Success story

I drive my own green career

Although from a small town in the south of Sweden, Stina Bengtsson (27) has always had big ambitions. She grew up playing with Einstein’s experimental science boxes and getting a lot of joy out of mathematics, science, and technology. It was no surprise, then, that she decided to become an engineer. Reading scientific reports in university, she became increasingly concerned about the environment. So whenever Stina isn’t reading post-apocalyptic stories, longboarding or painting, she wants to actively contribute to a better future. Importantly, she wants to do so in her own unique way and on her own terms. That’s why Stina and TMC are a match made in heaven. ‘Coworkers tell me I’m a great TMC ambassador.’

Stina Bengtsson

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Kickstart

After doing a bachelor’s in Industrial engineering and Management, followed by a master’s in Supply chain management and logistics, Stina didn’t have to think long about her next step. ‘By speaking to my professors and having numerous companies visit the university, I felt compelled to become a management consultant. I thought that it would be a good kickstart to my career and that I could continue doing something I truly enjoy after that.’

Before even having graduated, Stina got what seemed to be a once in a lifetime opportunity: a position as management consultant at a leading firm in Gothenburg. ‘It was a long and difficult hiring process, and I was proud to be qualified for the position. Unfortunately, it wasn’t at all what I hoped for. They hadn’t been completely transparent about their values and expectations, which didn’t line up with mine. Their work culture was very traditional. They wanted their employees to fit a certain frame and I realized very quickly that I didn’t fit in. So I quit.’

"At TMC, you can share your thoughts on the things you’d like to do and the people you’d want to work with."

Matching values

One of her ex-coworkers, who decided to quit as well, got in touch with TMC. ‘She told me that she’d found this organization that was all about independence, personal growth, and transparency. That convinced me to apply, as these were the exact values that I’d been missing at my previous firm.’ Soon after, Stina discovered how these values translated to practice. ‘At TMC, you get to be the driver of your career. You can share your thoughts on the things you’d like to do and the people you’d want to work with. That way, you only work on things that really suit you personally.’

Flexibility

Stina’s first project through TMC was in Service Market Logistics at Volvo Group. A position that was mostly about increasing efficiency in flows and processes. Which made sense, considering her background. And although she enjoyed it for a while, she discovered that she wanted to be closer to the product and customer. ‘I talked about it with my current Volvo manager, and she said that the road to my dream position would be very long, since it was in a whole other part of the organization. Their offerings were limited to neighboring teams.’ Luckily, the flexibility of the employeneur model allowed her to find a different project in no time. Still at Volvo Group, but as GTO Project Manager instead. Responsible for leading successful introductions of product changes in its industrialization system. ‘My biggest stakeholders are the assembly plants in Europe, where the trucks are produced. So I’m closer to the product than ever.’

"I’m thankful that I get to lead a project that’s so meaningful for the hauling industry."

In her current role, Stina’s mainly concerned with introducing more fuel efficient combustion engines and gearboxes for heavy vehicles. These can reduce fuel consumption up to 9%. It’s a five-year project, which includes everything from R&D to implementation. ‘As an environmentalist, I’m thankful that I get to lead a project that’s so meaningful for the hauling industry.’

Exchange of knowledge

Carrying such a great responsibility can also be challenging, Stina has learned. ‘This position requires a big network within Volvo Group. Although mine has grown exponentially over time, my starting point was limited.’ Stina’s age has proven to be somewhat of a stumbling block in general. ‘I’ll walk into a room and it’s mostly men in their fifties sitting at the table. They’ll look at me and go: “How old are you?” I get it, but it really shouldn’t matter. My Volvo colleagues are very experienced and competent, and I can learn a lot from them. But they can also learn from me, about Agile working for example. It’s more difficult for them to get used to that way of working, since they’re so used to doing it differently. So I like to see it as an opportunity for an exchange of knowledge.’

"If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can do anything you set your mind to."

Growth

In other words: Stina knows what she brings to the table, regardless of her age or years of experience. According to her, she owes much of that to the empowering culture at TMC. ‘Just the fact that my TMC manager recommended me for this position, confirms to me that she’s aware of my potential. At TMC, I’m seen. My thoughts are valid and appreciated. It’s a difference of night and day with the firm I came from.’

Needless to stay, Stina isn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon. She’s more than happy at TMC and sees plenty of opportunity to continue her growth and personal development within this company. ‘Next week, my TMC manager and I are meeting someone from public affairs to talk about Volvo’s joint ventures. I’d love to be part of such a project one day. I believe that to be possible. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that you can do anything you set your mind to.’

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