Per’s Global Impact: Training Leaders Across Cultures at Maersk Training

Per Strandbygaard’s journey at Maersk Training didn’t start with a typical job application. It began through his network, where his expertise in training, instructing, and TWI (Training Within Industry) caught the eye of the CEO at the time. “They needed someone with my competences,” Per recalls. “The TWI program is all about improving work processes and relationships, and I felt like it was exactly the right fit.”

Today, Per is Maersk Training’s TWI Program Manager, and his role extends far beyond Denmark. With around 100 days of travel each year, Per leads TWI projects across the globe, training leaders, support teams, and frontline workers in Job Instructions, Job Relations, and Job Safety. It’s a role that takes him from bustling cities to remote industrial sites, but one thing remains constant: the opportunity to create real change.

Coaching and Culture: The Power of Seeing People Grow

For Per, the most rewarding part of his work isn’t just implementing processes—it’s the people. “When you travel as much as I do, you meet so many different cultures and ways of thinking. Seeing people grow, seeing their engagement and gratitude, that’s what keeps me motivated,” he shares. “Every time I coach someone and watch them gain confidence, I feel like I’ve made a real impact.”

Per’s passion for training and coaching shines through in every project he takes on. Recently, he led management training programs in Liberia and New Jersey, but it was the collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the U.S. that stood out most. “We had unions, management, and operations all coming together. That kind of collaboration was crucial for the success of the deployment,” he explains. It’s these moments of collective effort, across different teams and mindsets, that Per believes are the cornerstone of effective change.

Creating a Global Standard: Uniting People Through TWI

The core of Per’s work revolves around TWI—a program that helps organizations create best practices, improve safety, and enhance team dynamics. As a Master Trainer, Per leads these initiatives on the ground, training teams in industries that range from manufacturing to logistics. His approach is hands-on, whether it’s conducting in-person sessions across continents or offering follow-up guidance to clients back home via Teams.

“TWI is about making work better for everyone,” Per explains. “It’s about standards, but it’s also about relationships. Teaching leaders and teams how to communicate, work safely, and improve processes—it’s all part of creating a more efficient, competitive environment.”

Per’s ability to adapt across cultures is a key to his success. “You have to be open-minded and communicate well,” he says. “No two projects are the same, and every team is different. That’s what makes this role so dynamic.”

A Global Company with Shared Values

Although Per spends much of his time traveling, the core values of Maersk Training keep him connected to his colleagues around the world. “Working at a company like Maersk Training, you feel the bond of shared values, even when you’re on the other side of the world,” he says. “There’s a sense of trust and consistency. No matter where we are, we’re all working toward the same goals with the same level of commitment.”

This global perspective has deepened Per’s appreciation for his role. “Being part of a global company that shares the same long-standing values makes you feel like you’re part of a bigger mission. It’s about more than just getting the job done—it’s about contributing to something that connects us across borders.”

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Future of Industry

As industries continue to evolve, Per believes that the demand for efficiency and competitive practices will only grow. “More and more industries will need to implement standards and improve the way they work to stay competitive,” he explains. “TWI will play a critical role in that transformation, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Per’s forward-thinking approach is what drives his work. “It’s not just about what we’re doing today—it’s about setting up organizations for the future. I love being part of that change.”

Advice for the Next Generation

For those considering a career at Maersk Training, Per offers simple but powerful advice: “Be yourself and be proactive.” He believes that success comes from being open to new opportunities and taking initiative, especially in a company as dynamic and global as Maersk Training.

And when asked about his most memorable moments, Per reflects on the countless individuals he’s trained. “Seeing people grow every day—that’s what stays with me,” he says with a smile. “The challenges are part of the journey, but it’s the people and their progress that make it all worth it.”