Solving Problems with Spreadsheets, Conviction and Empathy

Todd Thorsen, who overhauled the 401(k) plan while at Medtronic, says ‘cognitive empathy’ is key to collaboration. Mr. Thorsen’s 27-year career in corporate finance and investing has not been carefully choreographed. “I’d love to say there was a master plan, but there really isn’t for me,” he says in the in the latest episode of the Strategic Finance Lab podcast. The road he took includes stints at General Mills, Blue Cross Blue Shield, working as investment advisor for high net-worth clients, and more than a dozen years at Medtronic, where he rose to be head of global investments. Today, the former NeuGroup member is CEO of a family-owned holding company called Hunter, Keith Industries, where he oversees private equity investments. “Sometimes those off-the-beaten-path opportunities, embracing those, gives you some experiences and some confidence you wouldn’t necessarily get just kind of staying on the narrow path,” he tells NeuGroup’s Antony Michels. Other advice: “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t want to do this.’ Don’t be afraid to make a change.”