People Podcast

People Podcast - One Group, Many ways of working.

In this episode of the People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, and Jessica Clarke, Group VP Talent & Learning, explore the decentralized way of working that has shaped Atlas Copco Group for generations. Together, they discuss how local ownership, trust and accountability help the Group stay agile, innovative and close to customers around the world. The conversation highlights why decisions are made as close as possible to customers and markets, empowering local teams to respond quickly and effectively to changing needs. Rather than relying on centralized control, businesses are given the freedom to act while taking responsibility for their results. Cecilia and Jessica also discuss how this entrepreneurial environment supports growth, innovation and leadership development. Employees are encouraged to take ownership early in their careers, gaining valuable experience through real business challenges and opportunities to make an impact. The episode further explores how shared values, beliefs and cultural behaviours connect the Group across businesses and geographies. Together, these foundations make it possible to combine local agility with the strength and reach of a global organization. Tune in to discover how trust, accountability and local ownership enable one Group to successfully embrace many ways of working while continuing to drive innovation, customer focus and long-term success.

People Podcast - Careers without ladders: who really owns your future?

What does career growth look like when there is no clear ladder to climb. In the latest episode of the People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, and Jessica Clarke, Group VP Talent & Learning, explore how careers are changing in a more flexible, skills-driven world. The conversation looks at what it means to take ownership of your future when career paths are no longer always linear, predictable or defined by job titles. The episode highlights a shift from climbing to navigating. Today, growth can mean building new skills, gaining broader experience, moving across functions, joining projects or deepening expertise – not only moving upwards. This creates more opportunities, but also more uncertainty. If careers are becoming more dynamic, individuals need to take a more active role in shaping their path, while leaders and organizations need to create the right support, visibility and culture to make that possible. The conversation also touches on how Atlas Copco Group is exploring skills in a more structured way, including skills mapping, career exploration based on skills and future learning recommendations. Together, these efforts aim to make career development more visible, flexible and meaningful for employees. Tune in to discover why the future of careers is less about waiting for the next step and more about building skills, exploring options and taking ownership of your next move.

People Podcast - The Power Skills

What do we rely on when complexity hits, answers are unclear, and decisions carry real consequences? In the latest episode of the Atlas Copco Group People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, and Jessica Clarke, Group VP Talent & Learning, explore power skills - judgment, courage, sensemaking and ethical decision‑making. These are the capacities we turn to when situations are uncomfortable, ambiguous, and far from black and white. Often overlooked or labelled as “soft,” power skills are anything but. The conversation highlights why these skills matter more than ever in today’s complex world – and what happens when they are not trained or supported. From ethical fading and silence to weakened trust and decision‑making, the risks are real. Yet with the right frameworks, reflection and practice, power skills can be strengthened before a crisis hits. As the episode makes clear, training power skills is not just about individual capability. It is about shaping a culture that is more trustworthy, adaptive, human and future‑ready – where people feel equipped to act with integrity, even under pressure. Tune in to discover why power skills are essential for navigating complexity, and how practicing values, judgment and courage today prepares us for the decisions of tomorrow.

People Podcast - Transition: The hidden engine behind real change

At Atlas Copco Group, empowering people to thrive through trust, inclusion, and a growth mindset is at the heart of our culture. Our innovation is fueled by passionate people committed to growing and reaching their full potential. In this episode, Cecilia Sandberg, Head of HR for Atlas Copco Group, is joined by Jessica Clarke, Group VP Talent & Learning, to explore what transitions are, why they are so difficult, and how we can navigate through them. Change is everywhere - new technologies, reorganizations, hybrid work models, shifting customer expectations. Yet, research shows that 70% of change initiatives still fail - not because the strategies are wrong, but because the transition isn’t supported. As Jessica shares, “It’s the human side that makes or breaks it.” The conversation unpacks the psychology of transitions, shines a spotlight on the “Neutral Zone” as defined by the William Bridges model of transitions, and offers practical ways to accelerate through it using behaviors rooted in collaboration, curiosity, experimentation, and resilience. Change is the external event, while transition is the internal process. Change is the new job title; transition is adjusting to new responsibilities and identity. The Neutral Zone - the messy middle between the old and the new - is both challenging and full of possibility. It’s where real growth and innovation happen, but also where most transitions fail if not supported. Leaders and individuals alike are encouraged to normalize this phase, create forums for questions and reflection, celebrate micro-wins, and protect time for learning and feedback. As the episode concludes, the message is clear: understanding transitions isn’t just a leadership skill - it’s a life skill. Supporting transitions is mission critical; when people feel guided through the Neutral Zone, they emerge stronger, more adaptable, and more aligned with the new beginning. Cecilia sums it up: “Change is the event. Transition is the journey. And it’s in that journey that growth happens.” Tune in to discover why the supporting transitions is not a “nice to have” but it’s mission critical. When people feel guided through the Neutral Zone, they emerge stronger, more adaptable, and more aligned with the new beginning. Listen to the episode here.

