As a partner in Deloitte’s Tax & Legal business unit, Anne Sofie Kann Povelsen works closely with clients and colleagues to make an impact every day. Her story reveals that creating and maintaining strong professional and personal networks is the root of what makes her a strong partner.
When looking back at her career journey, Anne Sofie Kahn Povelsen describes it as quite a coincidence that she ended up working with tax. Today, she is confident that she has found the right path – thanks to the many possibilities and inspirational colleagues her field offers.
Since joining Deloitte in 2014, she has worked hard to deliver her very best for both clients and colleagues. What has kept her motivated is the people she surrounds herself with every day at work.
“What I love most about my job is the feeling of belonging. The professional community that you become part of when joining Deloitte is the main reason I thrive here. Of course, I am incredibly proud to represent the biggest professional services firm, leading within my field worldwide, but what has kept me motivated and constantly developing is the strong network of knowledgeable colleagues across our member firms that Tax & Legal is part of.”
Going the extra mile for each other
In Anne Sofie’s view, both day-to-day workplace relations as well as top management are ready to go the extra mile for each other during rough times.
A few months before Anne Sofie went on maternity leave, the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic was imposed. Consequently, the Partner Admission Committee adapted their plans for the admission process that Anne Sofie was in the middle of. Not only did they adapt to fit into the sudden lockdown – they also took into account that Anne Sofie’s maternity leave came thrillingly close to the set dates of the partner case presentation.
- The committee arranged an early case presentation for me one month before the rest of the presentations to ensure it did not collide with my maternity leave. Going that extra mile to make sure I stayed on track during the important process showed me that at Deloitte, we root for each other at all levels.
After Anne Sofie gained her partner title – and returned to work after her maternity leave – she came back to a team that had blossomed during the unforeseen circumstances the pandemic had caused.
- I witnessed how my entire team had stuck together and developed new ways of working during one of the most challenging periods of our time. They were thriving and simultaneously achieved one of the strongest results in many years. It was so impressive and, to be honest, also moving. To me, it showcases what we are made of and how we stick together through ups and downs. That is the Deloitte I am proud of. Even when the world is quite literally closing down around us, we conquer whatever obstacles we are facing as a team.
Collaborating for client impact
Anne Sofie’s main focus is working together with large Danish companies - both nationally and internationally - within the areas of corporate tax, M&A, new market entries, disputes with tax authorities in other countries, etc.
- The span of cultures, countries and types of assignments I get to work with keeps me highly motivated. It keeps me in tune with the Danish development within the field, but also the development of other Deloitte member firms and in their countries.
Cooperation and learning from others were particularly prominent factors in Anne Sofie’s recent work with Chr. Hansen, where she and many other Deloitte colleagues advised the company in the process of selling their Natural Colors business – which is active in around 30 countries – to EQT.
- It was a truly exciting collaboration between three business units: Tax & Legal, Consulting and Financial Advisory, where we worked as one and leveraged our broad expertise across offerings and countries. All our teams worked tirelessly and truly delivered an impact that mattered for the client.
Personal development fueled by support
As a person who always strives for personal and professional development, Anne Sofie’s journey towards becoming a partner has been a natural progression – one that, without a doubt, has been fueled by a sense of appreciation from the top levels at Deloitte.
- I have always felt very appreciated and supported by the management, and it felt like the right timing. When the talk of partnership arose, I was highly motivated and ready to take that next step of responsibility, she says and adds:
- I strongly believe that if you are given the opportunity to take the next step in your career, and the leadership supports you in your journey forward, you are strong enough to accelerate your career. My most important message is for others to have faith in themselves and their surroundings.
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