The leader of continuous improvement
With a constant aim to develop and her heart set on new adventures, it’s not surprising that her path led to Saab. Even though the wide world of technology and broad set of innovative products also played a big part in her decision, the most decisive factor in choosing Saab as an employer was the company’s true purpose — to keep people and society safe. Meet Therese Lundholm, Information Technology Manager at Saab.
On the lookout for a meaningful purpose
Therese Lundholm started her career at Saab at the end of May 2021. With a background in supply chain management and retail, she has worked closely to the IT industry since graduating from Luleå University in 2008.
“Back in the days when I got the chance to work on a global IT project at IKEA, I realised that I wanted to do more in this field. There are so many development opportunities, changes and investments in the IT industry. The whole world is dependent on technology to work. It was that purposeful, creative and ever-changing environment I wanted to continue to work with when I decided to accept the job offer from Saab.”
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Today, Therese has been working as an IT Manager for seven years and is now managing a team of, as she describes them, 25 amazing and talented colleagues. With overall responsibility for system administration and business applications, Therese and her team play an essential role in several projects and products.
“I love to be a part of projects that are helping the business move forward.”
Therese is also involved in designing the new office outside Lund, which will be completed in 2025.
“I love to be a part of projects that are helping the business move forward. It feels great to know that my work has an impact and that I can make a difference with my ideas.”
Besides supporting the company on its journey forward, Therese is also passionate about helping her colleagues develop. To see how they grow and challenge themselves to reach their goals makes her job feel meaningful — as do the moments when they take a coffee break together or burst into laughter on a Friday afternoon. Remembering to pause and celebrate small successes along the way is, of course, equally important as achieving results.
United by a common pride
As a manager, Therese is very impressed by her colleagues’ daily work and its purpose for Saab as a whole, but the human brain might be even more complicated than a submarine engine if you ask Therese.
“Every person is unique and to be a good leader, you need to tune into everyone’s different needs and be responsive to others. I might not be an expert at developing a submarine engine, but I believe that I’m an intuitive and driven person, which is vital for leading a team and adapting leadership to suit the people you meet. Everyone at Saab is different, but we all share a passion for our work, and it’s really inspiring to see that common pride in my colleagues.”
The first thing that struck Therese when she started at Saab was that it is so much bigger than she could have imagined. In a creative atmosphere at the centre of tech, there’s a strong focus on the products and the technology. But what really makes the company stand out is Saab’s belief that it’s a human right to feel safe, which permeates the company and its employees.
“The breadth of our work and the higher purpose at Saab makes me a proud employee.”
Like her colleagues, Therese feels proud of the work they do at Saab. To be part of a company that contributes to a safer society and makes a difference in the world is something she treasures.
“I think that the wide range of product areas and solutions we provide is very unique. Saab is more than air forces or submarines. We also assist with humanitarian aid and help out in situations like earthquakes or other emergencies. The breadth of our work and the higher purpose at Saab makes me a proud employee.”
3 questions
What talent do you wish you had?
Photographic memory! But I take comfort in the fact that a brain is a workplace, not a library.
What was your dream job when you were 12?
It’s not related to submarines, but I dreamt of starting my own candy company – which I actually managed to do at the age of 13!
How would you describe the company culture at Saab?
It’s an innovative and stable workplace with development at its heart and warm and professional colleagues who welcome and support you.