Leading beyond tomorrow: A conversation with Dröfn Guðmundsdóttir
- Diana Bobocu
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 3
At Vertonet Inspiration Day 2025, we look toward the future of IT leadership. What skills will shape tomorrow’s tech sector? Dröfn Guðmundsdóttir, HR leader at Origo and recipient of Vertonet’s Incentive Award 2022, shares compelling insights on driving innovation, inclusion, and meaningful change in tech.
What does it take to lead effectively in the fast-evolving tech industry? How can we build a more inclusive industry? These are critical questions facing today’s tech landscape. At Origo, a leading Icelandic tech company, Dröfn Guðmundsdóttir addresses these challenges with clarity and empathy. Her insights into leadership, diversity, and AI offer a roadmap for leading beyond tomorrow.
What inspired your HR career within tech, and how did your journey begin?
I studied psychology and quickly realized my passion lay in HR, specifically work and organizational psychology. For the first decade of my career, I focused on training and development. Over the years, I worked across various industries - banking, tech, government - and found that regardless of the field, HR was always about people. Twelve years ago, I joined Origo and quickly realized that tech was a constantly evolving space full of exciting challenges - and I knew it was where I wanted to stay.
"It’s all about motivation, alignment, and finding that perfect balance between happy, efficient employees and business success. "
How has your leadership style evolved over time?
My leadership style has grown alongside me. With experience, you gain tools and insight, especially when your focus is people. Early in my career, my role was very operational - recruitment, training, development. Over time, it has shifted into a more strategic role. Today, I focus on organizational design, business alignment, and helping leaders grow into their roles. Leadership is all about helping people navigate change and transition, which is often the hardest part.
"You have to show people different perspectives so they can see the potential benefits in change."
What skills should future tech leaders develop?
Soft skills are crucial, especially amidst continuous transformation. Future leaders must be:
Change leaders - guiding teams effectively through tech-driven and organizational shifts.
Empathetic & emotionally intelligent - understanding and responding to team needs.
Adaptable to AI - utilizing AI as a supportive tool, never a replacement for human connections.
"AI can't replace human connection. Leaders must invest time in their people."
You've significantly contributed to making tech inclusive for women. What challenges did you face, and how did you address them?
About five years ago, we set a clear goal: 50% of new hires should be women. At the time, we were around 22% women, and the market was closer to 30%. It was challenging. But we started with concrete steps - ensuring 50/50 representation in interviews, speaking in schools, hosting student visits with our female tech employees, and showing girls what exciting roles exist in tech beyond just coding. Now, we’ve reached 32%. It’s not our goal yet, but we’ve made real progress.
What changes are needed to improve diversity in Iceland’s tech sector?
It all starts in education. We need to show children early what tech really is - it’s not just sitting at a computer. It’s creativity, design, problem-solving. Especially in the secondary school there is a pivotal moment to reshape perceptions and spark interest in diverse STEM careers.
What trends will shape future leadership in tech?
AI is already transforming our industry. It’s gradual, but powerful. The biggest challenge will be the ability to stay relevant - leaders and employees alike need to constantly upskill. We are facing a multi-generational workforce, with different perspectives and adaptability levels. For older generations especially, staying current will require effort and openness.
How do you see AI influencing leadership and the workforce?
AI is a powerful assistant - great for problem-solving - but it can't substitute emotional intelligence or genuine leadership. Leaders must master AI as a supportive tool while encouraging teams to adopt a growth mindset.
Five leadership lessons from Dröfn
Lead through change with empathy - People resist uncertainty, not change itself. Guide them to see opportunities within transitions.
Inclusion requires intention - True diversity emerges from ambitious goals supported by consistent daily action.
Emotional intelligence equals technical expertise - Active listening, compassion, and self-awareness are indispensable leadership traits.
Keep evolving - Tech never stops. Stay curious, continuously upskill, and empower others to grow alongside you.
Design for difference - Embrace diversity in age, background, personality, and thought processes.
Final thoughts
Dröfn Guðmundsdóttir’s groundbreaking efforts continue reshaping Iceland’s tech industry. Her human-centered leadership and bold initiatives in diversity inspire meaningful change.
Her message is:
"Change takes time - but it begins with action."
Together, let’s commit to shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and empathetic future, one intentional action at a time.
This interview is part of Vertonet’s Inspiration series leading up to Vertonet Inspiration Day 2025 - our annual conference celebrating leadership, inclusion, and innovation in tech.
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