inclusion within your own organization.
