YOUNG PATRONS PROGRAMME 2024
“Rising to the Challenge of 21st Century International Business”
The BSCC YPP provides a stimulating learning and networking forum for emergent managerial talent within Patron organisations. The programme consists of a series of related seminars designed to highlight the challenge of rising to complex challenges in 21st century business. With an emphasis on knowledge sharing, it is intended that the YPP will also provide the perfect opportunity to nurture the Patron member network of tomorrow.
The YPP consists of 5 seminars: four hosted at member facilities in Stockholm; the fifth held with BSCC’s partner organisations in London. Commencing with individual responsibility and professional development, the programme quickly expands into the challenges presented by macro-environmental strategic developments such as digitalization and sustainability. And, then further, into the existential challenge facing strategic orthodoxy in present-day business.
All Patrons are now encouraged to nominate one candidate:
- Who has worked 2-5 years
- Is seen as a future leader
- Will be a cultural bearer for your company – as well as for the programme
Nominate your candidate via email to: rebecca.ehn@bscc.info.
Seminar 1. Individual Responsibility & Professional Development
Date: 15 February
With global competition for highly skilled talent, there exists greater executive mobility than ever before. But, while businesses are having to work harder to attract and retain the best and brightest, individual executives also have to rise to the challenge of increased workplace demands and professional competition. This session will focus on individual level responsibility and the need to compete.
At the seminar, Tom Johnstone CBE, Chair of the Board at Husqvarna Group, Wärtsilä, Combient, and Collegial, alongside Ewa Kuszelewski, Partner at Michaël Berglund Executive Search AB, shared insights on professional advancement, personal growth, and the essence of effective leadership.
We extend our gratitude to our speakers for generously sharing their expertise, and to the team at Michaël Berglund Executive Search AB for hosting us.
A special acknowledgment is also due to the Young Patrons’ whose engaging discussions contributed to the success of the evening. We look forward to reconvening in April for further discussions.
Seminar 2. Digitalisation and Transformational Technology
Date: 22 April
Today, with advances in AI, machine learning, and quantum computing, we can expect the pace of disruption and transformation in many established markets to only accelerate. This session will focus on what we can do to come to terms with radical change and the potential for transformative business generation and renewal.
Together with Christina Qvarfordt, Head of Knowledge & Learning Europe at Linklaters, Dr. Ian Richardson, Director for Executive Education at Stockholm Business School, Stockholm University, Torgny Gunnarsson, Deputy CEO of Combient, and Adam Österman, Relationship Manager and AI Lead at Combient, we discussed the strategic importance of AI and how our future business leaders should embrace, explore and get ahead in the vast opportunities these new technologies offer to their line of businesses.
Seminar 3. Global Business & Sustainability
Date: 4 September
Most multinational corporations integrate sustainability principles in their governance frameworks, and many invest significantly more than is required for the purposes of straightforward reputation management. The reason, aside from simply “doing good”, is simple: Increasing numbers of businesses are discovering that sustainability can also be very good for business.
We had the pleasure of hosting our third Young Patron Programme (YPP) seminar of the year, focusing on Global Business and Sustainability. The YPP seminars provide emerging managerial talents from our patron members the unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and learn from seasoned professionals across various sectors and industries.
This time, we were warmly welcomed by our member organisation, Ethos, at their headquarters, where we engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on sustainable business practices. Malin Speace, CEO and founder of Ethos, shared valuable insights into the foundations of sustainability and the upcoming European regulation on sustainability reporting, CSRD.
Following this, Annika Ramsköld , Vice President of Corporate Sustainability at our patron member Vattenfall, outlined the significant strides Vattenfall has made towards greater sustainability in recent decades. She also emphasised the critical role of partnerships, collaboration, and ‘walking the talk’ in future-proofing businesses and creating a better world, addressing issues related to the environment, social concerns, and governance.
Seminar 4. Strategies in Uncertain Times
Date: 3 October
As markets become more dynamic, and disruptive entrants destabilize once impregnable industries, many of the strategic orthodoxies that have guided managers in the past, are being called into question today. How can managers respond to the reality of global complexity and uncertainty and, simultaneously, deliver clarity and meaningful control.
We held the final seminar of our annual Young Patrons Programme, Strategies in Uncertain Times hosted by Eversheds Sutherland. Michael Bahar, Partner at Eversheds and Captain in the US Navy JAG Corps Reserves, delivered an inspiring talk. Bahar, who also served as the negotiation lawyer in US-Taliban peace talks, shared gripping stories from his military career, offering valuable insights into strategy and planning. He stressed the importance of focusing on what you can control, i.e “controlling your three feet”, and highlighted that while plans often fall apart, the process of planning prepares you for various scenarios. He also encouraged the Young Patrons to speak up and ensure respect in interactions, whether with colleagues or adversaries.
Following this, Ian Richardson, Director of Executive Education at Stockholm University, led a session on Strategy in Complex Markets and Uncertain Times. He discussed how organisational flexibility is key to thriving in uncertain times, using Amazon’s pandemic response as a case study. In new and uncertain situations, such as a pandemic, businesses are prepared to different extents and respond in different ways. The way you structure your business makes it more or less resilient in uncertain times and the flexibility of your organisation becomes an essential piece in surviving. Our Young Patrons analysed Amazon’s ability to swiftly adapt to shifts in demand and exploit new opportunities which led to great discussions.
Seminar 5. YPP London Delegation:
Date: 28 November
Members of the BSCC Young Patrons Programme had the privilege of attending the British Swedish Summit 2024 in London. This summit offered a thought-provoking and contemporary exploration of leadership, bringing together an inspiring assembly of business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, and academics from both Sweden and the UK. Our gratitude goes to the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK, along with Fredrik Warneryd and team, for welcoming us.
Taking advantage of our time in London, we also explored some of the city’s leading corporations, delving into their work and respective industries. The day commenced at SEB, where we were warmly hosted by Anders Engstrand. SEB provided us with a fascinating glimpse into how they established themselves in the UK market, the importance of relationships as well as the trends and opportunities they see.
Our next stop was Houses of Parliament, where Dr. Ben Spencer MP hosted us. A comprehensive tour of the Houses of Parliament, including Westminster and St Stephen’s Hall, provided some insights on the intricate parliamentary processes in the UK. The tour was followed by a sit down with Dr. Spencer where we discussed the differences between the parliament processes in Sweden and the UK, what collaboration opportunities there are between the two, as well as the challenges we both face.
The day concluded with a visit to the Saab office where we were generously hosted by Andrew Walton and Malin Svahn. Engaging discussions unfolded around Saabs market position in today’s current geopolitical state, as well as what challenges and opportunities they see in the future.
Our sincerest thank you to all who hosted us, contributing to the success of this memorable trip. A very special appreciation goes to the Young Patrons for their great contributions throughout this year’s programme and not least during the London trip. It’s been a privilege to learn more about your industries and perspectives on the complex challenges of contemporary business.