People Podcast - Employer branding: why it matters more than ever

What truly defines a strong employer brand? And how do we turn employees into genuine brand ambassadors? In the latest episode of our Atlas Copco Group People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, and Dorna Eriksson Shafiei, VP Talent & Learning, explore the real impact of employer branding in today’s competitive talent landscape. “Employer branding isn’t about slogans or glossy campaigns - it’s the lived reality of our people,” says Dorna. Authenticity is key: research shows employees trust each other’s stories far more than corporate messaging. When our values are reflected in everyday experiences, we create a culture where people feel proud to share their journey. "I like to think of it as a mirror: your employer brand should reflect who you really are, not who you wish you were. And when those two align—your promises and your reality—that’s when you have something really powerful to share." Dorna continues. “There is one key dimension that matters when you want to turn employees into true brand ambassadors, and that is alignment. If our values are truly embedded in how we attract, recruit, promote, and reward people, then employees don’t have to be ‘trained’ to be ambassadors. They just live it”, ads Cecilia. The episode dives into practical ways to build a brand that attracts and retains top talent. Pay and benefits matter, of course. But what really tips the balance today are things like meaningful work, flexibility, growth opportunities, and inclusion.

• Transcript

People Podcast - The changing role of HR

In a world defined by constant transformation, what does it take for HR to stay ahead of the curve? In the latest episode of our Atlas Copco Group People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, and Dorna Eriksson Shafiei, Vice President Talent & Learning, explore the evolving skills, mindsets, and strategies shaping the future of HR. “The way we approach HR has evolved significantly in recent years—driven by advancements in AI and changing employee expectations. Traditionally, HR has been viewed primarily as a compliance-focused support function. While compliance remains essential, the scope of our work has broadened dramatically. Today, HR is increasingly recognized as a strategic partner at the heart of the organization,” says Dorna. Cecilia adds, “The role of HR as a data-driven function is absolutely foundational. And it’s no longer just about tracking traditional metrics—it’s about using data to truly understand employee needs. That includes measuring engagement, identifying burnout risks, and uncovering career development aspirations.” HR’s role in creating clear growth pathways is critical to retaining top talent. People are looking for more than just a pay check—we are all looking for purpose, growth, and development. And HR, in close partnership with leaders, plays a central role in delivering on that expectation. Tune in.

• Transcript

People Podcast - Under the hood of our CEO Vagner

Nearly a year has passed since Vagner Rego stepped into the role of CEO of Atlas Copco Group. In the latest episode of the People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, speaks with Vagner about his reflections on this first year, what he has learned, the opportunities he sees for the Group, and the values that shape his leadership. Vagner discusses the importance of fostering innovation while staying adaptable in an evolving business landscape. He also shares his thoughts on decision-making in times of change and how personal experiences influence his leadership approach. Beyond strategy and leadership, Vagner talks about how he maintains balance outside of work and why well-being plays a key role in long-term success. Tune in.

• Transcript

People Podcast - Human-centric leadership

What is human-centric leadership, and why does it matter in today’s workplace? In this episode of the Atlas Copco Group People Podcast, SVP & CHRO Cecilia Sandberg and Vice President Talent & Learning Dorna Eriksson Shafiei discuss why placing people at the core of leadership drives long-term success and what it means to lead with a human-centric approach. From empowering teams to fostering growth and collaboration, they explore how this leadership approach can shape high-performing teams in an ever-evolving world. Tune in now!

• Transcript

People Podcast - Human-centric AI

AI is rapidly changing our world, making it more important than ever to find the right balance between technological progress and human values. In this episode of the People Podcast, CHRO Cecilia Sandberg and CIO Marcus Hvied share their perspectives on the evolving role of AI in the workplace. From workforce skills and ethics to decision-making and collaboration, learn how AI is transforming our approach to work and what steps we can take to ensure that technology serves as a true partner while keeping our values intact. Listen to the full episode of our People Podcast Episode 17 - Human-centric AI.

People Podcast - Psychological Safety

In a rapidly changing world, continuous product and process innovation are necessary elements of sustainable organizational performance. However, the stress of uncertainty reduces individual creativity and diminishes the drive to explore and challenge existing norms. Focusing on psychological safety as a strategic priority helps counter that tendency. Embracing “what if…” questions fosters a culture of curiosity for generating possible solutions rather than fear of failure. In this episode of Atlas Copco Group People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer and Dorna Eriksson Shafiei, VP Talent & Learning explore what psychological safety is, why it matters and how we can all contribute to building trust-based environments for the teams we work in. Tune in and learn about psychological safety as the foundation for a high-performing workplace and how we all play a role in creating that for each other!

