TechBBQ, originating as a modest BBQ gathering for tech aficionados and entrepreneurs in 2013, has burgeoned into Scandinavia’s premier event of its kind, embodying the essence of ‘hygge.’

Reflecting on my inaugural experience covering a major event as a freelance writer and journalist at TechBBQ 2023, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Avnit Singh and Keyvan Thomsen Bamdej for graciously welcoming an unfamiliar face into their bustling media lounge.

I got to meet and interview a multi-awarded leader, diversity trailblazer, HR executive, one of Sweden’s top role models, and now a first-time author, Aaron Kroon, during this event. We spoke about the concept of intersectionality, the absence of inclusion in DEI initiatives and the need to address biases in recruitment processes. Here is the full story:

“I choose to give a lot of myself in my leadership.”

In 2022, Aaron won Sweden’s most inclusive workplace award. In 2023, he was recognised as a top diversity trailblazer in the Nordics. What is it about his leadership style that resonates so strongly?

Aaron has been a leader for close to 25 years now. He has led teams in companies like Schibsted, Vattenfall and ICA Gruppen before starting his own business, Black Batman

What Aaron observed when he started to share his story as a leader was that people followed and started to share their stories too. “I choose to give a lot of myself in my leadership because I think it’s good for me, it’s good for the employees, and it’s good for business.”, Aaron concluded when asked about his leadership style.

I can’t believe I’m celebrating my 45th birthday today, and what better moment than today to reflect on my journey as a leader.

Back when I was in my early twenties, I knew I wanted to make a difference and inspire others, but to be honest, I had no clue about leadership. It was basically me trying things out and learning from my mistakes. I didn’t have a fancy plan. I just figured out my own way of leading instead of copying someone else.

In my thirties I realized that being authentic in the business world was a true superpower. I understood that having different faces and backgrounds in leadership roles wasn’t just a nice-to-have; it was a must-have. So, I got strategic with my strengths and became even more determined to break barriers and show that leadership could take many forms.

When I hit my forties, it struck me that I had something special to offer. People started coming to me for advice on how to make diversity, inclusion, and inclusive leadership work for them in the business world. I suddenly realized that my own life experiences could really make a difference in the lives of others, not just those close to me, but even in the wider world.

In five years, when I look back on my forties, I can’t predict how it will turn out. But if anything like my past, I expect my career to remain filled with unexpected twists and turns, and that’s what keeps it exciting.

My greatest hope is that my journey is paving the way for other minority leaders, showing them that they too can make a significant impact and be authentic leaders in their own right.

Now, time for cake 🎂

#leadership #business #diversity #inclusion #birthday

Being a minority leader

Aaron was adopted as a baby from Southern India and was raised in a small town in Sweden. While he confesses that it has not been an easy life, Aaron is not one to deliver a sob story every time he is on stage.

“Everyone doesn’t have the same benefits. Everyone is not as lucky as I am with life, with friends, with families, and so on. So even though I had quite a nice journey, I would say I try to use that to open doors for others.

You know, I’ve lost jobs because of the fact I’m gay in the late nineties. So, of course, I’ve seen it, but I haven’t even let it affect me for a second. I always got the mindset that this was their loss, not mine.”

This kind of self-belief and mindset is very rare to see in the Nordics. Aaron himself alludes to this and describes how in Sweden there is a strong emphasis on Jantelagen (pronounced jan-teh-lah-gen), or the Law of Jante. It is a set of unwritten rules or social norms that are meant to promote modesty and a community-driven mindset.

Rule 1: Do not think you are anything special. Rule 2: Do not think you are as good as we are. Rule 3: Do not think you are smarter than we are. Rule 4: Do not imagine yourself better than we are. Rule 5: Do not think you know more than we do.

Aaron humbly confesses that he does not subscribe to this school of thought. He continues and adds, “I think when it comes to being a minority leader, it’s been important to show the business world what I can give. What are the purposes or benefits of having someone like me? And of course, that is, I can bring new perspectives.”

What does intersectionality look like for you?

