Welado Group welcomes a new board member – and a Swedish perspective

Welado Group has five board members. We wanted to get to know the people responsible for the direction and momentum of our companies better, and we invited the members to a conversation. Now it’s time to introduce our newest board member – and the first non-Finnish member of the team – Annika Ahlstrand.

What experience and expertise do you draw on to support Welado in your board role?

I come from a background in communication, leadership and transformation in complex, international organizations. For more than two decades, I’ve worked close to executive teams and boards, often in environments where people, expertise and long-term responsibility need to go hand in hand.

My experience spans global industrial companies, consultancy and the public sector, with a strong focus on strategy, culture, change leadership and trust-based governance. Much of my work has been about creating clarity and shared direction – enabling people to act, collaborate and take responsibility in times of change.

What convinced you about Welado? What do you see as special about Welado?

What struck me early on was the strong foundation of values. Welado’s ambition to combine professional excellence with humanity is not something you see every day in business.

There is a clear belief in trust, transparency and shared responsibility – and in people as the true drivers of adaptability and long-term success. To me, the Weladonians represent a way of working where community, accountability and high standards reinforce each other. Things are done properly, but always with respect for people.

What perspective do you bring to board work?

I often focus on the intersection between strategy, leadership and culture – and on how communication becomes a key leadership tool when organizations grow and change. When people understand the why, feel trusted, and are encouraged to think and act, adaptability follows naturally.

Emotional intelligence, or EI, is an important part of this – especially in a consultant-driven business where relationships, credibility and mutual respect are central. I see Welado working consciously with these aspects, and doing so in a way that strengthens both performance and community.

I also bring an “outside-in” perspective shaped by many years of international work. Being Swedish in a truly Nordic context gives me both closeness and distance – a combination that can be helpful when reflecting, challenging and supporting the journey ahead.

What have you learned so far from being part of the Welado board?

I’ve been reminded of how powerful a shared identity can be. The commitment and pride among Weladonians is tangible, and it’s clear that this comes from conscious leadership and a strong belief system – not from structure alone.

I also appreciate the openness in board discussions. There is room for curiosity, learning and constructive challenge, which creates the right conditions for shaping the future together.

How do you see the future of Welado and its people?

The world around us is characterized by constant change. Rather than trying to predict every challenge, I believe success comes from building organizations that are resilient, adaptable and deeply human.

Welado has all the prerequisites to continue growing as a strong, people-centric Nordic group. I’m grateful to be part of that journey – contributing my perspective, and learning alongside others as we develop the “feel of us” together.

The links provide Finnish-language introductions to the other members of the board: Kimmo Vanne, Matti Tervonen, Sari Kola ja Meri Koivula.