Lisa's inspiring career journey within the Group

At Hedin Mobility Group, we actively strive to create a workplace where everyone can grow, develop, and take the next step in their careers. A brilliant example of this is Lisa Karlsson , whose journey within the company demonstrates the many opportunities available to those who are driven and eager to grow.?

Lisa joined the HR team at Hedin Mobility Group in early 2023 as HR Manager for Hedin Parts, Hedin Recycled, and Interwheel. With a background in HR, including experience in recruitment and the public sector, Lisa has gathered valuable expertise. One major milestone in her career was her time at a startup. "It was hard work, but incredibly rewarding," Lisa shares. "It's still exciting to follow the company today, and I'm proud to have been part of laying the foundation for its success."?

On September 1st this year, Lisa took the next big step in her career, leaving the HR department to become Site Manager at Hedin Parts in Nyk?ping, a facility with approximately 150 employees working in warehousing and logistics. Her journey is an inspiring example of how our company supports and encourages internal career opportunities - and how passion and competence can lead to new challenges and successes.?

Women in leadership - opportunities in a male-dominated industry?

Working in a male-dominated industry presents both challenges and opportunities, especially when it comes to increasing the representation of women in leadership roles.?

We find it both important and inspiring to see women take on leadership positions, so we asked Lisa Karlsson for her perspective on this topic.?

What are your thoughts on the opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in the industry??

"Since I’m relatively new to the industry, it’s hard for me to make generalisations. But it is a male-dominated field, and that always makes it more challenging for women to advance."?

Have you personally encountered any obstacles as a woman in a leadership role, and how have you dealt with them??

"Yes, I have. There are moments when I feel my words don’t carry the same weight as a man’s in the same meeting or forum. Sometimes, I need to be more explicit in my decisions than I’d like, just to ensure they’re recognized as decisions - something I notice my male colleagues don’t always have to do. I often feel I need to prove my competence differently. Occasionally, you have to stand your ground more than you’d prefer, but if that’s what it takes, I do it to avoid ending up in the same situation again."?

What do you think companies can do to promote more women in leadership roles??

"It’s crucial to recognise the positive impact that equality and diversity have on an organisation. To achieve this, these issues need to be addressed, and inclusion and diversity efforts must be actively pursued. Companies can highlight female leaders, establish women’s networks, or perhaps launch mentorship programs - all of these make a difference."?

A leadership style rooted in curiosity and humility?

Lisa demonstrates through her experiences that driving change requires both courage and clarity. She also emphasises the responsibility companies have in creating the conditions for more equitable and inclusive leadership. Her own leadership style is characteried by humility and curiosity, with a focus on staying close to her team and understanding their needs.?

One of the greatest challenges in her role as a manager, according to Lisa, is communication during times of change.? "It’s hard to know whether the communication is sufficient and if everyone has understood enough to want to be part of the journey," she explains.?

When it comes to mentors and role models, Lisa shares that while she currently doesn’t have a mentor, she’s had the privilege of working with several excellent managers over the years. "There’s one manager in particular I see as a role model, and I often reflect on how she would have acted when I’m faced with situations I’m uncertain about," Lisa says.?

Her reflections highlight the value of strong leadership role models and the importance of being an inspiring and present leader yourself.?

Balancing leadership with life outside work?

Leading a large organisation means constantly balancing professional and personal life. Lisa shares how she finds balance between the two:?

"In general, I find it quite easy to disconnect from work when I’m off. I wouldn’t say I do anything specific to set boundaries between work and personal life - it naturally fluctuates with busier periods. During those times, I’m more deliberate about planning activities that give me energy, whether it’s meeting friends or going away for a weekend."?

When it comes to developing as a leader outside of work, Lisa sees great value in drawing inspiration from others. "I dive into leadership books, listen to podcasts, and watch TED Talks across various industries and topics," she says.?

Lisa’s story is an inspiring example of how leadership and personal growth can go hand in hand, creating meaningful impact for both the individual and the organisation.?