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Lunch Panel: The Future of the Swedish Tradition of Trust-Based Management

Swedish business has, over a long period of time, developed a tradition of trust that has attracted significant international attention. It is built on trust in people's abilities and sense of responsibility, which means that leaders face the challenge of creating the right conditions for them to thrive.

Grounded in this philosophy, business leaders have listened to their employees, built strong teams, and safeguarded expertise and collaboration. This has contributed not only to workplaces characterised by wellbeing and engagement, but also to Sweden’s strong position as an innovation leader. Iconic examples include PG Gyllenhammar at Volvo and Jan Carlzon at SAS - pioneers of trust-based leadership focused on the purpose of the organisation.

Today, however, we are witnessing a global trend moving in a different direction. In many countries, authority, control, distrust, and centralisation are increasingly emphasised. This development poses a challenge to the Swedish tradition and raises questions about the future. How can we protect and nurture trust in times of uncertainty? What are the risks if we abandon a model that has long been a success factor? And what new opportunities might arise if we choose to further develop it?

Join us for a thought-provoking seminar hosted by Louise Bringselius, where we’ll delve into the role of trust in leadership and its significance within the Swedish management tradition. Lena Lid Falkman will participate in a dynamic panel discussion alongside other distinguished leaders, exploring how trust can be nurtured and what the future may hold for values-based leadership in Sweden.

Alumni