You know, every time I meet someone who works at Laerdal Medical and I ask them, “What do you do there?” the answer is always the same: “I’m helping save lives.”
At first, I thought, okay, impressive.
But then, after hearing it again and again, I started to wonder if maybe this wasn’t just a coincidence. So, when I got the chance to meet Pål Skipevåg Oftedal, the Director of Corporate Communications at Laerdal Medical, I had to ask him directly: Is this some kind of brainwashing tactic for new employees? Or, is this just a super clever communication strategy? His answer? Let’s just say, it left me thinking about how powerful simple, clear messaging can be.
Introducing Neon Nights
But beforehand, let me introduce the event itself! Neon Nights is a series of “cool and relax” networking events hosted by Project Neon, a Stavanger marketing agency, designed to bring together local professionals from marketing and communications industries.
Project Neon is a creative agency based in Stavanger, specializing in branding, communications, and digital strategy. They’re all about crafting bold, authentic narratives that make brands stand out. Whether it’s a fresh website, a digital campaign, or a complete brand overhaul, the agency knows how to create lasting connections between companies and their audiences.
Picture this: a room full of bright minds, exchanging ideas and news around a drink and enjoying insights and personal experiences from another brighter mind. It had that unique mix of relaxed networking and serious insight that makes you feel like you’re learning something new but also just catching up with old friends.
Key Takeaways
The real highlight of Neon Nights came when Pål Skipevåg Oftedal took the stage. As the Director of Corporate Communications at Laerdal Medical, Pål gave us a peek behind the curtain into how Laerdal operates. For those who don’t know, Laerdal Medical is a global leader in medical technology, creating innovative products like patient simulators, CPR training equipment, and other solutions designed to improve patient outcomes. So when you hear their employees say, “I’m helping save lives” they really mean it.
Of course, I had to ask Pål about that line—it’s the one I hear every time I meet someone from Laerdal. Is it a clever communication strategy or some kind of brainwashing for new recruits? He laughed and set the record straight: it’s no accident. With 60% of Laerdal’s revenue coming from the USA, where their lifesaving products are in high demand, clear and consistent messaging is crucial. And with a corporate communications team of just eight people, they’ve mastered the art of making every message count.
Pål explained that the line “I’m helping save lives” is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a reflection of the company’s mission to improve patient outcomes worldwide. It’s embedded in the culture at Laerdal, and that authenticity shines through. When your employees truly believe in the message, it’s not just effective communication; it’s part of the company’s DNA. It’s what makes their communication strategy so powerful—internally and externally, everyone is aligned with that mission.
Hearing that really got me thinking about how impactful it is when a company’s messaging connects so deeply with both the employees and the market. It’s not just about what you say; it’s about how everyone in the company lives that message every day.
Long story short, yes, I liked that event! Unfortunatly, I was not able to assist to many of them before (only one, *cries*) and honestly, I wish I could have chatted with everyone in the room, but with so many interesting people around, time just flew by.
So, be ready, Project Neon, next time, I’d be there!
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