A podcast from Mitt Liv: An inclusive labour market

Welcome to An Inclusive Labour Market, a Mitt Liv podcast where founder and entrepreneur Sofia Appelgren delves deep into the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), leadership, company values and social sustainability.

Through insightful interviews, you get practical tools, inspiring stories, and valuable insights from leaders, experts and change-makers shaping these crucial fields. Tune in for personal stories of triumph and transformation - whether you're a seasoned DEI professional, CEO, HR manager, investor, board member or just starting your journey within the field.

Episode 43. Leading by Example – with Kuba Jankowski, Managing Director of IKEA Industry AB

In this episode we sit down with Kuba Jankowski, Managing Director of IKEA Industry, to explore how values and purpose drive inclusivity in the workplace. Jacob shares personal anecdotes and insights on managing spontaneous crises, embracing change, and the importance of leading by example. He discusses the mission of IKEA Industry and its alignment with his personal leadership philosophy, highlighting the importance of upskilling, digital competence, and fostering a modern workplace.

Episode 42. Strategies for leading diverse teams – with Adriana Gonzáles Delshorts, CM of Hult EF Corporate Education in Switzerland

Adriana shares her journey from early career challenges to her current role leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Hult EF Corporate Education. She discusses practical strategies and personal stories that demonstrate the impact of dedicated DEI efforts. Learn about managing a diverse workforce, fostering an inclusive culture in any organisation, and how educational experiences can empower individuals and enhance corporate environments.

Episode 41. Shaping an inclusive culture across boarders – with Heidi Robertson, Group Head of D&I at ABB

Heidi Robertson, ABB's Group Head of Diversity & Inclusion, shares her insights and experiences in weaving diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities into the global fabric of ABB and personal life. We discuss the challenges and strategies of implementing D&I in various cultural and regulatory landscapes for a company with over 105,000+ employees worldwide. Heidi reveals her personal journey, underscoring the influence of upbringing and mentors in her commitment to fairness and equity. Looking forward, we explore the evolving D&I landscape, the implications of geopolitical shifts, and the critical need for resilience and adaptability.

Episode 40. Establishing inclusive organisation cultures – with Dr. Markus R. Neuhaus

Markus Neuhaus, a distinguished Swiss business leader and a Doctor of Laws, shares his experiences and insights into establishing and nurturing inclusive cultures within organisations. From his tenure as CEO and chairman of PwC Switzerland to his leadership roles in global boards, Markus offers invaluable lessons on implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. In this conversation he provides perspectives on engaging stakeholders, fostering an inclusive mindset, and addressing sustainability concerns. From navigating ESG challenges to advocating for responsible business practices, his insights resonate with CEOs, board members, and leaders aspiring to drive meaningful change within their organisations.

Episode 39: Promoting inclusion for people with disabilities – with Camilla Bischofberger

Camilla Bischofberger is an accessibility advocate who also works as a global consultant supporting international innovative companies coming to Switzerland. Camilla's unique perspective comes from a lifetime of living with a physical disability, which has ignited her passionate advocacy for the rights, needs, and realities of the disabled community. In this episode, Camilla shares her inspiring journey and insights into how individuals, organisations, and societies can promote greater inclusion and diversity for people with disabilities. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about the importance of accessible infrastructure, education, and the need for top-down inclusion initiatives in companies!

Episode 38: Leading DEI with integrity and resillience - with Jochen Diehm, CEO of SKF Switzerland

An enlightening episode with Jochen Diehm, CEO of SKF Switzerland, as he shares his journey and insights into leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) within a global company.

We discover the tools and strategies Jochen employs to advance DEI on a global scale, address internal challenges, and the power of a code of conduct in fostering an inclusive work environment. We also discuss the significance of integrity as a core value and its role in promoting equality and inclusivity. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

Episode 37: Christophe Catoir, Global President at Adecco – “Build your D&I policy on business models”

With three decades of experience within Adecco Group, we discover Christophe's journey from humble beginnings to leading a global company, and the pivotal role played by humility, ambition, and authenticity in his path. He shares his insights into aligning business goals with social impact, revealing Adecco Group's mission to assist at least 50,000 refugees to find quality employment by the end of 2025. We also navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and demographic shifts, and the significance of continuous learning and adaptability in staying ahead. ***Please note: Christophe's title is President of Adecco (not the CEO of Adecco Group as mentioned in this episode). 

