AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS

What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
I started to get involved in the automotive sector during my years working as a strategy consultant. From an outsider’s perspective, I saw how the industry revitalized itself starting in the early 2010s. Today, it’s developing into the industry with the most intriguing combination of software and hardware engineering. Being part of that learning experience while providing freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way is very interesting.

Your greatest achievement?
When I joined Volvo we embarked on one of the largest and most complex digital transformations yet. We established a new organization, a new supplier footprint and new ways of working for the digital team. In just nine months, we upskilled and set up new roles, improved our supplier network and implemented a product-based way of working. It seemed to be an impossible mission from a design, complexity and timing perspective. However, strong collaboration made it happen. It’s since proved to have a long-term impact and with better efficiency and effectiveness.

What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
Having talented people leave for external opportunities taught me that along with ensuring continuous development of the people I lead, I also need to encourage them to take on broader challenges outside their comfort zone at work. I’m sure that some of my colleagues would still be here today if they were given more challenging and rewarding opportunities.

What is your current challenge at work?
Executing on Volvo’s digital mission to create a secure digital infrastructure that enables growth, scale and efficiency. Right now, we are focusing on areas such as data and architecture, business capabilities, technical debt and software excellence.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
One of my former managers encouraged me to act with more confidence and decisiveness. He promised he would always have my back, regardless of my decision. That strong support and feeling of safety helped me push through bigger and better ideas.

What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
Don’t think about it, just go for it. The learning opportunities are unbelievable and transferrable to other industries. Also, the potential impact you can have is huge because you can help transform this industry by incorporating new technologies that combine software and hardware capabilities.

What do you do to relax?
I spend a lot of time in nature exploring our beautiful Swedish forests.

What is your dream location to live?
It would be somewhere in the KwaZulu-Natal province near Durban, South Africa.

What is your favorite driving song?
The Swedish punk rock band Millencolin has accompanied me during many hours on the road. Songs such as “Battery Check” and “Move Your Car” are among my favorites. I feel their music perfectly underscores the future of full-electric mobility.

What was your favorite road trip and why?
During my time at university, I took a monthlong road trip in the U.S. with my friends, starting in New York City and finishing in San Francisco. It was a great way to explore the country and experience adventures both big and small. In hindsight, this trip also provided me with a deeper understanding about the country’s mobility culture.

What was your first car?
A Volvo V40 Cross Country.

Current car?
A Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid.

If you were a car, which one would you be?
It would be one of Volvo’s upcoming products. I’m currently still in development.