About A-C-I
A-C-I – Agile Consulting & Innovation, is an example of the classic entrepreneurial story.
Who's behind A-C-I?
I am Kent Nielsen and I am the founder of A-C-I – Agile Consulting & Innovation.
However, A-C-I’s story doesn’t begin in a garage like so many others, but in the living room of an old townhouse in Esbjerg in 2020. Esbjerg was chosen as a base due to the large surrounding area when I decided to go for it and become an entrepreneur. Based on the idea that if opportunities don’t come naturally, you have to create them.
The wish to stand on your own two feet and become the owner of my own company is something that’s been on my mind for a long time. And when the opportunity presented itself at the start of 2020, it was a matter of now or never…
I help drive sustainable growth created by A-C-I, working with both customers and partners to create coherence in an ever-changing world.
Where was A-C-I founded?
Esbjerg is perfectly located for many of the customers to whom the company wants to provide services. There is also a reasonable distance to a number of the country’s best educational institutions that A-C-I cooperates with in terms of competence development.
The starting point and centre of gravity are projects of a technical nature, no matter what form they take. Despite many of the challenges I have faced, a choice was made in 2020, the profile is sharpened to project management primarily.
The Chief Engineer from Esbjerg
My educational background is a Chief Engineer – Bachelor in Technology Management and Marine Engineering. Expanded with a specialisation in Subsea Engineering and topped off with a completed Diploma of Technology in Project Management. The latest initiative is an EBA – Engineering Business and Administration, to gain a better business understanding and perspective! After all, it’s the effect that’s desired, not necessarily the delivery…
Additionally, I have a background in commercial shipping, where I worked my way up from the bottom as a trainee to Chief Engineer in the chemical tanker segment. Then the office desk was replaced with a new challenge in US offshore, a move that became a possibility due to the Macondo accident in the Gulf of Mexico. I was selected among 100 others from thousands of candidates worldwide to undergo a 2-year postgraduate programme in Subsea Engineering at an international level.
Why project management?
Projects have always been a part of my work, so when the 2015 oil/offshore crisis hit the world, it was time to find a new challenge.
This led to the restoration of yachts for private owners, often with an extensive programme of tasks and sub-projects. After travelling and acting in this world for a long time, I returned home to Denmark to work and see my family.
I was hired by one of the leading Danish consultancies who recognised the potential in me with my background. I was employed as a Project Management Consultant working externally for the company, i.e. on-site with customers in their organisation. During this period, projects/tasks such as concept studies and offshore substations for the wind segment, renovation of energy plants, upgrading of tank facilities, and chemical processing plants were tried and tested.
Today, A-C-I provides project management and stand-in solutions that enable customers to gain significant advantages in a technological and digitalised world. The solutions and needs are matched to the needs of the individual customer, providing advice and implementation based on my experience.
Vision
My vision is to be the best at catching the moment and creating immediate value, meaningful connections and bridging the gap between present and future. A-C-I is the leading force that takes initiative and innovates in a way that makes a difference in an ever-evolving world.
I aspire to be the customer’s first choice in project management, no matter the complexity. My goal with A-C-I is to be a strong brand in the industry, share knowledge and create solutions that exceed expectations.
Mission
A-C-I is committed to creating optimal solutions by diving into the world of customers, engaging with their visions and unfolding the desires of all stakeholders.
I utilise my skills, knowledge and experience on a global scale to create value for customers locally and globally and drive them forward in their development.
A-C-I’s mission is to create focus, commitment and direction. This not only ensures success, but also opens doors to new opportunities for customers, employees, shareholders and stakeholders. I believe that by shaping direction, we create not only results, but also meaningful change.
Continuous development
Continuous development of my competences and a strong desire for knowledge are an integral part of A-C-I’s DNA.
It is through teamwork that the added value for the customer is created. I’m usually surrounded by highly engaged employees when working in the customer’s office. That’s precisely the reason why it is important for me to focus on teamwork, to unite, strengthen each other and create a strong sense of ownership for the project.
That’s why it’s so important for A-C-I, and for you, that I’m always aware and equipped to deliver the best results. Which is precisely why resources are continuously spent on competency development.
The Project Manager in private
When I’m not focused on my work or skills development, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening or, when the wind on the West Coast allows it, kitesurfing. If the wind is a bit too rough, I like to read books, ranging from fiction to non-fiction.
Personal development is a topic that is highly prioritised due to a strong curiosity for knowledge. A diploma programme in project management is mid-2021, completed on own initiative. After the summer of 2023, I have started EBA – Engineering Business Administration at VIA University College.
Psychology is exciting and fascinates me, therefore I spend time reading up on different topics as it has proven to be a great tool for leadership, team building, conflict resolution and decision making. I personally believe that a better understanding of the human mind and the resources it possesses provides a clear advantage in achieving a positive and more effective workplace, and in the long run, creates a more professional and productive team.