Name: Erik Thornberg

Title: SVP

Organisation: AgileOne

Erik is one of the most tenured and trusted global leaders in workforce tech systems and professional services.

Erik is also consulting as a management for hire within professional services sales and operations.

He is the founder of www.totam.biz, a total talent management SaaS platform supported in 150+ Countries where he is currently a board member.

Erik has served as Senior Vice President for companies such as AgileOne and Magnit, where he was responsible for all Global Strategic Accounts. A portfolio of 16,7 Bn in spend. Erik has also held several executive leadership and sales roles at some of the largest staffing companies in Europe and the US. In the past, Erik has been CEO and CRO and also founded SaaS companies with successful exits.

He has been a keynote speaker on effectively managing contingent labor and volunteers his time with Amnesty International Sweden, where he is on the Board of Directors, as well as ISO, where he is the Chairman for Artificial Intelligence.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Erik's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

One of the most formidable challenges I have encountered as a leader is the art of delivering concise and clear presentations to the board of directors. This task requires ensuring that they receive a holistic view of the organization's landscape, balancing between operational details and strategic vision, as well as the tactical nuances that bridge the two.

Mastering this balance is crucial for effective communication and decision-making at the highest levels. As a leader, you have to make a few very important decisions during the year. Having the board's feedback based on clear communication is pivotal.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I was a consultant at Capgemini, and the consultant leader left. As this happened, I was appointed. I was told it was a combination of being able to coach consultants, advance business, and lead with IQ and EQ.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I structure weeks. Certain things must be accomplished before the coming Monday. If not, I work Saturdays. However, Sundays are family time and volunteering time. I try to keep that. At times, I have to get up very early on Mondays, but that is an exception. I plan my the S.M.A.R.T methodology. It is easy, clean, and works for me.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Be humble and treat people like you want to be treated, always.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The 5 dysfunctions of a team. It makes you understand a lot of teams, manage peer accountability, and strengthen organizations

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Answer the questions: Why do you want to be a leader? What is it that makes you a good leader today, and how do you close the gaps you have to evolve further? Knowing yourself is key, and a leader can come from any background, but not anyone can be a leader.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Good bus drivers push the breaks when they see a ball. It is a reminder to me that the person who is usually able to foresee the future and scenarios and is able to crystalize this usually creates great companies over time.