Episode 36: Interview with Elisabeth Beskow, CEO at DNB Sweden - about fostering DEI, setting goals and inclusive leadership

Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with our guest Elisabeth Beskow, CEO of DNB Sweden. As a participant in Mitt Liv's "CEOs for D&I" program, Elisabeth brings her experience to the table. Engaging in a captivating conversation with our host, Sofia Appelgren, the founder of Mitt Liv, she shares her insights from fostering DEI within her organisation where these matters are high up on the agenda. She gives insights on establishing clear goals, cultivating a deep understanding of DEI, and the significance of inclusive leadership. 

Episode 35: Wrap-up and Q&A panel | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. Listen to Laurence Romani, Professor in Management at Stockholm School of Economics, Jim Rottman, Global Head of Inclusion & Belonging at Volvo Cars and Peter Blid, Strategic Advisor at Novus wrapping up the symposium and taking questions from the audience. 

Episode 34: CEOs for D&I 2022 - A blueprint for boards & grassroots inclusion | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. CEOs from well-known Swedish companies who participated in Mitt Liv's CEO program in 2022 present their commitments for the upcoming year; The first is a blueprint/recommendations which targets boards of all Swedish companies, designed to help making demands on management teams to take responsibility for D&I in practice. A second issue that the CEOs have decided to focus on is to address the situation that segregation, exclusion and polarization have led to in Sweden. 

Episode 33: CEOs for D&I 2021: the pioneers about their results | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. One year after the first group of CEOs finished their program, they present the results of their efforts. What challenges have they faced? How have they developed their organisations and their own personal mindset? In an interview panel, the CEOs share what they’ve gained and inspire concrete action. 

Episode 32: How inclusive are Swedish companies? Fresh figures from Novus | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. Peter Blid, Strategic Advisor at Novus shares the results of a recent Novus survey in which 500 managers and leaders tell us how they see their responsibility for diversity and inclusion, as well as how their organisations work with the issues. The survey has been carried out on behalf of Mitt Liv for the second year, and shows how far Swedish companies have come. Is D&I on the top management's agenda? Have more people switched from "talk" to "walk"?

Episode 31: The necessary transformation in D&I and the IDGs | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. Pål Dobrin, Organisation and method developer at Empaticus talks about the abilities and qualities required to truly enforce inclusion and diversity. He explains the concept of the Inner Development Goals and his ongoing research on the connection between inner and outer transformation. What is required for us to be able to enforce the necessary societal changes to achieve Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals?

Episode 30: From a mentoring program to a top job at Volvo: a success story | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. Here’s the story of one of the mentees in Mitt Liv's mentoring program, Thathsara Palliyaguru. She takes us on her journey from Sri Lanka via studies in New York, to Gothenburg and her dream job in Volvo's strategy team. Per Utterbäck, Senior Vice President Group Strategy at Volvo Group, who recruited her, tells us how he uses Mitt Liv's talent pool as a source of ambitious talents. According to him, their rich flora of experience, competence, culture and language skills increase Volvo's innovation and competitiveness.

Episode 29: Diversity & Inclusion in Sweden and the world today | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023 with Amri B. Johnson, CEO Inclusion Wins and Laurence Romani, Professor in Management, Stockholm School of Economics. In a stage conversation, we get a global perspective on diversity and inclusion and what shift in thought and action that is required of organisations in order for all people to flourish and contribute to set goals. 

Episode 28: Strengthening organisational resilience through D&I with Lenka Prokopec Karlberg | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. Mitt Liv's CEO Lenka Prokopec Karlberg talks about global trends and uncertainty factors that affect businesses and organisations today. She shows how diversity and inclusion can strengthen organisations' resilience in a rapidly changing and unpredictable world and presents evidence-based tools to successfully work with D&I. Mitt Liv's Inclusion Survey© and mentoring program are two of the tools used by Mitt Liv's partners that show great effects.

Episode 27: Introduction by moderator Madeleine Opira | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. Madeleine Opira, moderator and founder of A Million Minds, shares insight into what an inclusive labour market is, what the opportunities are, and what obstacles are still present.

