Finding purpose in an unexpected place
Fiona Pswarayi never imagined herself working in defence and security. When she first saw the job posting at Saab, she knew little about the industry. In fact, she questioned whether she truly belonged there - a doubt that lingered throughout her entire interview process. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of personal values alignment and the transformative impact of supportive communities in the workplace.
"Sometimes to ensure peace, you need to ensure that you have the correct defences in place to maintain it", Fiona reflects. It's a philosophy that shifted her perspective on her career and the meaningful contributions she makes every day.
Values as a Compass
What began as uncertainty transformed into confidence as Fiona discovered something crucial: her personal values and beliefs aligned perfectly with those of Saab as a company. This alignment proved to be the catalyst for her to truly thrive.
At Saab, the organisation recognizes that diverse perspectives and capabilities are essential to leading in the defence industry. The company's commitment to creating a place where everyone can thrive resonated deeply with Fiona's own aspirations—she wasn't just seeking a job, but a mission that mattered.
The Power of Women Supporting Women
For Fiona, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role has been the relationships she's built with her colleagues. "I work with some amazingly talented, intelligent people, and they're all so open and willing to be someone that you can lean on, someone to get support from, and someone you can get mentorship from,"she shares.
At Saab, there's a visible shift in the culture where more women are entering the workforce not simply climbing corporate ladders, but actively opening doors and extending hands to help others climb alongside them.
Learning Every Single Day
The women Fiona works with teach her something valuable every single day. What started as a question of belonging has evolved into a source of daily inspiration and growth. "I get to wake up every single day and say, look what I can do," she reflects with evident pride. "I'm a woman in the defence industry."
This transformation underscores a broader truth about Saab's workplace culture:
- The company fosters an environment where every employee can reach their full potential
- Growth isn't measured solely by climbing a ladder—it's about discovering your strengths and making an impact where it matters most.
A Message for Future Women in Defence
Fiona's journey challenges the notion that you don’t always need to know exactly what you want to do before you begin. Sometimes the right opportunity finds you, and when the values align, extraordinary things can happen.
As Saab continues to emphasize its commitment to diversity and inclusion—ranking as the #1 employer in Sweden among engineering students and senior professionals—stories like Fiona's illustrate why this commitment matters. It's not just about hiring diverse talent; it's about creating a culture where that talent can flourish, where mentorship flows naturally, and where the next generation of women in defence technology can confidently say, "I belong here."
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