A LESSON IN HOW TO EMBRACE CHANGE INSTEAD OF CLINGING TO THE OLD
LOVE CHANGE
The event's unofficial mantra “Disrupt or Die” was setting the tone for two dynamic half-days of learning, development, and inspiration at the Stena AB Network for Female Leaders meetup in Stockholm in November 2023. Forward-leaning, curious and passionate leaders got together to discuss how to embrace and drive change.
The first speaker was the energetic and inspirational Per Sundin, former record company director at Sony Music, Universal Music and the current CEO of Pophouse Entertainment. Sundin shared candid insights into both successes and mistakes, recounting the turbulent yet revolutionary times of the music industry’s shift to digital. Under the theme ”Love Change,” he explained how Universal Music thrived by embracing collaboration with new digital players like Spotify instead of clinging to outdated business models. Sundin’s journey, including investing in the then unknown Tim Bergling now known as Avicii, is even immortalized in the Netflix documentary, The Playlist. Sundin quoted the legendary Steve Jobs: “Hell will freeze over before we start streaming music!” and reflected on Universal’s shift from defending its old business model to cooperating with the changing market. A powerful reminder that in a changing business landscape, collaboration trumps competition.
THE INITIATOR AND DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE STENA AB NETWORK FOR FEMALE LEADERS, DEPUTY CEO STENA AB, ANNIKA HULT:
“We all feel the changes in the world around us and it is challenging to not to be in control. But we can be certain that this fast-paced world is not a phase. It is the new business landscape that we need to learn to embrace. At Stena we have two strong years behind us, showing that our business model works. But we cannot lean back and relax. We need to care, innovate and perform to make sure we stay on the short list of businesses that disrupt instead of ending up on the long list of businesses that die.”
On the left-hand side workshop at Stockholm Museum of Photography, Art and Culture. On the right-hand side Per Sundin and Annika Hult.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AT STENA PROPERTY
Sarah Pettersson, Social Sustainability Manager at Stena Property, took the audience on a heartfelt journey through the challenging and sometimes brutal realities of the communities where Stena owns and maintains properties. Blending the stories with moments of laughter, she shared anecdotes about the ingenious ways dedicated Property and Relationship Managers are active and work tirelessly to develop these neighbourhoods. The motivation for Stena Property to champion social sustainability is rooted in the belief that doing good is not just a responsibility but a heartfelt commitment.
It’s about feeling good by doing good. It’s about doing what’s right, not only for the sake of altruism but because it makes good business sense. The ripple effects are clear – reduced vandalism, cleaner surroundings, and the culti-vation of more appealing communities. Beyond that, the advantages extend to new business opportunities, improving the employer brand and much more, making social sustainability a purposeful component of Stena Property’s business strategy.
“Social sustainability is not a project. If we want to see long-term effects, we have to take long-term action!” Sarah Pettersson, Social Sustainability Manager at Stena Property.
Sarah Petterson from Stena Property. On the right hand-side, Jessica Wolf and Louise Eriksson from Stena Circular Consulting.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY ENLIGHTENMENT
Louise Eriksson and Jessica Wolf from Stena Circular Consulting, a company within the Stena Metal Group, provided a captivating crash course in the circular economy. Demonstrating how adopting its principles can lead to long-term profitability and resilience, they discussed various business models and stressed the importance of considering four dimensions for success. Their insights highlighted that a holistic approach, beyond product development, is crucial for a successful shift toward a circular business model.
Eriksson addressed Stena’s readiness for the circular economy: “Stena has high awareness, and the knowledge is increasing. But we need to create the processes and get started with the change. It is a long journey, and we need to keep up the pace.”
ABOUT THE STENA AB NETWORK FOR FEMALE LEADERS
Initiated in spring 2021 by Annika Hult, Deputy CEO, and Maria Holmberg, Director of People and Organizational Excellence, the Stena AB Network for Female Leaders was established to create a place for leaders to connect, form extended networks and collaborate. The network is one of Stena’s efforts towards achieving gender equality and addresses the fact that women in leadership roles are still a minority in some of our businesses. The network is aimed at female managers, project leaders and specialists. Meetings occur twice a year, once digitally and once physically.