Episode 26: Intro with Sofia Appelgren, Mitt Liv & Jim Rottman, Volvo Cars | An inclusive labour market 2023

An episode from Mitt Liv's annual symposium that was broadcasted on March 23, 2023. Mitt Liv's founder Sofia Appelgren opens the symposium with great insights, and we also have the pleasure to listen to Jim Rottman, Global Head of Culture, Inclusion and Belonging at Volvo Cars.

Episode 25: Intervju med HSB:s vd Pernilla Bonde - om mångfald och inkludering i traditionella organisationer 

Detta avsnitt gästas av Pernilla Bonde, vd för HSB och deltagare av första omgången av Mitt Livs vd-program "CEOs for D&I". I en intervju ledd av Mitt Livs grundare Sofia Appelgren, berättar Pernilla om HSB:s engagemang i mångfalds- och inkluderingsfrågorna. Hon berättar om hur HSB jobbar aktivt med att se till att ledning och styrelse speglar samhället och vilka utmaningar som finns med att driva förändring i en organisation med långa traditioner. Pernilla delar också med sig om hur Mitt Livs vd-program har hjälpt henne att jobba strategiskt och målinriktat med mångfald och inkludering.

Episode 24: Intervju med PwC's vd Sofia Götmar-Blomstedt - om vikten av ett långsiktigt och hållbart perspektiv i D&I-arbetet

Detta avsnitt gästas av PwC Sveriges vd Sofia Götmar-Blomstedt, deltagare i Mitt Livs vd-program "CEOs for D&I". I en intervju ledd av Mitt Livs grundare Sofia Appelgren, delar hon med sig av sin egna och PwC:s resa inom mångfald och inkludering. Hon berättar om sina erfarenheter av att komma igång med arbetet och jobba aktivt med frågorna, och vikten av ett långsiktigt och hållbart perspektiv. Om att bidra till ett bättre samhälle - och att även om man levererar på lönsamhet så behöver man bidra lika mycket till mångfald och inkludering.

Episode 23: Interview with Duni Group's CEO Robert Dackeskog - on the importance of D& for the long-term survival of companies

This episode features Duni Group's CEO Robert Dackeskog, a participant in Mitt Liv's CEO program "CEOs for D&I". In this episode, hosted by Mitt Liv’s founder Sofia Appelgren, he talks about his work with D&I at Duni Group, and the importance of D&I for the long-term survival of companies. He also talks about the inclusion board Duni created, and the important lessons he learnt from being a mentor in Mitt Livs Chans, a mentoring program for academics with a foreign background.

Episode 22: Interview with Novax's CEO Joakim Skarborg - inclusive recruitment, understanding unconscious biases and the importance of D&I tools

This episode features Novax's CEO Joakim Skarborg, a participant in Mitt Liv's CEO program "CEOs for D&I". In this episode, hosted by Mitt Liv’s founder Sofia Appelgren, Joakim talks about Novax's value-driven culture, his most important personal values, the importance of realising that win-win situations are crucial in partnerships, and that doing good over the long-haul and pushing for a better society and planet is key.

Episode 21: Interview with Dustin Group's CEO Thomas Ekman - "Companies who are fighting for values, democracy and human rights are long-term winners"

This episode features Dustin Group's CEO Thomas Ekman, a participant in Mitt Liv's CEO program "CEOs for D&I". In this episode, hosted by Mitt Liv’s founder Sofia Appelgren, Thomas shares his and Dustin Group’s D&I journey and why diverse and inclusive companies are long-term winners. He talks about the importance of working with mindsets, stereotypes and attitudes to create change – and for companies to mirror their diverse societies.

Episode 20: Interview with Kicks' CEO Freddy Sobin - on D&I and the importance of having a committed board

This episode features Kicks' CEO Freddy Sobin, a participant in Mitt Liv's CEO program "CEOs for D&I". Freddy shares his thoughts on his and Kicks' D&I journey, and the importance of being open-minded and having board members and owners that are fully committed to D&I. He also highlights the importance of businesses taking leadership in these matters to see faster results on the labour market, and not just relying on politicians' actions and decisions.

 

Episode 19: Interview with Deloitte Sweden's CEO Jan Berntsson - on the importance of including management in the D&I work and the value of mentoring

This episode features Deloitte Sweden's CEO Jan Berntsson, a participant in Mitt Liv's CEO program "CEOs for D&I". He talks about the importance of companies mirroring their society – on all levels, including the boards. Jan states that "We must also mirror our clients, to align with their thinking".