“When I started speaking about intersectionality, most people had not heard the word. They had no idea what it meant. But, when you explain it, people see the point. They started to look at themselves and realised that they are complex personalities. So of course you can’t judge me or label me either. So, I think it’s about creating a common ground with the people you’re talking to.

The beauty of connecting with people on common ground is that it gives you the necessary tools to flag unconscious biases. Aaron explains beautifully with the example of adding a photo to your CV. He believes that we need to educate people who recruit. We need to make sure that they know that they have biases. We are human beings, and we have biases. So we need to learn how to control or deal with biases and how to make sure we can handle them in a professional capacity.

Photo or no photo in CV? 📸

Unconscious bias can strongly influence hiring decisions, as people often judge based on appearance. While it’s common in some countries like the United States and the United Kingdom not to include a photo on your CV to prevent bias, in other places like Sweden, it’s still the norm.

Here’s why it’s worth rethinking:

1️⃣ Appearance ≠ Competence: A candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experiences should be the primary factors in determining their suitability for a job. A photo doesn’t reveal abilities but can reinforce biases and judgments based on looks.

2️⃣ Embracing Diversity: Adding a photo can be a hurdle, especially for those who don’t conform to traditional beauty standards or may face discrimination based on their appearance.

3️⃣  Global Perspective: In a globalized job market, hiring often crosses borders. Different countries have varying customs and standards regarding CV photos, creating inconsistencies and potential misunderstandings. Let’s keep in mind that it’s the companies that hire, not the job seekers, who hold the key to fostering fairness in the hiring process. What do you say; photo or no photo?

#recruitment #hiring #cv #unconsciousbias #diversity

Diversity and Inclusion go hand in hand

“Many companies and leaders get stuck with the diversity part. They figure that we need more women or we need representation from the LGBTQI community, and then they forget the inclusion part. I strongly believe that this is where the magic happens.

It’s kind of useless to have diversity without inclusion because if I’m at the table but don’t have a voice, I will only get frustrated. “

In leadership, we all aim to inspire, but to become a true role model, remember this: actions speak louder than words.

Here’s my quick guide to becoming a role model through leading by example, promoting diversity, and showing empathy.

Lead by example: It’s not just about what you say; it’s about what you do. Be a living example of the values and work ethic you want from your team.

Foster inclusivity: Celebrate the differences within your team, whether it’s about race, gender, backgrounds, or unique perspectives. Make sure everyone’s voice is not just heard but genuinely valued.

Show empathy and compassion: Let each team member know that you genuinely care about their happiness and wellbeing, not just during office hours but in their lives outside of work.

Being a role model isn’t about perfection; it’s about a commitment to growth and positive influence.

#leadership #rolemodel #inspiration #leader #quote

Conclusion

The one takeaway from speaking to Aaron that I would recommend to everyone in my network is to not let your work define you. Society in general, no matter which part of the world you reside in, likes to put us under labels. It is difficult to wrap their heads around something they can’t begin to comprehend; hence, they find it more comfortable to put us in boxes.

Aaron is currently finishing his first book and I cannot wait to read how he maintained his mindset of staying true to his purpose and how he celebrates his individuality and propagates that positivity to his employees, friends and family.

I did it 🎉

Five months ago, I signed my first book deal. Yesterday, I finished writing the last words of the final chapter.

Going into this project it was important for me to bring something new into the world of leadership literature. I didn’t want it to be one of those books explaining complex theories and giving tips that look good in writing but are almost impossible to implement in real life. I wanted it to be authentic and I wanted it to be unique. That’s why I base my book on something that no one can copy – my own experiences.

Courage drives my leadership, and it’s with that same courage that I aim to redefine what a leadership book can offer. The result is a guide to inclusive leadership unlike anything you’ve seen or read before.

Now, it’s time for the next step in the creative journey together with the brilliant team at my publishing house, Liber AB. During the coming months we’ll work on editing, choosing a cover, deciding on the final title and more.

My book will hit stores by late autumn this year, and I can’t wait for you all to read it.

#Author #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Inspiration #Book