My Boardroom Outfits at Ericsson

Over the years I have made a point of using Social Media for satire and satire only. Well, except the #LinkedIn updates for the likes and hearts every time I got a promotion. 

I had this fun conversation with my buddy this weekend. Someone from my inner circle who really gets my sense of humor and gets me and the “weird” that comes with me. 

Among many things I realized the influence I could have if I shared something that’s been a strong foundation of my successful leadership career at the great company Ericsson. It’s my Boardroom Dress Code.

I have succeeded, failed, humbly learned from failures, fulfilled my goals and sometimes fallen short of my goals. I’ve been told I am great at some stuff and I’ve been told I suck at some other things – you know what’s politely put as “areas of opportunity”. However, it’s always been because of what I do and never because of how I chose to dress at work. And man o’ man, it mattered so much.

During a farewell with my Swedish colleagues last month I choked up highlighting how much it mattered that I could walk into conference rooms in a romper or in my sweats while they wore blue jeans, button up shirt & a black jacket or a plain dress. How it mattered to be treated just like everyone else even if I dressed slightly (sometimes A LOT) different from others. We'd talk business, have fun and just be.

I reflected how awesome it was to report to the Head of my Business Unit and his Leadership Team wearing what I wanted that day and never having to think about it. Sometimes get tough love, Sometimes get appreciation, Sometimes get tricky actions and tasks, but all of it while I was dressed the way I wanted. I reflected how awesome it was to hold celebratory speeches for my global #TeamEricsson at All Staff meetings in a funny looking track suit just because...

I used to wonder how would I ever thank whole #Ericsson for fostering an inclusive culture that supports and grooms diverse leaders. Then it hit me after the convo with my buddy, I could do that by writing my very first personal article using the digitised platforms powered by amazing market leading Networks technology I and my wonderful #TeamEricsson have created. I can do that by sharing my thoughts with young leaders, sharing that I work at a company where I lead, create, manage, drive, build culture and achieve - all of it being who I am!