From finance and owner-managed businesses to education and civil society.

This week's inspirer Jon Björk is an interim manager, investor, board member and consultant with assignments where he drives business development and strategic development.

Using lessons learned from creating value financially, individually and for society, Jon brings dimensions outside the usual box.

Jon, can you tell us a bit more about your journey as a leader?

In my leadership roles, I have had the privilege of working across a wide range of industries, from start-ups to large global organizations. Most often, I have come into change assignments and not infrequently into new areas I have not worked with before. To take on such assignments, I need a basic security and confidence in both my own ability and in the organization's capacity, and that I can help to release these abilities.

It is important to quickly understand and adapt to the existing corporate culture while driving development. This became clear when I moved from the financial industry to civil society, where different drivers prevail. It takes curiosity and an understanding of the structure and culture of the organizations to achieve both strategic planning and operational implementation.

What do you consider to be the most important factors for success in a wide range of leadership roles?

For me, it's about being present and responsive. Being able to quickly understand the needs and challenges of the organization is crucial. I also strongly believe in empowering and supporting the team, creating a culture of collaboration and engagement. As a leader, I need to be aware of the mandate that comes with the title but at the same time understand that the real impact comes from using the power of all employees. Being accountable in how I use my mandate and clear in the direction we will collectively work towards.

The combination of having worked in the financial and consulting industry and civil society is interesting. How can civil society and business contribute to a more sustainable and relevant society today?

Civil society plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and complementing other activities in society. Civil society has a value-creating purpose, which also provides value to individuals who engage in the activity, voluntarily and professionally. An exchange between civil society and business can provide a clear win-win, where employees can have the opportunity to contribute to a greater purpose and at the same time provide new expertise.
I believe that today's civil society can be complemented by more social enterprises that provide new activities and revenues to ensure financial stability and long-term impact, as aid funding, for example, is changing.

In partnerships between business and civil society, resources can be shared and create measurable value for both parties. I look forward to developing the dialogue on the impact civil society brings to society and how funding its activities can be profitable. For example, with the establishment of outcome funding, where funding for key activities can come from savings made through the impact of the activity. If this is done in partnership with different types of organizations, I think it will create great value!

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