Episode 18: Harlan Zimmerman from Cevian Capital - Socially sustainable investments with a focus on D&I

A keynote from Harlan Zimmerman, Senior Partner at Cevian Capital. From Mitt Liv's online seminar on 28 October 2022; Socially sustainable investments with a focus on D&I.

Episode 17: Ulrika Danielsson from AP2 - Socially sustainable investments with a focus on D&I

A keynote from Ulrika Danielson, Head of Communications & Corporate Governance at AP2. From Mitt Liv's online seminar on 28 October 2022; Socially sustainable investments with a focus on D&I.

Episode 16: Magnus Oden from Principles for Responsible Investment: Socially sustainable investments with a focus on D&I

A keynote from Magnus Oden, Nordic & CEE Head at UNs Principles for Responsible Investment. From Mitt Liv's online seminar on 28 October 2022; Socially sustainable investments with a focus on D&I.

Episode 15: Online Seminar Introduction: Socially sustainable investments with a focus on D&I (October 28, 2022)

On 28 October 2022 Mitt Liv arranged a seminar where we took a deep-dive into the social aspect of ESG by focusing on D&I (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). This is the intro to the seminar.

Episode 14: Vikten av ett systematiskt och affärsdrivet tillvägagångssätt för mångfald och inkludering (Almedalen 2022)

Den 6 juli 2022 i Almedalen bjöd Mitt Liv, Kappahl, Morris Law och Duni Group in till ett seminarium om hur vi framtidssäkrar vår konkurrenskraft genom att attrahera och ta vara på hela arbetskraften - och vilka konkreta verktyg vi behöver för att lyckas. Moderator Sofia Appelgren summerar diskussionerna och lyfter insikter från publiken.

Episode 13: Panelsamtal: Hur lyckas vi med mångfalds- och inkluderingsarbetet i våra organisationer och med vilka verktyg? (Almedalen 2022)

Ett panelsamtal med Nisha Besara (Chefsredaktör på tidningen Chef), Elisabeth Peregi (VD och koncernchef på Kappahl), Malin Cullin (EVP Sustainability and People & Culture på Duni Group) och Jenny Sahlsten (Sustainability Manager på Morris Law). Från Mitt Livs seminarium i Almedalen 2022.

Episode 12: Lagstiftningens krav på social hållbarhet - vad kan vi vänta oss framåt (Almedalen 2022)

Christoffer Erlandsson, Advokat & Senior Associate på Morris Law, lär oss mer om vilka krav lagstiftningen ställer på näringslivets förmåga att arbeta med social hållbarhet, mångfald och inkludering, samt ger och inblick i vad vi kan vänta oss framåt. Från Mitt Livs seminarium i Almedalen 2022.

Episode 11: Hur hänger megatrender, affärsnytta och mångfald ihop? (Almedalen 2022)

Jacob Wall, EVP Business Development på Axel Johnson, zoomar ut i omvärlden för att lära oss mer om hur viktiga megatrender hänger ihop med affärsnytta och vårt arbete med mångfald och inkludering. Från Mitt Livs seminiarum i Almedalen 2022.

Episode 10: Mångfald som framgångsfaktor - med Lenka Prokopec Karlberg

Lenka Prokopec Karlberg, VD på Mitt Liv, delar med sig av de viktigaste framgångsnycklarna för att starta upp och få ut så mycket som möjligt av arbetet med mångfald och inkludering. Hur transformerar vi arbetet till ett ledningsverktyg som kan möta affärsutmaningarna och möjliggöra medarbetarnas fulla potential? Från Mitt Livs symposium Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022.

Episode 9: Ett handlingsprogram från ord till action: Mitt Livs VD-program "CEOs for D&I" presenterar sin färdplan

Åtta näringslivstoppar från Mitt Livs VD-program "CEOs for D&I" visar vägen för hur Sveriges näringsliv möter framtiden genom mångfald och inkludering och samtidigt bygger konkurrenskraftiga företag. Ett samtal med vd:arna för Hemköp, Deloitte, Nobina, HSB, Duni Group, Dustin, Next Step Group och f d vd för Prime Weber Shandwick. Från Mitt Livs symposium Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022.

