AI for business leaders – voices from participants
We interviewed four previous participants of AI for Business Leaders about why they chose the program, what they learned, and how it has influenced their work
Peter Tötterman
Business Development Manager, Avoki
“AI SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS A ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL’ SOLUTION”
What sparked your interest in AI for Business Leaders at the Stockholm School of Economics Executive Education?
“I was looking for a program about AI from both a technical and a business perspective. When I saw that SSE offered this program, I knew it would be high quality since I have attended other programs there that I still benefit from. What I appreciate the most is the extremely skilled lecturers who take an independent view on both the technical and business perspectives.”
What did you gain from the program – in your role and work?
“A different perspective on AI that I believe most people either think they know or don’t know at all. A changed and broadened view on how to implement AI in a company, and the driving forces and resistance that may influence the adoption.”
How has your view of AI changed through the program?
“To always start from the purpose and business value of AI, never begin with the technology and assume adoption will happen automatically. And that AI should not be seen as a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Just like any IT solution, it requires the right conditions – and sometimes AI may not be the solution at all.”
How did you experience the group discussions and knowledge sharing?
“I felt that our class was open and honest in the discussions. Much of my overall view of how AI is used in companies came from the diverse mix of companies and public organizations present and the dialogue we had during and outside lectures.”
What advice would you give to others considering the program?
“Take the program with an open mind, be curious. You will gain a wealth of knowledge.”
Ann-Sophie Forsberg
CEO/Owner, Sona Utveckling AB
“THE PROGRAM GAVE ME THE COURAGE TO START – IT IS NOT TOO LATE”
What sparked your interest in AI for Business Leaders?
“I wanted to deepen my knowledge in AI, preferably in a concrete way. I also wanted a link to research and science. SSE has a strong reputation, and it was important to me that the program had academic weight.”
What did you gain from the program – in your role and work?
“Mostly, I think I gained the courage to try, and the confidence that it is not too late to start my own transformation. I also got many good examples of how others have done it, which lowers the threshold to try it myself. On a practical level, it helps me simplify some routine and administrative tasks – but increasingly, it is becoming a strategic tool for decision-making and reflection.”
How has your view of AI changed through the program?
“That many industries will fundamentally change, and customers will set different and higher demands to complete business. After the program, I also see more opportunities than risks.”
How did you experience the knowledge sharing with other participants?
“Tentative and exploratory – some had deep knowledge and shared generously. Others shared their uncertainty and curiosity. Together we built on each other’s reasoning, and I feel that we advanced both in our thinking and practical ability.”
What message would you like to share with others considering the program?
“A useful and concrete course, extensive enough to provide tools and short enough to make time for.”
Eva Vatn
Program Manager Digitalization ERP Systems, Arbetsförmedlingen
“YOU GET A TOOLBOX – AND THE BEST IN THE FIELD”
What sparked your interest in AI for Business Leaders?
“I was looking for a value-creating program that could give me tools for how leaders can approach AI from the perspective of strategic choices, applications, and implementation. The structure of the SSE program matched my expectations and made me curious about the combination of its academic rigor and practical approach. For me, it is important to apply new knowledge both strategically and operationally, while learning from others’ experiences.”
What did you gain from the program – in your role and work?
“I can now participate in strategic planning at a deeper level and contribute to effective planning, with an understanding of the technical conditions required to make efficient and realistic choices for implementation.”
What new perspectives on AI did you gain?
“That AI should serve as a complement to the organization. This was clear throughout the entire program and lectures, and that it is crucial to understand what data is available within the organization that, when processed, creates value.”
How did you experience the discussions and group dynamics?
“The level of discussions was very high, and the mix of participants with different experiences and areas of expertise created an important and valuable dynamic in the groups.”
What message would you like to share with future participants?
“I strongly recommend this program – you leave with a toolbox for strategic and operational planning that you can apply directly in your organization. You also get the privilege of meeting the very best in the field – lecturers and the entire SSE team behind the program.”
Jon Gustafsson
Head of Section, Critical Communication MSB
“AI BECAME A STRATEGIC TOOL IN CHANGE MANAGEMENT”
What sparked your interest in AI for Business Leaders at the Stockholm School of Economics Executive Education?
“The combination of SSE’s strong reputation and my interest in AI and leadership made the choice easy. To explore how AI can be used as a strategic tool in change management was exactly what I was looking for.”
What did you gain from the program – in your role and work?
“I gained concrete insights and tools to accelerate our AI journey. It was especially valuable to understand how we as an organization can identify areas where AI creates real value, and how to scale it in a sustainable way.”
What inspired you the most?
“I was particularly inspired by seeing how different organizations with different goals, resources, and cultures approach AI in their own ways. This gave me new perspectives on how we can work with AI as an integrated part of change management rather than as a separate technology track.”
How did you experience the knowledge sharing with other participants?
“The knowledge sharing was one of the program’s greatest strengths. Discussing challenges and opportunities with other leaders from various industries gave invaluable insights. There was a generous culture in the group, creating a climate for both honest reflections and curious exploration.”
What would you say to someone considering the program?
“If you want to take the next step in your leadership and understand AI’s role in your organization – go for it. I joined with curiosity and drive, and I left with even greater inspiration, a deeper understanding, and a concrete action plan for how we take the next step in our AI development.”
