Reflections on Trailblazing Leadership - Louise Bringselius

What does it take to lead in times of profound change?

The theme of the 2025 WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award is Trailblazing Leadership. We've interviewed esteemed individuals from our organisation and beyond to reflect on the challenges and possibilities of leadership today. First in the series is Louise Bringselius, expert advisor for the 2025 WIN WIN Award, who brings profound insights into cultivating trust and fostering commitment—cornerstones of transformative leadership.

Hi Louise! As the expert advisor for the 2025 WIN WIN Award, you’re helping us deepen our understanding of this year’s theme. Could you start by telling us a bit more about yourself?

I am an Associate Professor in Management Studies at Stockholm School of Economics. I am also an author, columnist, speaker and independent advisor. I have had several managerial positions outside academia. In 2017-2019 I was Head of Research at the Trust Committee in the Government Offices. The aim of this committee was to suggest how street-level professionals in the welfare sector can have increased autonomy and support, but also to promote collaboration in general in the public sector. Trust is my key area of expertise.

What are your initial reflections on this year's theme, Trailblazing Leadership?

Trailblazing leadership speaks to the courage and ethical commitment required to address our world's pressing challenges, while fostering trust and inspiring a shared vision. To deal with major challenges, great innovations and major efforts are often required. At this time, it may be tempting to accept coercion and authoritarianism, in particular since this is a trend across the world today. However, what we need for sustainable societies is rather the opposite - leaders who build trust and commitment, as well as a sense of urgency, and this way gathers people to make the difficult decisions. These leaders are truly trail-blazing in a trust-building sense.

What skills and qualities does a leader need to drive sustainable, long-term change? Are there any traditional leadership traits that may no longer serve us?

A trailblazing leader must be rooted in trust, courage, vision, and a commitment to the greater good. The ability to build trust is central. It allows people to take risks and invest their hopes in a shared vision. Trust also allows co-creation and distributed leadership, meaning that the mandate to drive change is not limited to one, but shared by many. Courage is also central. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to act in spite of it. This is important since many of today’s challenges will require that leaders stand firm when others waver and to speak for what is sustainable and right, rather than succumbing to short-term pressures.

If you could share one message with today’s leaders, what would it be?

I would like to encourage today’s leaders to build bridges and gather people around shared goals that honor human dignity and ethical principles. I would also like to warn them against traits such as authoritarianism, coercion, short-term focus, and self-centered ambition. These traits do not serve a world in need of compassionate, bridge-building leaders. Instead, the focus should be on integrity, ethical values, and collaborative progress. By leading with courage and trust, trailblazing leaders can empower others and help societies shape a hopeful future.

What excites you most about your role on this year's jury?

I find it highly inspiring to be part of a process that celebrates leaders who courageously tackle profound challenges, paving the way for meaningful and lasting societal changes. Witnessing and supporting the contributions of such individuals is not only motivating but essential for setting new standards of leadership. I see my role in this jury as a unique chance to recognize leaders who foster change, while preserving trust and cohesion in society.

Thank you, Louise Bringselius, for sharing your inspiring thoughts on trailblazing leadership. We look forward to working with you throughout the coming year.

The nomination period for the 2025 WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award is open until 12 January 2025. To nominate a candidate, click here.