Nevertheless, the future Telenor boss offers valuable advice to students who want to move up in the world of finance.
'I find it surprising and a bit overwhelming', says Benedicte Fasmer about the recognition "alumni of the year".
She pretty much grew up at NHH and was her scholar father's proofreader as early as 16 years old.
Since then, Fasmer has built a career consisting of several specialist- and leading positions in finance, before taking over as the head of Sparebank 1 SR-bank and now soon, the telecommunications giant Telenor.
This was certainly not the plan, because the self-proclaimed "economy-nerd" never wanted to become a boss.
The award "Alumni of the Year" is awarded to a former NHH student who has distinguished him- or herself in an extraordinary way, who has shown that they wants something more - and has thus been a role model for others.
In its justification for this year's award, the committee emphasizes that Benedicte Fasmer is a prominent figure in Norwegian business life:
"The alumni of the year has a strong profile in Norwegian business, with a clear voice whether it concerns responsibility, sustainability or technology. She is fearless and clear, but at the same time agile and strategic. The combination of hard work and solid personal qualities has given her a career journey where she will soon take over as CEO of one of Norway's largest companies."
'I wonder where the punch card machine, which was my babysitter, has gone, with the big pink, blue and yellow punch cards', says Benedicte and chuckles.
She has been back to NHH a number of times since she used to accompany her father, former finance researcher, Cornelius Schilbred.
But the long lasting ties to NHH throughout her upbringing also gave her reason for reflection when she had to choose a career path.
'I wondered if I really liked economics as much as I thought I did, or if I was just indoctrinated by my father', she says.
A few decades later, she is very happy with the choice she took, though.
'The years at NHH were completely unique. Both in terms of everything I was allowed to learn, but not least being able to be an active part of student life. I took part in the business symposium, Uken, and was an auditor in the student association. In other words, I was a very active student'.
'You took the chance to fill up your schedule already at school'?
'I probably did', she says and smiles.
When Fasmer started her education at NHH in the late 80s, only one in four students were women.
Now, that number has crept up to 40 percent.
Nevertheless, Benedicte Fasmer sees tendencies that surprise her. One experience in particular from when she held a guest lectured on asset management at NHH, stands out:
'There were perhaps 50 boys in the auditorium, but only four girls. When I asked the girls why there were so few of them, the answer was that it wasn't because girls didn't like "hardcore" financial subjects, but because they thought very few girls would associate themselves with the financial industry. It shook me, because in my book, finance is really exciting. I have always loved the profession and enjoyed the industry, but I realized that I had to work to change that perception. I have used my role to influence change. I hope we eventually get more girls to become owners, managers and investors. It will contribute to real equality'.
She herself has rarely reflected on her own role in the traditionally male-dominated world of top finance.
'I'm 1.62 cm tall and a woman, so I've experienced some weird things and prejudices along the way. My approach has been to choose not to be offended, and then carry on as if it doesn't matter'.
Fasmer believes that the business world should appriciate to push a little where necessary, but at the same time ensure that it is fair with equal opportunities for all men as well as women.
Her appeal to those who want to move up in the world of finance is to apply for jobs with responsibility for results early on.
The next Telenor CEO describes herself as analytical and strategic, and as a nerd who likes people.
Her impressive professional journey has largely consisted of a passion for economics and technology.
This led her to specialist positions within finance and later all the way to the top.
'The weird thing is that I have never seen myself as a top manager and I mean that. And now I have ended up as a CEO for the second time, in one of Norway's largest listed companies', says Fasmer, laughing.
'What is important for me, is creating commitment and enthusiasm around what we are trying to achieve and the results we aim to deliver. I’ve probably done that well enough to have secured the job I’m about to step into," she adds.
In retrospect, however, she wishes she had entered the leadership race earlier:
'I haven't been very proactive in putting myself forward. It has mostly been others who recognized my potensial and challenged me when I was determined never to apply for top positions. But getting to work entirely as CEO is actually the funnest thing I've done so far'.
Fasmer has upheld the tradition from NHH and enjoys keeping herself busy. But she makes it a priority to find time for those around her.
'I am married to Didrik, who is a farmer. He keeps me grounded. We have two children and a daughter-in-law of whom I am very proud. And then I'm happy to be with my extended family and good friends', she says.
'Then I'm happy to be out in nature and use my body for something other than work, I think that's really nice'.
