Our Perspectives
Alumni Global's perspectives on leadership, succession and board governance
Alumni Global works with executive search, board services and leadership assessment and development. Here we gather our articles and perspectives on leadership, drawing on what we learn from the boards, CEOs and leadership teams we work with, and from our events such as the Alumni Executive Summit. The topics range across leadership in change, succession, board governance, AI leadership and how organisations develop their leaders, written by our consultants for those who lead, recruit or serve on a board.
Why trust matters as much as vision
What really matters most to a company’s long-term success? A clear vision? A strong strategy? Or the ability to make the right decisions? For Volito, the answer lies to a great extent in trust between people. In owners who are real people. In relationships and leaders who are given the freedom to act entrepreneurially while remaining accountable for the long-term development of the business. In our conversation with Ulf Liljedahl, CEO of Volito, he shares his experience of leading in an environment where values, culture and active ownership do not merely support the business, but form part of the business model itself.
Long-term thinking without losing momentum
Per Gullstrand, CEO of Bjäre Invest, on how decentralised governance, commercial discipline and trust work together in a family-owned group — and why long-term ownership does not mean a slower pace.
Lonely at the top? Growing demand for an executive sounding board
CEOs and other CxO leaders are increasingly asking for an experienced sounding board outside their own organisation, someone who asks questions and widens their perspective. Lars Navéus of Alumni Global describes one such match, arranged for a senior leader at one of Sweden's largest listed industrial companies, with board director Anna Ohlsson-Leijon as the sounding board.
The CEO Appointment Is Complete, But Are the Conditions for Success in Place?
Boards put great effort into recruiting the right CEO and far less into helping that CEO succeed once in post. Lars Navéus of Alumni Global argues that the board's work continues after the appointment: clear expectations, structured dialogue with the chair, support with the first priorities and, for a first-time CEO or a turnaround, an external sounding board.
Building for the next generation
Sandberg Development, a family-owned investment company founded in 1959, invests long term in 19 technology-driven portfolio companies. In an interview with Alumni Global, President and CEO Stefan Persson, recruited with the support of Lars Navéus, discusses leadership, culture, AI and building the right foundations for future generations.
Strategic Succession Planning: A Key to Future-Proofing Your Business
Strategic succession planning looks beyond filling vacancies to the leadership a company will need in the years ahead. Lars Navéus of Alumni Global describes how nomination committees, owners and CEOs use market mapping and benchmarking to prepare for board and executive transitions, sometimes building relationships with future leaders years before a role opens.