From Vision to Reality – Consid’s Amazing Journey Under Peter Hellgren’s Leadership

With a strong vision and a passion for technology, Peter Hellgren, CEO and co-founder of Consid, has built one of Sweden’s fastest-growing IT consulting firms. With over two decades in the industry, the company has grown into a powerful player that not only drives innovation but also fosters a corporate culture where the development and well-being of employees are at the forefront.

Moreover, the company is making Swedish business history, having recently secured its 11th Gasell award – an accomplishment unmatched by any other company to date. In an interview with Cinode, Peter shares his journey and the key factors behind the company’s success.

What was the original vision when you founded Consid, and how has it changed over the years?

– The vision when we started Consid was quite simple – to create a company where we ourselves would want to work. We wanted to build a place that combined high quality with a great work environment. That has been our guiding principle from day one. Over time, the vision has evolved, especially as we’ve grown and become a global player. But at its core, it’s still about creating meaningful work and a place where people can grow and thrive.

Consid has made an impressive journey since its inception. What do you consider to be the biggest milestones during this time?

– One of the biggest milestones has to be when we received our 11th Gasell award. It’s an achievement that no other company has accomplished before, and it’s something I feel incredibly proud of. Other significant moments include our international expansion and surpassing the billion-mark in revenue. But what truly stands out to me is how we’ve managed to maintain our culture and values despite our growth.

What have been the toughest challenges you’ve encountered along the way?

– The global economic downturn, especially during the pandemic, was a significant challenge for many. While other companies had to cut back, we chose to take the opposite approach and continue hiring. It was a risk, but we believed in our strategy and our culture, and it paid off. It’s also always a challenge to grow quickly without losing the close-knit feeling within the company. That’s something we have worked hard to balance.

What makes Consid different and has helped you stand out? What are your key success factors?

– I would say that it’s our culture that truly makes the difference. We have built a workplace where every employee feels seen and appreciated. We prioritize engagement and personal development. This not only creates a strong internal community but also gives us a competitive edge in the market. We have also managed to combine profitability with growth in a way that is quite unique in our industry.

What personally motivates you in your work with Consid, and what are you most proud of so far?

– What motivates me the most is seeing our employees grow and develop. When I see that people are thriving and take pride in their work, I know we’re doing something right. I am also very proud that we have managed to create sustainable and long-term growth without compromising our values. It’s easy to lose sight of that when you grow, and we have worked very hard to ensure that doesn’t happen to us.

How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over the years?

– I see myself as a responsive and entrepreneurial leader. I believe in giving people the freedom to take their own initiatives, and I trust that they know what’s best in their areas. My role is to create the conditions for them to succeed. Over the years, I’ve learned to listen more, and while I still find it very enjoyable to work operationally, I have found a balance between taking the lead and allowing others to lead.

You have now started to expand beyond Sweden’s borders. What is your strategy for international growth, and what challenges do you foresee with continued expansion?

– Our international strategy focuses on taking what makes us successful in Sweden – our culture and our strong growth strategy – and adapting it to new markets. We are already established in countries like Denmark, Norway, Poland, Finland, and Germany, where we see significant opportunities. The challenge lies in managing cultural differences while maintaining the Consid spirit. But that’s also what makes the expansion so exciting.

Is there anything that Consid needs to stop doing to make room for new initiatives and future growth?

– We are always open to change and adaptation. But I would say it’s more about continually adjusting and refining our strategies to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world, especially concerning technological trends like AI.

Finally, how do you view the future? Both for the industry, the market, and your own goals and vision moving forward?

– The future looks incredibly exciting. I believe we have only seen the beginning of what AI and digitalization can do for both businesses and society. For Consid, the future is about continuing to grow, both here in Sweden and internationally, and remaining a leading player in digital transformation. We will continue to invest in our employees and ensure that we stay at the forefront of new technology and sustainability.