Leading Through Change: Culture, Complexity & Cloud with John van Uden, CTO at Nordea Bank

Leading technology transformation isn’t just about systems — it’s about culture and trust.

In this episode of CXO Secrets, David McClelland is joined by John van Uden, CTO at Nordea Bank, to explore what it takes to drive major IT transformation across new countries, cultures, and corporate dynamics. Drawing on his first year at one of the Nordic region’s largest banks, John explains how he’s tackling regulatory challenges like DORA, driving cloud adoption across a legacy-heavy estate, and aligning stakeholders across borders.

They discuss the nuances of Nordic corporate culture, building “Team One,” the role of language in strategy and engagement, and balancing work intensity with cultural immersion. John also shares practical advice on stakeholder relationships, setting early goals, and building organizational maturity without slowing progress.

A must-listen for CTOs, CIOs, and technology leaders navigating transformation in complex, multi-cultural, highly regulated environments.