Behind the Circuit: Meet August Kjellevold Holm, Strategic Sales

At Enode, we’re accelerating the energy transition by helping energy companies unlock the power of connected devices. But the systems we build are only part of the story. It’s the people behind those systems – their values, experiences and decisions – who turn mission into momentum.

Behind the Circuit is our series highlighting the individuals shaping Enode’s technology, culture and progress. In this edition, we meet August Kjellevold Holm, who made the leap from management consulting to climate-tech to find more ownership, more impact, and a mission he could grow with.

From consulting to climate-tech: a shift in focus

Before joining Enode, August was a consultant at BCG, where he worked across the energy sector – from oil and gas to renewables and trading. Based in Oslo, he was part of a team tackling some of the industry’s most complex challenges, surrounded by talented colleagues and clients with deep technical knowledge.

The work was fast-paced and strategic. But over time, something shifted.

“Consulting offers breadth,” August says. “But I wanted depth – to own one mission over time.”

That mission became clear when he discovered Enode.

“I’ve always been passionate about the energy transition and wanted to contribute in a more direct way. I was drawn to the idea of joining a small, ambitious team, and from the first conversations with the founders, it was clear that Enode had both the people and the potential to make a real impact.”

For August, the decision to leave consulting wasn’t just about changing roles – it was about choosing to build.

“The opportunity to be part of a company shaping the energy system from the ground up – and to help grow it commercially – was something I couldn’t pass up.”

Owning one mission: life in strategic sales

Three years later, August is a pivotal part of our strategic sales team at Enode – helping energy retailers, utilities, and new market entrants understand what’s possible with Enode’s platform and how to turn that into real business value.

His exceptional talent for translating complex technical opportunities into tangible business value positions him as a key catalyst, deeply influencing both client success and the advancement of critical solutions for a smarter, more resilient energy grid. That kind of work draws heavily on his consulting experience.

“Structured problem-solving, fast learning, and clear communication have all been key. The sales process at Enode is highly consultative – you’re understanding the customer’s challenge and co-creating a path forward. In that way, it’s actually very similar to the work I did as a consultant – just with more ownership and longer-term impact.”

And that shift from project-based advisory to long-term responsibility has been one of the most fulfilling parts of the job.

“Here, you get to see it through. You’re part of the team designing the approach, executing it, adjusting it, and growing with the customer. That continuity is rewarding.”

From structure to ambiguity: the mindset shift

Of course, moving from consulting to a startup isn’t without its challenges.

“The biggest shift was leaving the structure behind,” August reflects. “At BCG, you walk into an environment where everything is in place: the processes, tools, ways of working – sometimes, even the slides. At a startup, it’s the opposite. There’s no predefined playbook. You have to build it.”

That required a mindset shift – not just in how he worked, but in how he thought about success.

That shift was challenging at first, but it also became one of the most meaningful aspects of the transition.

“You learn to trust your judgment, to be comfortable not having all the answers”.

Building culture through pace and purpose

When asked what makes working at Enode different, August doesn’t hesitate: it’s the balance of urgency and mission.

“This isn’t transactional sales. It’s systems-level problem solving, often with some of the most forward-thinking energy companies in Europe. The stakes are high, but so is the trust.”

August also highlights the culture of collaboration as a differentiator.

“We’re a small, sharp team, and that means there’s a lot of room to contribute. Whether it’s helping shape our go-to-market strategy, working with product to refine use cases, or mentoring new joiners – you’re encouraged to go beyond your job description.”

Advice for others making the leap

For consultants considering a move into climate-tech, August offers a few reflections.

“Be ready to leave structure behind – but know that your skills are more transferable than you think. The ability to learn quickly, communicate clearly, and operate in ambiguity has been critical in a role like this.”

And for those who want to work in sales?

“Sales here isn’t about pitching – it’s about solving real problems. It’s technical, collaborative, and tied to long-term customer success. If that’s what excites you, this is a great place to do it.”

What’s next

As Enode continues to grow across Europe and beyond, August’s role is evolving with it – from landing new customers to helping shape how the company scales its commercial function.

But at the core, his mission remains the same: help energy companies unlock flexibility, and help Enode grow with clarity, purpose, and speed.