A Recap of eWc Stockholm
Kicking off the 18th annual Executive Women’s Conference (eWc), The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York (SACCNY) invited close to 150 women in Stockholm to gather for one of the most important discussions for women in business today. Leading the conversation was Anna Throne-Holst, President of SACCNY, Lisa Lindström, CEO of Doberman, and Lotta Edling, Editorial Director of Development of Bonnier News. This year’s eWc has been made in partnership with Dagens Industri Jamstallt Naringsliv and Näringslivets Mäktigaste Kvinna.
On March 5, eWc’s highly appreciated speaker luncheon deep-dived into ‘Women Backing Women’. With many quote-worthy moments, SACCNY welcomed a prominent group of women across all levels of business – deliberating on how highly respected and award-winning women achieved their success.
Finally, Anna Throne-Holst, President of SACCNY, sat down with Allison Kirkby, Top Chief of Näringslivets Mäktigaste Kvinna 2020 and President and CEO Elect of Telia Company, for a fireside chat. Allison revealed that in her impressive career, she did not have a female supporter like many of the other speakers, emphasizing that there needs to be more support for women. With that, eWc’s speaker luncheon concluded on a thoughtful note, with attendees and speakers brainstorming on the next steps to take to strengthen women’s support.
Ulla Parkkinen, Top Entrepreneur by Dagens Industri’s Näringslivets Mäktigaste Kvinna on March 11, 2020 and CEO of Mångårdens Förskolor, Cordobaskolan & Saffaa’s, opened the speaker luncheon and highlighted the importance of perseverance in both entrepreneurship and life. She shared that her strength comes from her supporter, Naima Ström, Co-founder of Cordobaskolan.
“With her keen societal, analytical and visionary ability, Naima supports and inspires me in my entrepreneurship.” – Ulla Parkkinen
As the only woman on Scania Group’s executive team, Karin Rådström, EVP and Head of Sales and Marketing, has a different experience in business leadership. She revealed that by shifting the work culture to be more inclusive and diverse, Scania’s previously male-dominated workplace resulted in profit growth as well as an increase in employee satisfaction.
“Charlotte helps me see the longer perspective and reflect on the journey I’m on. She is also the best ‘cheerleader’ and always supports me and thinks I’m great!” – Karin Rådström on her supporter, Charlotte Berg, CEO of IDL Biotech.
Sometimes, it’s about having a strong mentor who truly believes in your work. Azita Shariati, President and CEO of AniCura, explained how her first boss, Catarina, was and still is the indispensable supporter that has led her to where she is today. By highlighting the other side of ‘Women Backing Women’, the crowd was left with a thought on how they can leave an impactful mark in another woman’s career.
“Catarina was my first boss and was the one who saw me several years ago. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” – Azita Shariati
Award-winning serial-entrepreneur, innovation angel investor and Founder of FUTURISTAS, Ishtar Touailat, uncovered how even highly successful businesswomen, such as herself, still need vital female support. Charlotte Levert, VP and Head of People for Managed Services from Ericsson, and Isthar both agreed on the importance of informal communication and being honest about obstacles in their career and that having a routine to share weekly happenings can become an indispensable tool for self-growth.
“Charlotte is my great friend and biggest, female supporter!” – Ishtar Touilat
With a unique perspective on women in the workplace, Caroline Farberger, CEO of ICA Insurance, also agrees in the power of lifting female leaders in business, admitting that as a woman in business that your experience as a leader is different. Her supporter, Johanna Saldert, Senior Reporter for Dagens Industri Weekend, comes from a business relationship that turned personal.
Finally, Anna Throne-Holst, President of SACCNY, sat down with Allison Kirkby, Top Chief of Näringslivets Mäktigaste Kvinna 2020 and President and CEO Elect of Telia Company, for a fireside chat. Allison revealed that in her impressive career, she did not have a female supporter like many of the other speakers, emphasizing that there needs to be more support for women. With that, eWc’s speaker luncheon concluded on a thoughtful note, with attendees and speakers brainstorming on the next steps to take to strengthen women’s support.
eWc was created with the vision of contributing to equalizing the gender imbalance in business leadership. Each year, SACCNY ramps up its efforts to spotlight unique ways global businesswomen can manifest their talent and vision by tapping into effective networks such as that of SACCNY. This year’s high-level executive speaker luncheon is made possible with the kind contributions of Dagens Industri Jämställt Näringslivs, Linklaters, Atlas Copco, Nasdaq, Westmusa, BNP Paribas and Women For Leaders.
SACCNY supports in the most compelling and relevant way for women in business. This year, relaunching the legacy mentorship program, Women Lead, SACCNY revamps it with a joint partnership with Women For Leaders. An intense 12-month intimate mentorship program with 5 interactive meetups throughout the year, each mentee with have an executive Swedish businesswoman that is their supporter.
Join us for eWc in Washington D.C. and New York City – dates to be announced!
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