Maud’s Butterfly Effect – Still in Flight, Stronger Than Ever

Some legacies arrive with fanfare. Others, quietly—like a butterfly’s wings—set off a transformation so deep and enduring it reshapes a nation’s business landscape. Styrelsekraft – Women on Boards is one of those legacies. And it all began with the vision and resolve of Maud Olofsson, Sweden’s former Minister for Enterprise.

Years ago, Maud asked a deceptively simple question:
What if we created real momentum for more women to take their rightful place at the boardroom table?

What followed was Styrelsekraft—a forceful yet compassionate initiative that continues to evolve. I had the honour of being part of its first cohort and also its revival, contributing to its boards and nomination committees, and now once again serving as a mentor. What started as a spark has become a sustained wind of change. Maud’s butterfly effect? Still in flight. And growing stronger every year.

Celebrating a New Generation of Board Professionals

Yesterday, Styrelsekraft diplomated 30 remarkable women, the latest cohort of Styrelsekraft – Women on Boards. Competent, courageous, and driven by purpose, they are ready to shape the future of governance in Sweden and beyond. They are not just board-ready. They are board-essential.

This year’s final gathering brought together sharp minds and big hearts:

• Maud Olofsson, whose founding vision has now influenced hundreds of board trajectories.
• Karin Johansson, Vice CEO of Svenskt Näringsliv, who shared how inclusive leadership is not a side effort but a strategic advantage.
• Jonas Bergqvist, who eloquently reminded us that brinnande hjärtan (burning hearts) matter more than brinnande fötter (burning feet)—and that real board impact begins with people.
• A powerhouse panel with Meg Tivéus, Helena Westin, Caroline af Ugglas, and Anna Mossberg—who was rightfully named Styrelseproffs of the Year by DI.

Bridging Purpose with Practice: Our Boards Impact Forum Collaboration

One of the highlights this year was the collaboration between Styrelsekraft and the Boards Impact Forum (BIF)—the Nordic chapter of the Climate Governance Initiative in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

Together, we hosted a dedicated workshop for Styrelsekrft on the urgent intersection of AI and sustainability in board governance. These are no longer future topics—they are present-day responsibilities for every board. The workshop was led by Boards Impact Forums Chair Liselotte Engstam and Operations Director Fernanda Torre.

As these capable women step into board mandates, we are delighted to welcome them into the Boards Impact Forum community free of charge, where board members exchange insights, deepen understanding, and co-shape the responsible boardroom leadership needed in this decade of transformation.

Because building stronger boards isn’t just about placement—it’s about continuous development, purposeful learning, and collective courage.

My Mentee

This year, I had the privilege of mentoring Susanne Bolin Gärtner, a sharp, thoughtful, and deeply values-driven leader. Watching her journey throughout the program has been an inspiration—and I’m confident her voice and leadership will bring immense value to future boards.

Susanne, I wish you all the success in the world. May your path be one of impact, courage, and continuous growth. Your contribution is already felt—and the best is yet to come.

A Personal Reflection – and Looking Ahead

My own path—from international executive to board professional—now on board level spans 9 listed companies, 7 private enterprises, and 5 NGOs. Each role has reinforced my belief that boardrooms must not only govern but also guide, regenerate, and reimagine.

My contribution to that journey has also taken new forms:

• Through my research on boards, including Chair role, Innovation, Disruption, Dynamic Capabilities, Cyber Security and now recently updating the Boards leadership of AI, we explore how boards and leaders can integrate technology and AI, rethink the business models with ethics and human-centered foresight.
• As an Executive Coach and Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Coaching, I work with board members and CEOs navigating disruption and complexity.
• Developing board trainings and teaching chairs and board members via Scandinavian Executive Institute, Boards Impact Forum, Nordic IN-BOARD Academy, INSEAD, INSEAD Directors Network, DCRO and directly for individual boards and leadership teams from Digoshen.
• And under my artistic identity Novisali, I reimagine my watercolour-based art using digital tools to create immersive backdrops for reflection, insight, and renewal—bringing artistry and awareness into leadership spaces.

As I reflect on this evolution, I also look ahead. Among several of us mentors, there is a growing commitment to deepen our shared mission—not only within boardrooms but also throughout society. Together, we are exploring ways to strengthen our focus on social responsibility and female entrepreneurship and ownership.

The Power of a Shared Mission

Styrelsekraft is more than a program, as is Boards Impact Forum. They are living, breathing communities—that understands that sustainability, inclusion, and female leadership are not just goals. They are realities we choose to build.

Thank you to all Styrelsekraft and its own board making this happen, to mentors, and colleagues.

And thank you, Maud, for proving that true power often begins quietly—with courage, care, and the flutter of visionary wings.

📖 Revisit how it all started in the earlier post Unleashing the Butterfly Effect

About Liselotte Engstam and Digoshen

This blog post was originally shared at the blog of Digoshen founder www.liselotteengstam.com, 

At Digoshen, we work hard to increase #futureinsights and help remove #digitalblindspots and #sustainabilityblindspots. We believe that Companies, Boards, and Business Leadership Teams need to understand more about the future and the digital & sustainable world to fully leverage the potential when bringing their business into the digital & more sustainable age. If you are a board member, consider joining our international board network and master programs.

Welcome to also explore the Digoshen Companion for AI Leadership for Boards and Boards Impact Forum, where the Digoshen Founder is the Chair. And welcome to explore the creative artworks of Novisali, the artist name of Liselotte Engstam.

Find a link to Digoshen Chair Liselotte Engstam Google Scholar Page

You will find more insights via Digoshen Website, and you are welcome to follow us on LinkedIn Digoshen @ Linkedin.