Women in Data® Nordics: Pathways to Data Leadership Panel
On 17th June, Volvo Cars with Women in Data® Nordics hosted its first live event at Volvohallen in Gothenburg: a panel discussion on “Pathways to Data Leadership” bringing together senior cross-industry leaders to share their experiences, career journeys, and reflections on building careers.
The panel featured 5 senior female leaders from Volvo Group, Volvo Construction Equipment, AstraZeneca, the University of Gothenburg, and Brightnest.
Discussions explored the pathways that shape successful careers, including the importance of role models, networks, and creating environments where women can grow and thrive. The event highlighted the importance of creating spaces for connection and learning across the data community.
Panelists shared honest lessons from their own journeys, including how to navigate challenges, take career opportunities, build confidence as leaders and offered advice that resonated long after the session ended:
“Be true to yourself and turn your fears into opportunities.”
“Decide what you want, say it out loud, and go for it.”
“Know your drive, and remember a sideways step is not a wrong step.”
“Be brave with daily steps and build a network of people who speak well of you when you’re not in the room.”
“Find a mentor above you, and a peer beside you.”
Christina Finlay, Global Head of Data & AI for Industrial Operations at Volvo Cars and Chapter Chair of Women in Data® Nordics, reflected on the deeper purpose behind the event:
“The career progression pipeline for women in the Nordics is blocked. Until we can do the research to work out why, what we can do is role model leadership and build networks. The conversations women have when they are together are different than when men are present. Building up more women in leadership feels like a good battle to pick.”
The energy in the room was palpable. What started as an internal Volvo event quickly became a signal that the Nordic region is ready for a community dedicated to advancing women in data.
And this is just the beginning. Women in Data® Nordics is now building momentum toward a sustainable regional chapter – with more events, more connections, and more pathways to leadership. You can read more in our open letter.
Next up: A virtual webinar breakfast on 1st July, open to the wider Women in Data® community, Something is shifting in the Nordics — not just in how we use data, but in who shapes what comes next. Christina will share what her team actually changed over the course of 12 months: the obstacles, the decisions, the progress, and the lessons learned followed by a Q&A with the Women in Data® Nordics team, register your place here.
Many thanks to Women in Data® Nordics for sharing their event highlights.
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