From the finance industry and owner-managed companies to education and civil society.

This week's inspirational profile, Jon Björk, is an interim manager, investor, board member, and consultant whose assignments involve driving business and strategic development.

By applying lessons learned from creating value financially, individually, and for society, Jon brings perspectives from outside the usual box.

Jon, can you tell us a little more about your journey as a leader?

In my leadership roles, I have had the privilege of working broadly, from start-ups to large global organizations. I have often been involved in change management assignments, frequently in new areas that I haven't worked with before. To take on such assignments, a sense of security and confidence in both my own ability and the organization's capacity was needed, as well as the belief that I can contribute to unlocking these capabilities.

It's important to quickly understand and adapt to the existing company culture while also driving development. This became clear when I shifted from the finance industry to the civil sector, where different driving forces prevail. Curiosity and understanding of the organizations' structure and culture are required to achieve both strategic planning and operational implementation.

In your opinion, what are the most important factors for success across a wide range of leadership roles?

For me, it's about being present and attentive. Being able to quickly understand the organization's needs and challenges is crucial. I also strongly believe in strengthening and supporting the team, which creates a culture of collaboration and commitment. As a leader, I need to be aware of the authority that comes with the title, but at the same time understand that the real impact comes from utilizing the power of all employees. It's about being responsible in how I use my authority and clear about the direction we should jointly work towards.

The combination of having worked in the finance and consulting industries and the civil sector is interesting. How can the civil sector and the business sector contribute to a more sustainable and relevant society today?

The civil sector plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and complementing other activities in society. Within the civil sector, there is a value-creating purpose, which also provides value to individuals who engage in the activities, both voluntarily and professionally. An exchange between the civil sector and the business sector can provide a clear win-win, where employees can have the opportunity to contribute to a larger purpose and at the same time assist with new expertise.
I believe that today's civil society can be complemented by more social enterprises that provide new activities and revenues to ensure financial stability and long-term impact, as aid funding, for example, is changing.

In partnerships between the business sector and the civil sector, resources can be allocated and create measurable value for both parties. I look forward to the development of the dialogue regarding the impact the civil sector contributes to society and how financing its activities can be profitable. For example, with the establishment of outcome-based financing, where funding for important activities can come from savings through the impact the activity has achieved. If this is done in partnership with different forms of business, I believe it will create great value!

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