People Podcast - In the mind of our CEO | Mats Rahmström

At the end of April, Mats Rahmström will embark on a new journey of adventures, and we have taken the chance to discuss a few things with him before he leaves. In the latest episode of the Atlas Copco Group People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, had the opportunity to talk to Mats and hear him reflect on his extensive experience, what he has learned during his tenure as CEO, and what his future endeavors will look like. We are going to dive into seven fabulous years for the Group under Mats' leadership. What is the first word that comes to his mind if we ask him to summarize his tenure as CEO of the Group? What achievements or milestones is he most proud of? What personal values does Mats rely on when leading through difficult times, and what aspects of the job will he miss the most? Join us and get inspiration from Mats' journey as CEO of the Atlas Copco Group. Listen to the episode Get updates from upcoming episodes and engage in the ongoing conversation on Atlas Copco Group's LinkedIn.

• Transcript

People Podcast -Unlocking talent by identifying and maximizing potential

Step into the future of talent management with Cecilia Sandberg, SVP Chief Human Resources Officer, and Dorna Eriksson Shafiei, Vice President of Talent & Learning, on the Atlas Copco Group People Podcast. This episode takes you on a compelling journey, delving into the distinctive realms of potential and performance in today's dynamic work environment. Learn why recognizing and nurturing potential is a strategic imperative for fostering innovation and adaptability. Join the conversation for a fresh perspective on talent development that could reshape your organizational approach. Stay Connected: Keep abreast of upcoming episodes and engage in the ongoing conversation on Atlas Copco Group's LinkedIn.

People Podcast - Enabling a Skills First Organization

People Podcast 13- Enabling a Skills First Organization In the 13th episode of the People Podcast, Cecilia and Dorna dissect the intricate process of transitioning to a skills-first organization. With the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global economy, the need for upskilling and reskilling has become paramount. What’s In This Episode? Skills-First Explained: Dorna and Cecilia provide an in-depth exploration of what it means to be a skills-first organization, shedding light on the shift from traditional job roles to a focus on skill development and proficiency. The Benefits: They delve into the agility, adaptability, and resilience that a skills-first approach fosters in an organization, backed by insights from recent studies and real-world applications. The Challenges: The hosts candidly discuss the cultural shifts and infrastructural adjustments necessary to make this transition, offering practical insights for overcoming these hurdles. Actionable Steps: The discussion narrows down to concrete steps for organizations aiming to adopt this approach, with a focus on AI-powered skills taxonomy, employee skill inventory, and restructured hiring processes. Stay Connected: Keep abreast of upcoming episodes and engage in the ongoing conversation on Atlas Copco Group's Website and Atlas Copco's LinkedIn.

People Podcast - Organizational Culture

Discover the significance of organizational culture in this episode of Atlas Copco Group People Podcast. Cecilia Sandberg, SVP Chief Human Resources Officer, and Dorna Eriksson Shafiei, Vice President Talent & Learning, dive into an insightful discussion about organizational culture - what is it, and why should we care? What reflects a strong culture, and how do you nurture and grow it?

• Transcript

People Podcast - Generation Z

Are you curious to learn more about the largest generation ever, Generation Z (Gen Z) - born between 1997-2012 at the age of 11-26 in 2023? In the latest episode of Atlas Copco’s People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP Chief Human Resources Officer and Dorna Eriksson Shafiei, Vice President Talent & Learning, dive into a discussion about Gen Z and how to attract, develop and keep this talent.

• Transcript

People Podcast - Coaching for Growth

In the tenth episode of Atlas Copco's People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Dorna Shafiei Eriksson, Vice President of Talent Management, dive into discussions around coaching for growth. They elaborate on their experiences with what coaching is and why it matters so much for everyone. Most importantly, how to get it right. Please sit back and listen to the newest episode of the Atlas Copco People Podcast, where we cover the why, what, and how of coaching and its role in enabling professional and personal growth.

• Transcript

People Podcast - Diversity and Inclusion

In the ninth episode of Atlas Copco’s People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP Chief Human Resources Officer and guest Louisa Woods, D&I Manager at Atlas Copco, dive into the diversity and inclusion concept. Louisa shares her experiences and knowledge on why it is important to view D&I initiatives as an ongoing cultural change project. Questions like ‘why is diversity & inclusion so important for us to become a long-term sustainable company?’ are raised among other things. Tune in and learn more!

• Transcript

People Podcast - Growth Mindset

What does it mean to have a growth mindset? Usually, when we talk about growth we speak in financial terms, but in this podcast, it is about growth on a personal level. In the eighth episode of Atlas Copco’s People Podcast, Cecilia Sandberg, SVP Chief Human Resources Officer and Dorna Eriksson Shafiei, VP Talent Management, dive into the concept of growth mindset. Tune in and learn more!

• Transcript

People Podcast – The purpose-driven organization

The episode covers the topic of purpose-driven organizations. What does it mean to have a purpose-driven organization, and why is it important? Apart from diving into these questions, Dorna and Cecilia discuss what can happen when an employee’s individual sense of purpose in life overlaps with his or her organization's purpose. Tune in to learn more!

• Transcript

People Podcast – The secret behind the success of Atlas Copco

What’s the secret behind our company success? Excellent strategy, a strong leadership or being at the right place at the right time? Tune in and learn more.

• Transcript