The Viking Code

PART IIThe Viking Code as a Practical Philosophy

ON NOVEMBER 22, 2022, I had the honor of being invited to speak before a group of top executives and politicians at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Paris—La Norvège en France. The event was hosted by Ambassador Niels Engelschiøn and Svein Tore Holsether, the president and CEO of Yara, a global leader in fertilizer production.

To some, Yara is a behemoth of the climate crisis. Yet, the company is spearheading a new mission: the pursuit of climate-friendly fertilizers and emission-free energy solutions. It's a narrative that challenges preconceptions—that economy and ecology aren't contradictions but an essential, inextricable symbiosis.

Yara's mission, ambitious and laden with challenges, echoes the themes of the Viking Code. It is about pushing boundaries, yes, but doing so with a deep-seated respect for the collective well-being. In its endeavor, Yara isn't just looking to revolutionize its industry; it is redefining the relationship between profit and planet.

The conversations that day were not typical corporate fare. They were infused with a sense of purpose, a commitment to a cause greater than the bottom line. As Holsether spoke, his words manifested the ethos associated with Norway—a blend of ambition and responsibility, of striving for excellence while being acutely aware of one's footprint on the world.

The gathering was further graced by the presence of a hedge fund manager, an art collector, and a particular individual ...