Focusing on digitalization with heart, brain and sustainability

Cecilia Houtkamp began her journey far from sprint planning, AI implementations and integration projects. Her path into the tech world was through the world of school, where as a student assistant she discovered how digital tools could transform learning for children with special needs. Since then, she has combined pedagogy, business development and technical curiosity in a career that has led her to the role of Chief Digital Officer at SGBC – Sweden Green Building Council.

– I have always had a strong drive to solve problems. Using technology to do it, for real, is what drives me. I need to use both my brain and my heart.

At SGBC, Cecilia leads extensive digitalization work that spans the entire organization – from IT infrastructure to AI solutions for data validation and sustainability reporting. And it is done with a clear purpose: to support the green transition in the real estate and construction industry.

From student assistant to Chief Digital Officer

Cecilia describes herself as a “Swiss Army knife” – a generalist who needs to know a little bit about everything, but who surrounds herself with specialists. Her career began working in the classroom, where she eventually realized how powerful digital tools could be. The drive to improve learning, especially for children with disabilities, led to studies in digital media at Hyper Island – with the aim of creating educational solutions.

– I wanted to create educational tools that were of real benefit, not just technical systems. It was about making a difference.

After an internship and employment at Sanoma, followed by e-learning development at Ramboll, where she worked towards international markets, the focus shifted to business strategy and product development. The journey continued to SGBC, where she was first Head of Education – but when the need for a dedicated digital leader became apparent, she took the initiative to change roles.

– I applied for the role of IT Manager, via an external recruitment process. And I got it. It’s been four years now, and we’ve made an incredible journey.

Future-proof digitalization – for real

Today, Cecilia is responsible for SGBC’s digital strategy – from internal tools to customer platforms. It’s about building structures that last over time, minimize technical debt and at the same time are flexible enough to meet new demands and opportunities.

We work with certification, events and training – all areas that require digital ecosystems where system integration and data-driven flows create insight, impact but above all member benefit. It can’t be complicated. Smart, scalable and cost-effective – that’s my mantra.

A central part of the strategy is to create a 360-view of the customer journey – something that has required systems that talk to each other, from modern CRM solutions to certification platforms with AI components.

– Managing systems is not about standing still. It’s about constantly developing, improving and challenging.

Data, AI and real customer benefit

Cecilia sees enormous opportunities in using data that already exists in the organization – and doing so in a way that creates value for both SGBC and their customers.

– We collect a lot of data related to sustainability in buildings. That data is valuable – not just for us, but for the entire industry to drive the green transition. It’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone can make better decisions.

With AI, we can analyze data directly from documents, increase and ensure data quality, and produce better reports. This frees up time and allows us to work more proactively.

The big win with AI is not about working faster – but smarter. It allows us to prioritize correctly, focus, and work qualitatively.

Leadership with empathy and clarity

Cecilia leads her team with a focus on security, trust, and personal leadership. With a background in agile project management, she works according to the principle of leading from the side – not from above.

– I believe in inspiration rather than instruction. Sustainable leadership is about seeing the whole person – that work and private life are connected. As leaders, we must respect that.

For her, good leadership is about creating the conditions – regardless of whether it concerns systems, communication or the work environment.

She is also clear that the right team is characterized by curiosity and responsibility.

– There must be trust, high standards, room to ask stupid questions and integrity enough to question, because everyone can think wrong sometimes. My role is to create direction and conditions for development – ​​together with a team that dares to think new things.

Digital innovation also requires human presence

The introduction of new technological solutions is never without challenges. Cecilia has experienced how changes can create anxiety, especially if users do not feel included or safe.

– We have had challenges with platform changes. But we have learned to be present – ​​we invite suppliers to the office, train on site, and are there when needed. It makes a big difference.

She is also part of a CDO network where experiences are shared and new business models are discussed. It is a way to stay updated, but also to draw energy from others who are facing similar challenges.

– It just goes faster and faster. Technological development is demanding – but it is important to be curious, not afraid.

Vision: seamless technology, human culture

When Cecilia looks ahead, she sees a more cohesive and integrated technology environment – ​​where systems talk to each other, where AI assistants are a natural part of the working day and where technology creates space for value-creating work.

But with technology also comes responsibility.

– It is easy to get carried away by developments, but we need to think sustainably. How many resources does AI require – and what value does it create in return? Technology should drive development towards something better, not stand in its way.

Advice for future tech leaders

Cecilia believes that future tech leaders need to be both analytical and curious – with the ability to see connections rather than know everything.

– The role is not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions. Daring to be a beginner sometimes is a strength, not a weakness. That is how you find new perspectives.

To women who want to enter the industry, she says:

– Take a seat. Tech needs more voices and more experiences. Competence has no gender – but representation creates faith in the future. We need more role models.

About SGBC

Sweden Green Building Council is Sweden’s leading organization for sustainable community building. Through certifications, training and standards, SGBC works to accelerate the green transition in the construction and real estate industry. The organization is part of the global network World Green Building Council.