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Richard Olsen’s 30-year career at Schneider Electric is a compelling story of growth, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey has led him to his current role as Senior Principal Technical Expert, while also earning him five worldwide patents in the UPS domain. From his early days at a small Danish company to becoming a global expert in the field of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, Richard’s journey that consisted of him taking over roles of lead engineer, Architect in Schneider Global platforming team, and Senior Principal Embedded Software Expert reflects his ability to embrace change and seize opportunities, regardless of the challenges.
Early Career as a Senior Principal Expert
In 1994, Richard began his career at Silcon, a small Danish company specializing in UPS systems. Despite the company’s size and the uncertainties it faced, Richard quickly became part of a close-knit team where collaboration and mutual support were key. The environment fostered growth and allowed Richard to develop his skills alongside passionate colleagues, while also gaining a deep understanding of the industry. However, as expected, Silcon was acquired by American Power Conversion (APC) in 2000. It marked the start of a major shift in Richard’s career.
Though the transition to APC brought changes in structure and scope, Richard found that the company shared a similar culture of collaboration and hard work. He quickly adapted to this more structured environment and discovered new opportunities for growth. The acquisition exposed him to different markets and technologies, and he began expanding his expertise, embracing new practices that would lay the foundation for his future success.
Transition to Schneider Electric: Growth of a Senior Principal Expert
Richard’s next leap came in 2007 when APC was acquired by Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation. This transition presented new challenges but also offered incredible opportunities for professional growth. With Schneider Electric’s vast resources and commitment to technological advancement, Richard had access to cutting-edge technologies and international teams. His role evolved, and he found himself at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for UPS systems. The global scale of the company allowed Richard to deepen his expertise, collaborate on projects that spanned continents, and refine his skills as he contributed to new generations of UPS systems.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability as a Senior Principal Expert
Throughout his career, Richard has embodied a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. His approach can be summed up by his mantra: “It’s only dead fish that flow with the stream.” This mindset has allowed him to stay at the forefront of technology, ensuring that Schneider Electric remains competitive in an ever-changing landscape. His dedication to innovation and efficiency has led to key developments in UPS systems, integrating hardware and firmware to meet evolving customer needs. Richard has also navigated cultural shifts as the companies he worked for grew and changed. The acquisition of Silcon by APC and later Schneider Electric required him to adapt to new organizational structures, team dynamics, and ways of working. However, Richard’s ability to embrace these changes and maintain a focus on collaboration has only strengthened his commitment to the mission of Schneider Electric.
Pioneering Projects and Future Aspirations
Now an expert in three-phase development, Richard is involved in pioneering projects that integrate hardware and firmware solutions. He is particularly excited about the future of UPS systems, especially the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive maintenance to revolutionize the industry. With 30 years of experience, Richard’s career is a testament to the power of resilience, lifelong learning, and the value of embracing change. Reflecting on his journey, Richard takes pride not just in his technical achievements, but in the opportunity to evolve alongside the company. His story highlights the importance of adaptability and curiosity in driving professional success.
Inspiring Future Generations as a Senior Principal Expert
Today, Richard remains enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead, confident that there is always room for growth, learning, and innovation. His career at Schneider Electric serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with the right mindset and willingness to embrace change, the path to success is always open.
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