How did you become interested in tech?
Early in my career, I worked at a company that introduced a new IT system and was involved as a user and requirements specifier. I eventually became the business system administrator, with the responsibility that goes with it. Requirements specification, testing, and training were all part of my duties. This was the springboard for me to leave the company and study IT and business development at university.
How long have you been working with tech?
Following my studies, I began working for IBM as an IT consultant. This was a few years before the millennium. Initially, I was supporting organizations preparing for Y2K, also known as the millennium bug. Later, I led an entire team that built a new organization at IBM to help customers handle the potential IT problems caused by the calendar formatting issues at the turn of the millennium. Following that, I joined telecom company Telia for several years, before moving to IT consultants, Tietoevry. Then, I ran my own consulting company for nearly 20 years, specializing in project management, training, and certification. After the pandemic I felt a need to work more closely with others, as I enjoy having colleagues, and I got the opportunity to join Ductus.
What does a typical day at work involve?
As a project manager I spend a lot of time with people, whether that’s Ductus consultants, third-party consultants, or our clients. My job is to facilitate the team to deliver great work, which involves planning, reporting, and following up on activities. It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now, but as a project manager you always need to be a few steps ahead as well, ensuring things remain on track and run smoothly. Of course, things happen along the way that can disrupt the process and projects take unexpected turns, but being prepared will help you manage these situations effectively.
What’s most interesting about your job?
It’s always exciting when people come together with different backgrounds and skillsets and form or are added to a team. Interacting with them, learning about their skills and traits, and paving the way for them to succeed by building an environment where everyone feels part of the team and delivery is extremely rewarding.
You have written three books on project management, tell us about them.
The first, which I wrote in 2012, is an introduction to project communication and how you can use it to the best effect. It’s used in the teaching curriculum at a number of universities in Sweden and was awarded ‘Best Project Management Book’. In 2017, my second book, Effective Project Communication – the Key to Successful Projects, was published. In 2022, the Fundaments of Leadership was published. It was heavily based on a large-scale IT transformation project that I was involved in, as a mentor, which received a lot of industry interest as the project was delivered earlier than forecast and under budget. All three books are available here in Swedish.
What advice would you give to somebody interested in pursuing a career like yours?
Go ahead. I have spent many years in IT but only three months of it coding. IT is a very broad area with many opportunities. If you become a project manager you a get a fantastic understanding of how an organization works, how you can empower and motivate individuals in diverse teams, overcome conflicts, manage budgets, build trust, and above all, lead with confidence. It’s the ideal foundation for any woman looking to become a team lead or department head further down the line.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I like spending time with my grandkids and doing different activities. I enjoy being in the garden and renovating the house, while in winter, you’ll find me cross-country skiing.