Personal, practical, and the real deal – two previous participants speak

Magnus Nilsson,
Plant Technician Manager, Plasman

“THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR NETWORKING WERE VERY GOOD INDEED, AND THE CHANCE TO SWAP EXPERIENCES AND REFLECT WITH THE OTHER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS REALLY HELPED ME CONNECT THEORY TO PRACTICE.”

What was it that interested you about the Manager and Leader program at SSE Executive Education?

“I was about to take up my first managerial position and felt the need to build on what I’d learned from my previous leadership training. I wanted to find a course that was on the right level for me – neither too basic nor too advanced. What I was looking for was a modern, research-based course in leadership. A former colleague of mine suggested I contact Executive Education for advice as to which program they would recommend, based on the challenges I faced, my current role, and my previous experience. The Manager and Leader program turned out to be the perfect fit.

How has the program been beneficial to you in your day-to-day work?

“The Manager and Leader program offers both breadth and depth to my work. The four modules covered a wide range of subjects, all of which were relevant, and which provided concrete tools that I can use. The importance of “Sustainable Leadership”, being a leader for the long-term, has been particularly beneficial to me.”

How did you rate the opportunity to swap experiences with the other participants?

“The opportunities for networking were very good indeed, and the chance to swap experiences and reflect with the other program participants really helped me connect theory to practice. We shared many similar leadership challenges, despite being from different sectors and professional backgrounds. The networking also gives you the opportunity to identify people to share ideas with and leadership mentors outside of your organization.”

Is there anything you’d like to share with anyone thinking of doing the Manager and Leader program?

“Having the chance to participate in the Manager and Leader program is not something you should take for granted – it’s an investment, not just in yourself, but within your organization. If you’re offered the chance, don’t hesitate!”

 

Andrée Söderlindh,
Interim Commercial Director, Posten Bring Group

 “HOWAND WHY WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE WAS A CONSTANT THEME THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAM. FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME, WHO’S ALWAYS BEEN VERY TASK-ORIENTATED, THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT LESSON.”

What was it that interested you about the Manager and Leader program at SSE Executive Education?

“I was looking for a program that included strategic and business control elements, but where the emphasis was on leadership. It was important to me that the program took place over several months, giving me the opportunity between the modules to reflect and to practice the lessons and insights. I also wanted a program that could help me build Nordic networks, so I preferred this program over foreign ones.”

What did you most hope to gain and learn from taking this course?

“I wanted to develop new perspectives and to learn more about myself and my leadership style. My goal was to develop my skills and to become a better leader. I also wanted to acquire concrete tools for leading constantly evolving teams.”

Have the know-how and experience you gained from the course already proved useful in your job?

“The program started gently, with the emphasis on getting to know one another, but then it dived right into exciting exercises and theory sessions, and incredibly powerful presentations. The program leader and lecturers showed us the power of openness and vulnerability when it comes to building trust within a team. That really set the tone for how we, as a group, took collective responsibility for our development throughout the program.”