If you were to ask her, she would probably describe it more humbly as something that comes from being direct, driven, goal-oriented, and clear about what is expected. But there is more than the obvious that defines her leadership role.

“I always strive to be genuine, attentive, observant, values-driven, and compassionate in my role as a leader,” says Jennie, when defining her qualities as CEO.

Over the years, she has built up her experience, working in a variety of industries. At a young age, her ability to take charge and lead things forward was noticed. After finishing high school, Jennie went to London to work on reception at a hotel. It wasn’t long before she was appointed shift leader. The same thing happened a few years later, when she got a job at a home décor store back in Sweden. Not long after Jennie was hired, management felt she should be the store manager. There’s something about her calm confidence and ability to see things clearly that is contagious, making employers eager to have her in the driver’s seat.

During her previous jobs, Jennie started considering university studies. It was around the millennium, and IT was a rapidly growing industry. This enticed her to study computer and systems science at Stockholm University.

“I thought the course seemed exciting but quickly discovered I didn’t want to code. I was completely focused on, and drawn to the leadership role within IT,” Jennie says, reflecting on her choice of education.

It might sound a bit unrealistic today, but when Jennie graduated in 2003, it was hard to find a job in the IT industry. The IT bubble had burst in March 2000, and when it was time for Jennie to enter the job market, the industry wasn’t as “hot” as it is today, so she had to look to other fields. After focusing for a few years on starting a family, Jennie and her family moved back to Eskilstuna, where she still lives with her husband, two sons, and the family cat. She re-entered the IT industry when she got a job at H&M’s IT department as a tester and test lead for their purchasing and logistics systems.

“I spent a few years as a project manager at a smaller consultancy before joining Logica, which later became CGI. It was here I ‘grew up’ as a leader, and where I had my first role with responsibility for staff,” says Jennie about the first time she truly took a leadership role.

Those eleven years at CGI, where Jennie honed her leadership skills, were valuable and enriching. What had come naturally at a young age developed into leadership qualities with her own unique signature, a genuine, value-driven way of leading and developing both companies and employees.

Jennie and her team continue to thrive together, something which is evident in the company’s strong profitability and rapid growth. This, in turn, attracts new recruits, creating a positive upward spiral.

“We all have high ambitions for our company, and we’re encouraged by our shared success. Our goal now is to secure even larger commitments and continue growing with our customers globally. In five years, I see us being twice the size in Sweden,” Jennie says about the ambition for the coming years.

Maintaining the company culture and strong sense of community is Jennie’s greatest challenge as they grow, especially as they bring on more colleagues from around the world. But with her clear, direct, and values-driven leadership, combined with a strong company culture, she is well-equipped to handle these challenges.

“Being part of building a company from the ground up, while creating a dynamic workplace where we grow alongside our customers is incredibly rewarding. The fact that people enjoy working here is one of the reasons we’re growing. We’re also thorough in building from the ground up, based on where we are today. We’ll continue to be specialists and deliver to our customers at the same high level as today, which I’m confident we’ll achieve,” says Jennie when outlining their growth plans.

Jennie loves her job and spends a lot of time travelling. But she also values her time off, often going on trips with her family. During her leisure time, you’re likely to find Jennie deeply involved and committed to a new interior design or gardening project at home in Eskilstuna or on a hiking trail close to their summer house on the Bjäre Peninsula.

“Rest and recovery are important, but that doesn’t always mean I choose to sit still. We’re a very active family, and while we like to relax with a TV series on the sofa it’s just as likely that we’ll be doing some sort of physical outdoor activity,” Jennie concludes.

The road ahead is well-charted for Jennie, and even if challenges arise, they’re unlikely to be an issue. For someone born to be in the driver’s seat, future choices and sharp curves are just part of what makes the journey forward more exciting and enjoyable.