Fredrik Påhlman
"For me, leadership is about creating an atmosphere of co-operation and openness in which we strive for success together."
Fredrik has extensive experience in project management and believes in combining clarity and freedom to achieve project goals.
How long have you been working at AFRY and how did you get here?
I have been with AFRY for eleven years and joined AFRY because of the merger of ÅF and Epsilon in 2012. Before that, I worked as a project and product manager within Telecom in Lund.
What is your current assignment?
I am currently working at the customer's project office, as the main project manager for a large development project of a new powertrain. This is a leading global company in transport solutions and heavy vehicles. The project has many challenges that place high demands on understanding how to optimise delivery to meet the company's overall needs. Like AFRY, the company is committed to transitioning to a sustainable society with sustainable transport systems to reduce emissions and contribute to a fossil-free future.
What do you enjoy most about Project Management and Leadership?
I most enjoy the project management role when I get to lead a project of great significance and when I can utilise my strengths and experience to achieve my goals. It's fantastic to feel the drive and energy in a project when you've managed to build a strong team that takes ownership and strives for success while having fun.
How do you feel in a leadership role? What attracted you to the leadership position?
As a leader, my priority is to clearly define the goals and mission of the project. I value the expertise of my team members and listen carefully to their ideas and knowledge in their field. I have clear expectations for project performance, but I also give the team the freedom to find different ways to achieve the goals. I believe in regular monitoring of results based on key milestones to create an overall view of project progress. For me, leadership is about creating an atmosphere of co-operation and openness in which we strive for success together.
Can you give some advice to other supervisors or project managers?
Inspire your team by showing them that you have full confidence in their efforts and that you appreciate the energy and work they put into their assignments.
Another tip is to work with feedback:
"Getting feedback from your team and colleagues in different situations is an unrivalled development opportunity. Asking for feedback can be challenging, but when you do it and are open to what you get, it's a very good development opportunity."
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I enjoy being with my family at our summer cottage in Dalarna. This is an incredibly pleasant holiday where one can recharge the battery in the berry forest, if one doesn’t just simply enjoy fishing from a rowboat. In addition, I spend a lot of time with my son at football practices and matches.
What are your future dreams?
Me and my team's efforts contribute to reducing man's climate footprint and being part of the solution for a greener future.
