Between You and Me: Cathrine Magnus (Bakkerud)

By Nicholas Allen, Class of 1992 Les Roches alumnus

After a quick diversion to catch up with “Mumma Suisse”, Madame Françoise Crettol, it’s back to Les Roches alumni for this week’s interview. Today I have the huge pleasure of introducing you to my favorite Norwegian, Cathrine Magnus, class of ’94 graduate.

Nicholas Allen (NA): What is your profession and current position?

Cathrine Magnus (CM): I am Service and Training Manager for Olav Thon Gruppen, a company that owns about 70 hotels and 100 shopping malls. My passion is Great Service.

NA: Who was your first room-mate at Les Roches?

CM: Kikki or Babette – I cannot remember J

NA: Where did you grow up?

CM: Oslo, Norway.

NA: Whom has made the biggest impact on your professional career?

CM: Torgeir Flatjord – Director of Sales at Scandic Hotels (where Cathrine worked for almost 14 years). He believed in me and pushed me in the right direction, telling me I can do it when I did not believe it myself.

NA: Who was your favorite teacher at Les Roches?

CM: I am sorry, I cannot remember. I’ll say all of them!!

NA: What’s your advice for new graduates?

CM: The human touch is the most important. Be aware, have consciousness about what you can do every day that makes other people feel good. This is true whether you go into hotels or other businesses.

NA: Who did you have a crush on at Les Roches?

CM: You know who… 😉

NA: What is your fondest memory of Les Roches?

CM: All my fellow students; different nationalities, the environment, nature, classes, everything! It is one of the best times in my life! I loved every second!

NA: Do you have any phobias?

CM: Hmm, no, not as I can remember. I am not a phobias type…

NA: You can ask me one question, what is it?

CM: Are you happy?

NA: Yes, I am. So very proud to have three beautiful, strong and caring girls and I’m quite proud in being a single dad for such a long time and watch them blossom and grow. Doing some ‘me time’ though this year… you never know who or what is around the corner or on the other side of the world.

NA: Last question. You have organized a lavish dinner party with no expense spared. You can invite eight people, alive or dead, who are they?

CM: My best friends – I would love to give them a good treat, because they are very good in doing that for me. Having really good friends that you can trust, laugh with, go to with your problems, and that inspire you and make you feel good is the most important thing in life.

NA: Wise words – thank you so much, Cathrine!

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