Growing a specialist company in AI and data analytics from just over 20 to more than 110 employees in only a few years, requires more than technical expertise. It demands clear leadership, an openness to change, and, not least, a strong set of values. This is something David Österlindh, CEO of Nexer Insight, carries with him in every decision he makes.
When you meet David, you quickly notice his calm and reflective approach. He isn’t the loudest voice in the room, but he is not afraid to take a stand, especially when it comes to the impact of technology on people and society.
“AI is a fantastic tool, but we must use it wisely. It requires us to continuously educate ourselves, challenge our thinking, and ask the difficult questions. We cannot turn a blind eye to our responsibility as technology providers,” says David.
David has been part of the Nexer sphere since 2008, having started his career at Oracle. In 2019, he took on the role of CEO at Nexer Insight, a role he describes as both intense and meaningful. Under his leadership, the company has evolved from developing IoT solutions to becoming a hub for data platforms, advanced analytics, and AI-driven business models. And the journey has only just begun.
“We have an ambitious goal to grow to 325 employees within five years. It’s not just about numbers, but about building a culture where people grow, thrive, and contribute to something bigger,” he says.
Culture is a recurring theme in our conversation. David explains how workplace and business culture varies between countries, such as Sweden and Poland. This calls for different styles of leadership, and he sees it as his task to both support and challenge his employees.
“I believe in hands-on leadership. You need to understand what drives people, and that is not always the same everywhere. But regardless of culture, it’s about showing respect and building trust. That’s when we can achieve great things together,” David continues, describing his leadership style.
Perhaps the clearest evidence of a culture where people develop is that several who started as junior consultants during David’s time have now moved into leadership roles themselves, something he speaks about with obvious pride.
“There’s something truly special about following people on their journey. Seeing someone go from being a recent graduate to leading projects or teams is actually the best part of the job,” David says proudly.
But David is not content with just developing talents; he also wants to ensure the industry takes responsibility for AI’s impact on society. He speaks passionately about the EU’s AI Act and the importance of companies being proactive in their ethical guidelines.
“Technology always moves faster than regulations. Therefore, we must take responsibility for how we build and use AI. I strongly believe in situational ethics, understanding the context, culture, and the people affected. There are no universal solutions, but there must always be a moral anchor,” David says thoughtfully.
He shares examples of projects where they have faced ethical dilemmas, such as using AI for surveillance of people on the streets in Qatar. Or monitoring cannabis cultivation in the United States. These farms are legal operations for medical use, but it still requires careful consideration.
“It’s easy to see things as black or white. But they never are. That’s why it’s so important to have internal discussions, training, and clear positions in every project,” David says about the industry’s responsibility.
Technology always moves faster than regulations. Therefore, we must take responsibility for how we build and use AI.
– David Österlindh
As the conversation turns more personal, another side of David emerges. He has recently renovated his house in Lomma, a home that has become something of an oasis after workdays filled with complexity and a fast pace. Here, cooking, wine, tranquillity, and recovery takes the centre stage.
“It’s important to have a place where you can unwind. I work a lot, but I’ve also learned the value of recovery. Often, the best ideas come during quiet moments,” he says on managing a hectic work life.
Many of his dreams are tied to this slower lifestyle. He smiles as he talks about a future vision of one day owning a small vineyard in Italy, perhaps in Tuscany or Piedmont.
“There’s something almost meditative about that life. The nature, the rhythm, the craftsmanship. And perhaps most of all, the fact that winemaking takes time. It’s the opposite of the instant world we otherwise live in,” David philosophises.
David has two teenage children and a girlfriend, and family life plays a central role in his everyday routine. He values being present as a single parent, despite being in a professional role that often requires travel, decision-making, and strategic work on multiple levels.
“For me, life is about balance. Work is important, but not everything. I want to be a role model, both for my children and my colleagues. And I believe it starts by being genuine and authentic,” says David.
Perhaps it is precisely this combination, the analytical and empathetic with the visionary and down-to-earth, that makes David Österlindh a leader to be reckoned with. In a world where AI is often discussed as cold and impersonal, his leadership serves as a reminder that technology is only as good as the people behind it.
And that is exactly what he is trying to build at Nexer Insight: a human-centred technology company with high ambitions, clear values, and a leadership that not only looks forward, but also inward.
See more of David above.
Listen to David in the Danir podcast
You can also listen to the interview with David – along with much more – in our podcast Danirpodden. Find the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
