Helen Näslund, Sector Sales Representative, Aggreko
Who was your hero when you were growing up?
Growing up, my hero was Swedish writer, Astrid Lindgren. Her characters, such as Pippi Longstocking, were created to be strong, fearless and wonderfully independent while also being compassionate, courageous and just.
Beyond her brilliant books, Astrid was a passionate advocate for children’s rights and education as well as animal welfare. These values made her more than just an author to me – she shaped how I viewed the world both as a child and how I see it today. It is due to this that she remains my childhood hero.
What was your big career break?
While I didn’t have a singular career break, I have been incredibly fortunate to work under many managers who believed in me. They opened up opportunities to me that shaped my career and offered steady support whenever I needed it. I hope to do the same for the next generation and be an inspiring mentor.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A dolphin trainer! They have always fascinated me as a species due to their intelligence and playfulness. Dolphins feel magical due to the connection they can develop both with other animals and humans. Alas, I found myself working in a less water-based environment (liquid cooling aside!)
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would you choose?
I would want to dine with journalist Caitlin Moran due to her wit and ability to tackle serious issues with humour. She has such a fascinating personality, and I believe the stories she could tell would be brilliant. It is due to this that I feel like our dinner would be equal parts hilarious and deeply inspiring.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Two pieces of advice stand out:
- “Don’t worry about how people perceive you. Their perception of you is a reflection of their own reality, not yours.”
- “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
If you had to work in a different industry, which would you choose?
I would love to explore industries were I could make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, such as law or journalism. It would be amazing to give people a voice while fighting for justice or telling the public stories that need to be heard.
The Rolling Stones or the Beatles?
Definitely the Beatles. When I was little, their music would always be playing at home, so their songs have been the soundtrack to so many memories. Whenever I hear one of their tracks, it takes me back to those warm and familiar moments from years gone by.
What would you do with £1 million?
To start with, I would take my family on an unforgettable journey across the globe to experience different cultures, visit new places and create magical memories. It would be brilliant to do that with my children and show them the world.
Upon our return, I would invest the remaining amount to secure my kid’s future as well as donate some to the charitable causes I believe in. That way, it would have a positive impact on others as well as myself.
Where would you live if money was no object?
I would want to live somewhere warmer than Sweden but still have access to beautiful snowy mountains. Ideally, I would want to be in a location that has warm sunshine but still close enough to enjoy winter sports. This could be Italy or France due to them having both.
What’s the greatest technological advancement in your lifetime?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a huge technological advancement that I have witnessed go from development to implementation into day-to-day life. It has transformed the way we live, as well as how we work. AI has unlocked things that we never thought possible – including a new Beatles song!
What is truly exciting is that Artificial Intelligence is still in the early stages of its development. As a result, in the coming years, it could have a significant impact on various sectors such as healthcare, education and sustainability.
It feels like we are currently living in the middle of a technological revolution – only the future will tell its true impact.
