This year, our theme explores something deeply rooted in Danir’s way of thinking and evolving – organic growth. Growth from within, driven by people, culture and customer value, rather than through acquisitions. It’s an approach that aligns closely with the group’s long-term strategy. But what does it mean in practice? And how do we create environments where people, teams and businesses grow together?
To explore this year’s theme, we brought together three voices from across the Danir Group, each with experience in building businesses where growth is primarily organic. Moderator Dennis Axnér sits down with Nicklas Nilsson, co-founder of Sigma Industry West, Beata Ferenc, head of Nexer Region West Consulting, and Björn Lundqvist, CEO of Sigma Connectivity Group. Three leaders with different journeys, but a shared conviction: sustainable growth starts with people.
Nicklas Nilsson, a mechanical engineer from Chalmers University, combined technology and entrepreneurship early, participating in and winning the Venture Cup during his studies. After starting his career at Volvo Trucks, he moved into consulting – first at X-Din, which later became Alten. However, the entrepreneur in him wanted more, and in 2014 he co-founded Sigma Industry West together with Jens Wickström, a colleague from Alten. Under their leadership, the company has grown into a strong regional player defined by quality and entrepreneurial spirit.
“I appreciate the freedom within Danir and the trust we are given to develop both people and the business,” says Nicklas.
Beyond his passion for fitness and wellbeing, Nicklas also has a creative side. He designed his family’s home and is a dab hand with a sewing machine – a talent inspired by his mother, a textile teacher and designer.
Beata Ferenc, also a Chalmers graduate, has over 20 years’ experience in IT, business development and leadership. She began her career as a business systems consultant, and has since led teams across multiple industries, from consulting and technology to e-health. Since 2016, she has served as a business area manager at Nexer, gradually expanding her responsibilities while helping clients navigate digital transformation. Away from work, she seeks adventure beneath the surface – diving with sharks, and crocodiles, has taken her and her husband around the world, offering countless thrilling experiences.
“For me, diving isn’t about adrenaline. It’s about mindfulness, focus and presence – qualities I also bring into my leadership,” explains Beata.
Björn Lundqvist began his career at Ericsson in Mölndal, developing radar systems. In 1997, he moved with his family to the Netherlands to lead the development of mobile pagers. After a few years abroad, they returned to Lund, where he continued working on mobile phone development, followed by assignments in Malaysia and Beijing. In 2007, he became globally responsible for customer service at Ericsson, before moving on to Sony Ericsson, and later Sony Mobile. His journey continued at Sigma Connectivity when the company was founded in 2013, and where he now serves as CEO of the entire group.
Few know that Björn spent his youth in competitive sailing – starting in Optimist dinghies and later progressing to Europe-class boats, in which he won a district championship in Västergötland.
Having a group of people is like planting a forest – if you help them grow a little each year, your assets grow in the form of individuals.
– Björn Lundqvist
After some chit-chat, Beata is first off when Dennis asks what organic growth means to her.
“It’s the most beautiful music I know. When people’s growth aligns with customers’ growth, that’s when we, as a company, truly grow – and there’s nothing more rewarding than that. But doing it right is an art,” Beata begins.
For Nicklas, organic growth is also about building the right culture and recruitment flow – creating a workplace where employees want to stay and are given the space to develop. When that happens, the effect on growth is naturally positive.
Björn echoes this view, noting that when individuals grow, so do the customers. He describes organic growth as the most comfortable way to expand. He also highlights the importance of strong culture and employer branding, and how effective onboarding and clear communication of company values contribute to overall growth.
“The best analogy I’ve heard is a forest. Having a group of people is like planting a forest – if you help them grow a little each year, your assets grow in the form of individuals. Financially, as competence levels rise, you can charge more. So, developing individuals is simply good business,” Björn explains.
The conversation continues along several interesting paths, including insights and stories about how company culture can falter if not carefully nurtured, and the importance of shared values within an organisation. The group also reflects on the risks when companies promote values that employees neither recognise nor embrace.
While much of the discussion focuses on culture and its impact on organic growth, it also offers fascinating insights into acquisitions. Despite operating across different fields, it’s clear that there is a strong sense of alignment and shared understanding throughout the Danir Group.
Watch the conversation in full here above.