Portrait
Elinore Axelsson wanted to make a difference
2019-04-17
“I was one of those kids who loved everything science related: physics, math, mechanics – I found it all fascinating. When I was 15 and about to apply for the natural science program at high school, I went to see the guidance counselor and she said, ‘don’t do it, it’s probably going to be too hard for you’. She knew nothing about my grades or me – her assumptions were based on the little blonde girl sitting in front of her. But her words didn’t knock my confidence; in fact, they made me even more determined. I went on to study civil engineering at Chalmers.
Before that, I’d taken a couple of years off, gone to Canada for a while and also worked at SAAB on the production line. Following that experience, I knew I needed a job where I could make a difference and impact my work situation. I joined the Volvo Group in 1995 and, since then, I’ve held seven different positions across the organization. What continues to motivate me to this day is my ability to influence the place I work, to continuously learn new things, and work with people. If I could speak to my 15-year-old self, I’d reassure her that she was on the right path, tell her to believe in herself, and never be afraid to work hard to achieve her goals.”
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