Maria, you have had the opportunity to work as a leader in many different organizations; what drives and motivates you in your career choices?
I have had the privilege of working with organizations with a specialized professional group such as journalists, editors, museum and art educators where the work is more than a job. Leading a group of people working for something they are almost obsessed with is great fun but not without its challenges. My driving force is to find myself in a context where I work together with my colleagues for something meaningful.
You have had to make "brave decisions" on several occasions; how do you think and act when you come to your decisions?
Being a leader involves being just that; for better or worse. In good times, my motto is that all colleagues should feel that their efforts are part of the success, in adversity it becomes more lonely as a leader. One tool that has helped me a lot when complicated decisions are to be made is to make careful impact assessments. What happens if we do this and what happens if we do that. Holding frequent information meetings and being as transparent as possible in front of the working group counteracts uncertainty and rumors. Colleagues often ask the best questions and have questions that I have benefited greatly from in the impact assessments. Participation is important even in adversity, but with the difference that I as a leader show that I bear the responsibility.
Many people have the opportunity during the summer to think about their future career ("now something must happen!", "should I dare to do something else ..."); what advice and tips would you like to share?
I have changed jobs many times and taken shorter assignments in recent years. Something I have absolutely not regretted. It has given me insight into many organizations of different kinds and I have learned a lot. Often the assignment turns into something longer, or even becomes permanent. My advice is to dare to try and trust your experiences. Today there are many recruiters who get interim assignments. You can also make direct contact with a company you are interested in.
What are your own future plans?
Next week I start at Safir Kommunikation in Stockholm, the first six months as a consultant. If we like each other after that, we will find a continuation. I work operationally 80% to give time to some fun board assignments I have and want to continue working with.