Succession planning is no longer about replacing leaders; it is about ensuring future capability. At an Alumni Global panel moderated by Åza Skoog, Björn Axelsson of Sandvik, board chair Karin Eliasson, investor Sara Arildsson and psychologist Mattias Lowebrant of Alumni Global discussed how boards and leaders link succession to strategy, potential and culture.

Uncertainty is no longer an occasional challenge for leaders; it has become the leadership context. At Alumni Global's Öresund Spring Summit in Malmö, Anna Borg of Vattenfall, Mikael Bratt of Autoliv, board chair Malou Aamund and Björn Rosengren, former CEO of ABB, pointed to three answers: adaptable organisations, empowered people and a clear sense of purpose.

Across the Nordics, the CFO has moved to the centre of the organisation, but what that demands in practice has grown far beyond finance. A look at the integrator role now emerging.

Age-based assumptions can quietly shape hiring decisions, narrowing talent pools and limiting organisational performance. This perspective questions bias and its impact on leadership selection.

In a labour market shaped by uncertainty, shifting values and constant change, this article shares candidate market insights from Alumni Global’s research team. It highlights how employers and candidates now weigh tenure, mobility, purpose, adaptability and future potential.

Searching for leaders across borders gives clients a bigger pool of C-suite and board candidates, which helps with niche roles and talent shortages. Michael Pieters of Alumni Global works with Nordic-headquartered companies that need leaders for sites in several countries, where understanding Nordic company culture and local expectations helps ensure a good match.