Episode 8: CEOs for D&I: ett VD-program för mer inkludering och mångfald i näringslivet - med Sofia Appelgren

Under 2021 startade Mitt Liv ett VD-program för ökad mångfald och inkludering på arbetsmarknaden. Initiativtagaren Sofia Appelgren berättar mer om syftet med programmet och det bolagsgemensamma handlingsprogram som den första gruppen har tagit fram och nu ska arbeta med. Från Mitt Livs symposium Ett inklunderande Sverige 2022.

Episode 7: Riv hindren: inkludering på riktigt i teknikbranschen - med Maria Norberg

Maria Norberg, ingenjör och grundare av nätverket Teknikkvinnor, delar med sig av sina erfarenheter och om vad som krävs för att behålla och attrahera fler att välja teknikbranschen. Hur kan vi skapa rätt förutsättningar för jämställdhet och inkludering? Hur ser behoven ut för att lyckas förändra både strukturella och mentala hinder? Vad krävs, och av vem, för att vi ska lyckas? Från Mitt Livs symposium Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022.

Episode 6: Rapport 2021: Chefers syn på mångfald och inkludering i arbetslivet - med Peter Blid

Novus genomförde under 2021 en undersökning bland 544 chefer på uppdrag av Mitt Liv. Syftet var att se hur många företag som bedriver ett aktivt arbete inom mångfald och inkludering, förstå deras drivkrafter och utmaningar samt vilka verktyg de behöver för att öppna för fler talanger och perspektiv. Peter Blid, Strategic Advisor på Novus, presenterar resultaten. Från Mitt Livs symposium Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022. 

Episode 5: Osynliga, diskriminerande strukturer i organisationer och hur vi bryter dem - med Hayaat Ibrahim och Annette Risberg

Ett panelsamtal om de diskriminerande strukturerna i organisationer och förutsättningarna som behövs för att bryta dem. Panelen ger en inblick i den ”typiska” svenska korruptionen, där svågerpolitik och nepotism hindrar en inkluderande arbetsmarknad, jämlikhet och jämställdhet. Med Hayaat Ibrahim, Generalsekreterare för Institutet mot Mutor och Annette Risberg, professor i organisation och ledning. Från Mitt Livs symposium Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022. 

Episode 4: Resan in i fördomarnas finansbransch: en personlig berättelse - med Sean George

Vem får egentligen chansen i Sverige? Vissa hävdar att diskriminering och exkludering inte finns och att meritokratin i vårt land är ett faktum. Det finns dock både statistik och berättelser som talar för motsatsen. Sean George, idag kreditportföljchef på en av världens mest framgångsrika hedgefonder, hade flera toppositioner i ryggen inom finans utomlands när han sökte jobb i Sverige. På över ett halvår fick han inte ens en jobbintervju. Sean tar oss med på sin resa genom en fortfarande snäv och konservativ finansbransch där Sverige riskerar att halka efter. Från Mitt Livs symposium Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022. 

Episode 3: Öppna för mångfald: bli lönsam och konkurrenskraftig - med Per Utterbäck

Per Utterbäck, Senior Vice President Group Strategy på Volvo Group har en 30+ år lång karriär bakom sig där en röd tråd har varit att bygga hållbara team, organisationer, strategier och medarbetare. Per berättar om vikten av att lyckas med mångfald och inkludering för att säkerställa konkurrenskraft och följderna för dem som misslyckas med att ta tillvara hela den tillgängliga talangpoolen. Och hur säkerställer man att diskriminering inte skapar en medioker arbetsplatskultur? Från Mitt Livs symposium Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022. 

Episode 2: Mångfald och inkludering i arbetslivet: en kort introduktion till begreppen - med Madeleine Opira 

Madeleine Opira, grundare till tankesmedjan A Million Minds och moderator under Mitt Livs symposium Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022, ger oss definitionerna på begreppen mångfald och inkludering i arbetslivet. 

Episode 1: Introduktion till symposiet Ett inkluderande Sverige 2022 - med Sofia Appelgren

Den 31 mars 2022 bjöd Mitt Liv in till ett nytt årligt symposium. Här fick ledare inspiration, kunskap och en konkret färdplan som gör Sveriges arbetsgivare världsbäst på att öppna upp arbetsmarknaden för fler. Mitt Livs grundare Sofia Appelgren inleder symposiet.

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