Innovation and impact

Mikala Grubb, senior vice-president/clean fuels & chemicals – technology, Topsoe, answers questions from Biofuels International.
What was your first job?
My first part-time job was as a substitute teacher at a school in Copenhagen. It was an incredibly unpredictable experience – some days I was teaching six-year-olds the alphabet, other days I was walking into a 9th grade physics class (French was probably the only subject I never taught). I often got a call early in the morning and only received my schedule once I arrived at the school. It taught me a lot about staying calm under pressure and quickly understanding my environment – imagine spending a full day managing 22 energetic six-year-olds. My first full-time job was as a PhD student – if that counts – and if not, then it was as a research engineer at Topsoe, where I began my current professional journey in earnest.
What interested you about the biofuels industry?
I am extremely fascinated by the versatile nature of bio feedstocks and I have an intense passion for utilising resources in the best possible way – and in reality how we can utilise all kinds of hydrocarbons to make biofuels. At Topsoe, we have cutting-edge technologies and catalysts that make this conversion possible with minimal yield loss. That combination of innovation and impact is what truly excites me about this field. What does a typical day consist of? A lot of meetings! However, more concretely, the essence of my day is spent understanding the implications of market movements, legislation and the customers’ objectives – and to find a balance between them so we can increase the global energy security and expand our business. It’s a constant process of internal and external conversations to get the right level of knowledge to make sure that we have the best solutions for the market.
Tell us a bit about Topsoe?
Topsoe is a truly remarkable company. It was founded by Haldor Topsoe, a visionary who believed that it should always be a great place to work – and it is. I’m surrounded by incredibly talented and kind colleagues who make coming to work a pleasure. What’s also special is how our legacy in refining technologies for the fossil industry has become the foundation for what we do in the energy and fuel space. As we’ve built decades of knowledge and capability, we’re uniquely positioned to lead in decarbonisation solutions. There’s a deep sense of purpose in our work and that makes Topsoe stand out.
What type of leadership skills do you possess?
Authenticity, honesty and a genuine interest in the person in front of me. I strive to be true to my values all the time and to be transparent about what I think (some might think that I am too transparent). I also would like my colleagues to know that I will give them my honest opinion and give them feedback. A leadership position is an extremely privileged one, where you can make a difference for the people around you. It allows you to unearth the best solution for the individual and the team and it means a lot to me to create space for each individual without compromising the performance of the team.
What is your favourite book and film?
My favourite book is A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I read a lot, but when I finished this one, it took me two months to even pick up another book – because I knew nothing else would quite compare. Just writing this makes me want to read it again soon. My favourite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. The hope, the friendship and the resilience depicted in the movie deeply touches me.
How do you like to relax?
Picking mushrooms (the edible ones) in the Swedish forest in the autumn, cooking and baking and reading books. I also love to play board games.
Where is the best place to go on holiday?
Greece. One of the small islands in the Cyclades is my happy place, and I’m already counting down the days until I can return (again) in the summer.
What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the biofuels industry?
Stay hopeful. Learn to navigate the complexity – because there will be complexity – and stay informed on technological advancements and shifting legislation. Most importantly, remember that it takes a village to make real progress in this space. Surround yourself with great people and collaborate with purpose.
For more information: Visit topsoe.com