From Sweden to the world – Anders on interim solutions, cultural encounters, and creating results
With assignments in China, England, Italy, France and Germany, Anders Stridsberg has built a career as an international interim consultant. His experience shows that success is about combining analytical acumen with cultural curiosity - and the ability to move from words to action in a short time.
Adaptation in different business cultures
Working in so many countries has given Anders both perspective and humility in the face of the complexity of the task.
It can be difficult as a Swede to enter an organization in a new context and really make a difference. You definitely can't have a “one size fits all” way of working. I have had to adapt both my approach and my leadership to achieve results.
Anders says that while the goals are often similar - to improve quality, productivity or structure - the way to get there varies depending on culture, communication and decision-making paths.
Rapid change and clear leadership
One of his most memorable missions was to China, where the pace of change surprised him.
We made suggestions for improvement on Monday - and by Tuesday they were already implemented. That determination and speed was something that really stood out.
Wherever the mission takes place, clear direction is a key success factor. Employees expect guidance right away, and I try to gather facts quickly to make informed decisions.
Role as a catalyst for change
Anders believes that the interim consultants of the future need to be more than specialists - they need to be drivers of change.
You are hired not just to keep the business running, but to improve it. This means moving from analysis to action in a very short time.
His assignments have often involved identifying bottlenecks, creating action plans and leading teams through intense transitions.
What makes the role exciting is also what makes it challenging - you have to build trust in days, not months.
Curiosity as a tool for work
For Anders, each new assignment is also a chance to understand a new context - and to develop his own leadership. "Coming to a new factory, office or country is like stepping into a new ecosystem. You need to understand it quickly, without stepping on it. This is where the combination of experience and responsiveness becomes crucial.
Although globalization has shaped much of his career, Anders believes the future will bring different priorities. Many companies will repatriate parts of their production for environmental reasons, but will continue to buy components from China, for example. In all situations, people with local roots are needed.
Anders sees it as an opportunity.
These developments create new opportunities for interim consultants who can combine global experience with local understanding. As the world moves, businesses need people who don't just move with it - but who point the way.
Would you also like to work in an international context like Anders?
Interim Search business area International Desk creates opportunities for consultants to take on assignments in different countries and cultures. Through our global network and proven processes, we match the right skills with the right assignment - wherever in the world the need arises.
