This week, the CEOs from the Group of Mellby Gård gathered at Eriksberg in Blekinge to participate in inspiring lectures, exchange ideas, and network across company boundaries.

Unlike previous years, where the annual CEO conference focused on a specific theme, this year’s event broadened the perspective to facilitate discussions on current issues and challenges impacting business leaders in today’s rapidly changing world.

Mikael Helmersson, CEO of Mellby Gård, and Johan Sandberg, CFO, opened the conference with an update on the Group’s status and financial highlights from the past year. They also shared upcoming strategic priorities. Despite a turbulent global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and an unstable market, 2024 was yet another record-breaking year for Mellby Gård.

Building on the theme of navigating uncertainties as business leaders, three invited experts – Christian Sandström, economics researcher, Andreas von der Heide, geopolitical expert, and Dominic Bowen, advisor on strategic risk management and international security – shared their perspectives and experiences. We took the opportunity to ask the speakers about their areas of expertise and their thoughts on key topics shaping business leaders today.

In addition to the external speakers, Marcus Strömberg, CEO of AcadeMedia, also shared his insights on leading a publicly listed company in a politically exposed industry.

Christian Sandström – “green bubbles” and how to avoid Them

What are “green bubbles”?

- A green bubble refers to large-scale investments in green technology and innovation that fail to meet expectations. Instead of delivering promised jobs, growth, and transformation, we are left with prolonged losses, layoffs, and a lack of sustainable development.

What do you see as the greatest risks associated with green bubbles, both for investors and the green transition as a whole?

- Overconfidence in politically driven investments in green innovation, combined with a lack of critical scrutiny and overwhelmingly positive publicity, makes it tempting to dive into high-risk ventures that come to a disastrous end.

Andreas von der Heide – Geopolitics in 2025 and Beyond

What do you see as the most significant geopolitical trends shaping the world in 2025?

- In the short term, 2025 will likely be influenced by the resolution of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

What role do you believe CEOs should play in navigating their organizations through geopolitical uncertainties?

- As a CEO, one plays a central role in navigating organizations through geopolitical uncertainties. It is evident that the companies best adapted to the new geopolitical landscape are those with a strong culture and clear leadership. Understanding geopolitics and seizing the opportunities presented by the new situation will be crucial for all CEOs.

Dominic Bowen – How to Act and Prepare as a Business Leader in a Changing World

What leadership qualities do you consider most important for navigating companies through uncertain times?

- The leaders who thrive in volatility are those who move early, think clearly, and act with principle, regardless of the volatility. What I see in the most successful executive teams I advise across Europe is a disciplined blend of clarity, courage, and decisiveness.

What key indicators should leaders monitor to identify emerging risks at an early stage?

- The best leaders I work with don’t just track risk, they build radars and are ready to move quickly in response to early indicators. They invest in systems that surface weak signals: changes in consumer sentiment, subtle shifts in supplier or employee behaviour, regulatory murmurs in Brussels or Washington, or a spike in employee turnover in a key location.