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.
Where will tomorrow’s judgement be built as AI changes work?
As organisations integrate AI into daily operations, it changes not only which tasks people perform. It also changes how experience is built, how judgement is developed and how trust grows. When AI takes over research, analysis, administration and first drafts, parts of everyday learning may disappear unless organisations consciously replace them. For leadership and HR, the question is therefore not only how AI should be implemented, but how work should be organised so that people continue to develop the experience and judgement the organisation needs.
Succession Beyond Replacement: Building Leadership Capability for an Uncertain Future
Succession planning should start from the organisation's future direction rather than from today's roles and the people in them. Åza Skoog of Alumni Global argues for linking succession to strategy through scenarios, and for protecting the everyday learning that AI is changing. When Alumni Global asked 332 people in its network about their greatest succession challenges, 35 per cent said they lacked an established leadership pipeline.
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.
Resilience in Defence: Putting People First in a High-Tech World
Resilience in defence is no longer about systems and hierarchy. Nordic leaders argue it now rests on human judgement, trust, and adaptability.
2026 Leadership Outlook – How Will Leadership Evolve This Year?
Leadership in 2026 is no longer linear. Five forces, from people-centred performance to AI identity, will define how Nordic leaders navigate the year.