Title: Oda‘s meteoric rise: From part-time picker to leading 400 at Norway’s largest online grocery store
Mathias Therkelsen’s career trajectory has been as remarkable as Oda’s meteoric rise in the Norwegian online grocery market. Starting as a part-time picker at Kolonial.no (now Oda) just four years ago, the 27-year-old is now the head of Oda’s largest warehouse, overseeing 400 employees.
"I didn’t have any doubts about what I wanted to be," says Therkelsen, reflecting on his journey. "But I didn’t know what I wanted to do."
After moving from Porsgrunn to Oslo following high school, Therkelsen took the part-time job at Kolonial.no to make ends meet while figuring out his career path. Little did he know that this temporary gig would set him on an extraordinary course.
A natural leader
Therkelsen’s drive and ambition were evident from the start. He quickly mastered the art of efficient picking, becoming the fastest picker at the warehouse. His supervisors took notice, and promotions followed swiftly: shift leader, operations leader, department leader, and eventually, a seat at the leadership table.
In 2020, Oda offered Therkelsen the opportunity to lead the entire warehouse operation at their new Liertoppen facility, replacing the outdated Lørenskog warehouse. Therkelsen embraced the challenge, and today, he is the maître d’ of this bustling culinary hub, ensuring Norway’s kitchens are well-stocked with fresh produce and pantry staples.
leading with passion
Therkelsen’s leadership style is defined by his passion for Meeting goals and fostering growth among his team members. "I love the feeling of achieving milestones together as a team," he says. "And observing people develop and succeed when given new challenges is incredibly motivating."
His move from colleague to leader wasn’t without its complexities initially. Yet, according to Therkelsen, his team welcomed him warmly, and the transition proved smoother than expected.
Award-winning leadership
E24‘s "Ledertalentene" (Leadership Talents) competition judged Therkelsen’s exemplary leadership skills, ranking him fifth among Norway’s top ten talents and awarding him the title of "Organization Developer of the Year" for 2024.
Reflecting on his rapid ascension, Therkelsen credits his dedication, initiative, and capacity for swift learning. He also highlights the importance of setting clear career goals and continuously seeking new challenges.
In 10 years, Therkelsen aspires to become a CEO, either at Oda or another prominent player in Norway’s thriving tech and e-commerce industry. With his track record and insatiable drive, the future looks bright for this passionate leader.
Numerous sources contributed to this article.
