The Job as CEO

Are you driven by taking responsibility and daring to tackle challenges, big and small? Then the role of CEO may suit you!

Ambjörn Karlsson, CEO of Procidens, shares more about what the role entails.

What does the role mean to you?

It comes with a lot of responsibility—both towards the owners and the operation of the business, which includes managing staff and handling administrative work. Essentially, you need to ensure that the business is run according to the wishes of the owners and the board.

What does a typical workday look like?

I work at a relatively small company, so even though I am the CEO, I still have an operational role. At times, this means acting as an operational supervisor for the painters, and other times working on cost estimates. The CEO role involves keeping control over what is happening. The work might include following up on our projects and reporting on them.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a CEO?

The challenge of trying to meet the promises made and living up to the expectations set. We need to retain our clients, acquire new ones, deliver good work, ensure that employees are well, and ensure that the work we perform generates revenue. So, the challenge itself is what I find most interesting, and the most rewarding part is, of course, overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.

How did you become a CEO?

I have worked as a supervisor in the construction and painting sectors. After that, I was hired as a department head at a nationwide painting company. I felt that there was too little freedom in the role, so I decided to become self-employed instead. As a result, I automatically became a CEO. Since then, I have sold my companies to Layer Group and am now employed as a CEO. What drew me to the profession was my drive to develop something and the interest in the challenges that come with it.

Who would you recommend to become a CEO?

If someone is going to work as a CEO, they should not be afraid to take on responsibility. Even though challenges may arise that are difficult to meet, one must be willing to take them on. It’s important not to have too great a need for control or be overly meticulous about things being exactly as planned, because that’s often not how things turn out. One must be able to change direction when realizing something isn't working as it should. Many people are afraid of change, but it's crucial to manage and be driven by it instead. It’s also important not to be afraid to step up and take space—being a CEO means being a leader. Similar to a team captain or a coach in a football team, where all parts must function together to win matches. One must simply not be afraid to take up space.