Portrait: Stefan Granqvist

How would your loved ones describe you as a person?
If I had to guess, I think they would describe me as a happy, positive person who is loyal and honest.

Tell us about a passion you have.
I like speed and love racing and motorsports. As a kid, I raced motocross and go-carts, and in recent years I have participated in road racing championships and Timeattack. There are actually a lot of similarities between success at work and the race track. Jan Stenbeck once said that it's not big ideas that make companies successful, but doing a thousand things a little better than the competition. The same applies to racing - putting the pedal to the metal at a better time, finding a better balance in the corner, keeping your eyes in the right place, choosing the right track, slightly better suspension settings and the right tire pressure. In racing, you also need to work on the psychological stuff a lot - daring to overcome your fears, daring to challenge yourself and waiting a few tenths until you're at the end of the straight when the speedometer is at 250 km per hour, a hairpin bend is rushing towards you and the natural survival instinct screams BRAKE.

What does a perfect Sunday look like?
It starts with a hearty breakfast, followed by a full day on the slopes with the family. Preferably on a sunny day during spring winter. Skiing is an activity that the whole family likes and by far the most fun I know to do with the kids. 

When was the last time you tried something new?
Participated in an event where you could try singing with a voice coach. I'm basically tone deaf so it was both hard and embarrassing to do something you're really bad at, but very educational to be outside your comfort zone sometimes.

Tell us about a person you look up to.
Richard Branson, I have read many of his books and like the way he dares to do things differently. Also, he seems to have fun almost all the time, probably that's why he is so good at what he does.

What keeps you motivated?
I think I am good at staying motivated by having stimulating and motivating challenges to solve all the time.

What is the most beautiful place you know?
The top of Åreskutan, to sit there and look out over infinity is magical.

What would you like to have more time for?
My first thought is to write a book, the truth as a parent of young children is that it is probably closer to having more time to lie on the couch and read a book written by someone else. 

Age: 42 years
Raised: On a farm in Jämtland a few miles north of Östersund
Family: Wife and children Lucas, 8 years and Jacob, 6 years
In the headphones: Lars Winnerbäck's live album is currently spinning We were there, favorite track is called Low season
On the bookshelf: Courage to be vulnerable by Brené Brown
Recommend: Drive to survive which can be seen on Netflix, an inspiring and intimate series about life in Formula 1
Life motto: “Life is not the passing of time, but the collection of experiences”