From a part-time student to Project Manager
Tell us a bit about yourself, who are you?
I would say that I’m a very happy person who enjoys driving things forward. I’m originally from the Swedish West Coast, Gothenburg, and I’m very talkative and social. I like spending time with people and having different types of people around me, discovering new places, and enjoying good food.
What makes the Sofia project particularly special for you as a Project Manager?
The size and complexity of the project! It’s also cool to be part of such a significant project for the future of Stockholm. The elevator shaft, which is particularly spectacular, is something really cool to be able to say I was involved in building. Additionally, I think it’s especially fun that we have such an incredibly good team on-site. It’s fun to go to work every day, and it’s great to do a good job together.
What has been the most impressive moment in the project so far?
It’s hard to pick a single moment. A key milestone was when the support structure around the elevator shaft and the raise bore hole through the elevator shaft was completed, and we had an opening from above ground to about 100 meters down. After that, we could start the rock blasting downwards. The depth and size of the elevator shaft are impressive. Another memorable moment was when the first large concrete structure in the platform area was completed, and you could start to see more clearly how it will look down there in the future. And we have many more memorable moments ahead!
What makes Implenia an ideal partner for a project like Sofia?
Our ability to coordinate various technical areas within the project. We can manage our own blue collar works within rock excavation, where we are specialists, and we can handle concrete, foundation work, and groundworks as well. The comprehensive solution we can deliver for this type of project is our greatest strength, to keep everything together and make sure all the pieces fit.
How have you handled situations that didn’t go as planned?
There are always things that don’t go according to plan in large projects. The Saltsjön area, with much worse rock quality than expected, for instance. We had to switch to a completely different rig to be able to drill. We also had to change the technical solution for casting the elevator shaft. We’ve handled the changes well, and all in all, I think we’ve managed to deliver the best solutions for our client.
What is particularly important for you in your work?
I believe that the right team in place is the most important thing. You always need structure, a framework to work from, but you can solve most things with the right organization around you. We don’t have an excess of people here in the project, so it’s extra important that the right people are here. And I am confident that we have that. It’s also important to have fun, that there’s a good culture in the workplace.
What does a typical workday look like?
At the beginning of the week, there are many meetings and discussions, and for me, it’s largely about being a sounding board, both for the client and for our own organization. Some parts are purely administrative, but generally, a lot of time is spent pushing and driving the organization forward, addressing the client’s questions while also being clear about what we as an organization want and where we are headed.
What is important to you as the person with ultimate responsibility for the project? And how do you lead the team to the finish line?
To guide towards the answers instead of, as a manager, making a decision alone. We run the project together, even though I’m the project manager. At the same time, it’s important to be clear. Everyone should know where we’re headed.
What experiences and qualifications have led you to your current role?
I’ve been with Implenia ever since Implenia acquired Bilfinger in 2014. I’ve had a long journey internally. I started working with tenders and did that for many years, then I was involved in the first few years of the Varberg Tunnel project together with that project management. After that, I was the commercial manager for both Slussen SN91 and here at Sofia before becoming the project manager here last year. I’ve built my career at Implenia. I was hired as a student in 2012 while studying my master’s at Chalmers University of Technology.
What are your key insights and lessons learned so far that you’ll take with you into the future?
I’ve learned so much here! It’s hard to pick just one thing. I think a lot of it is about being clear. What is important in this project? How do we make this work? Prioritization, being good at explaining the ‘why’ clearly. It’s also about building trust in order to create a good team.
What do you value about Implenia as an employer?
I think we’ve always had fun projects. I’ve been here for more than 10 years, and that’s for a reason 😉. We’ve had exciting projects where I’ve had the opportunity to learn and develop within the company. There have been different people who believed in me over the years, and that has meant a lot.
What advice would you give to others seeking a similar career?
Take it easy and stay calm. I’ve never felt stressed about advancing my career; I’ve just kept working. Try to find something you enjoy. If you have fun and find something you’re good at, I believe in taking it easy because then an opportunity will come. That’s been my approach – to stay calm. And of course, you should seize the opportunity when it comes, or you won’t move forward.
What are you looking forward to in the project?
I’m looking forward to finishing the project! It may sound a bit strange, but we have many exciting milestones coming up in the next two years. The elevator shaft will soon be fully excavated, we’re almost done with the tunneling, and then we have the slipform to be cast this summer. It will be exciting to see! I’m looking forward to finishing the project well—that we continue with the same positive spirit, deliver a great result, and maintain the good cooperation with the client. To be able to leave here and feel that “we did this really well!” is something I’m looking forward to. We’ve had three persons who have got the project name tattooed, and that’s the feeling you want, that people have enjoyed it so much. I’m looking forward to delivering all the way!
How do you recharge your batteries?
By playing board games and spending time at or by the sea.
