To inspire our members and women in the financial industry beyond our doors, we’re reaching out to ladies who have reached the C-Suite. In this interview, we have asked Gabrielle Hagman who was recently appointed as the Country Manager Sweden at Nordnet to share how she got where she is today!
“I have a passion for driving change and seeing new ideas take shape, and this has given me the courage to throw myself into new challenges, which is clearly reflected in my current role.”
Can you tell us about your background and the experience that led you to your position as Country Manager Sweden at Nordnet?
My journey to being Country Manager for Nordnet’s business in Sweden began with a curiosity about the practical application of my economics degree that had a tilt towards business strategy and organizational culture. Taking a hands-on role as assistant to the management team at Robur in the very beginning of my career, gave me a broad overview of the financial industry, with everything from creating a business plan, project management and M&A. It was an invaluable learning experience, giving me skills I couldn’t learn from textbooks and shaped me to be a person who don’t fear challenges.
I later joined BlackRock, as Vice President, and then Danske Bank, as Senior Business Developer and as Head of Institutional Sales, that further honed my analytical and strategic skills, and gave me valuable experiences in leadership. However, the draw of the tech industry’s innovation and forward-thinking approach proved irresistible. I joined Nordnet in 2021 as Director of Funds, and the company is a perfect combination of a bank and a dynamic tech company. Being country manager at Nordnet is a privilege and an exciting new chapter in my career.
Is this appointment something you have been aiming for? Or did you consciously decide not to have a plan?
Ever since I can remember, I have been driven by a curiosity and a desire to lead a larger organization and I have learned as much as possible along the way. I have tried to see every challenge and demanding task as an opportunity to develop and broaden my skills, even if they initially seemed daunting. I have a passion for driving change and seeing new ideas take shape, and this has given me the courage to throw myself into new challenges, which is clearly reflected in my current role.
Do you have any advice for ambitious young women based on your personal experience?
Embrace new challenges with curiosity. In the first stages of your career, you have a unique opportunity to grow and learn in an environment with lower expectations for immediate delivery. View each task as a chance to test new skills and develop your expertise. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are part of your learning process. See every challenge as an opportunity to try new strategies, learn from your experiences, and grow as a professional. Practice makes perfect!
Strike the right balance between patience and a well-defined plan. While embracing new challenges is crucial, it shouldn’t come at the expense of delivering in your current role. Strong work ethic and dedication in your present position is essential. View it as an investment in your future success. Excelling not only provides valuable experience but also demonstrates your ability to take responsibility and deliver results. Your efforts today lay the foundation for your future achievements. Performing well and showing commitment will open doors to new opportunities and challenges down the road. You are building a strong platform for your personal and professional growth.
Master the art of communicating your message. I have realized that those who are good at communicating, also often are the ones who achieve their goals and turn their ideas into reality. Even the most well-executed work and the most well-founded plan fall flat if you can’t convey your message in a clear and engaging way. Being able to articulate your ideas in a good way is crucial for getting buy-in and achieving success. Write down your thoughts, practice presenting your ideas in front of someone who can provide valuable feedback, and study successful communicators to learn from them. Investing in your ability to deliver your message gives you invaluable tools for reaching your goals.
