Meet Marina Olsson, new CEO at POJI

And everywhere there is a pattern there is a formula that describes how to navigate best. That is the logic Marina uses to orient herself in the world.

"At school I noticed that if I just learn the pattern, I can work out almost anything."

In her first managerial role Marina noticed that the same people were repeatedly given responsibility, while others rarely got the opportunity to flourish.

A woman on the team clearly showed she wanted to become a project manager, but she never got the chance because others had more experience.

But Marina saw the pattern. "If she never gets the opportunity to take responsibility, you cannot expect that person to grow either. As a manager I have to understand each person's individual obstacle course if I am to help them develop. So I spent a lot of time getting to know and understand each person."

Instead of accepting the situation, Marina began adjusting the construction around the woman. Gave her small tasks with greater responsibility. Then more. That led to the woman growing and shouldering the responsibility. Until she became one of Marina's most important employees. Not because Marina gave her a chance, but because she saw the pattern and chose to break it.

"All should have equal opportunity to develop. And different people need different conditions, otherwise the system is wrong," says Marina.

A humanitarian engineer

She describes herself as a humanitarian engineer. She wants to understand the technology, but perhaps even more how technical and organisational systems affect people's opportunities. When something doesn't work she doesn't look for who is failing, but for what in the structure needs adjusting.

Marina is tall and straight-backed. Her gaze attentive. She registers and analyses. Turns and twists all the puzzle pieces to find the best possible way forward.

That ability has taken her far. But it also means she finds it hard to turn a blind eye to equations that don't add up. Sooner or later you start scrutinising the system you live in yourself.

Took a break between assignments

During the autumn Marina took a break between assignments and spent a few months in Thailand with her family. The trip had been planned for a long time and gave her the opportunity to think about what is truly important, both in life and in her leadership.

"We have loads of norms for what a good life is. You should be a present parent, have a house and a boat, travel, renovate the kitchen and make a perfect pulled pork. But if you don't think for yourself, how do you know that's what you want?"

She pauses and thinks a little. Searches the ceiling for the words.

"So many people are stressed. Me too. Have been completely exhausted sometimes. It's not sustainable. For me the break became a way to start the next chapter more consciously."

The insight landed clearly: sustainability applies not just to business and organisations – but also to people.

"I want to build operations that last over time. Then the leadership must do the same."

Wants to balance growth with wellbeing

Part of the next chapter is that she is now starting as CEO at POJI. Per-Olof Hulthe is stepping back from the role to work closer to the technology and develop sister company Verida.

The first thing she will do is land.

"We have major strategic questions to resolve. How should we market ourselves to become a known brand? How do we balance growth with a good culture that makes people thrive? How do we build a sustainable operation? I don't have all the answers yet, because I can't map out the road before I've started walking it."

She will work 80 percent to live her life – and build something that lasts over time.

"When I dropped my eleven-year-old son at training the other evening we were chatting about school and everything. Then he asked: 'Do you have your dream job now, mum?' I was taken aback, but answered: 'Yes, as close as I can get.'"

Welcome to POJI, Marina.

Facts – Marina Olsson

Marina is a civil engineer in technical physics with a master's degree in applied mechanics. She has worked as a calculation engineer at companies including Ericsson and Volvo Cars.

She began her leadership career at Valmet and has since led Technogarden's operations in Värmland. She comes most recently from the role of project manager in data-driven business development at Elvenite.

She has experience of calculation and analysis, as well as leadership, technology-close business and organisational development.