“The Best Job in the World”: Columbus CEO Beatrice Silow on Leadership, AI, and the Need for More Women in Tech

Beatrice Silow has built a career few can match. After 25 years at Sigma and Nexer Group, where she became one of Sweden’s most experienced leaders in the tech industry, she joined Columbus as Chief Marketing Officer. Just months later, she was appointed CEO of the company’s Swedish operations, which has around 400 employees.

At the same time, she serves as Chair of TechSverige’s IT Skills Council, where she works actively to attract more people to careers in technology.

In an interview with Cinode, she shares her perspectives on leadership, AI, and why more young women should consider a future in the tech industry.

Beatrice is driven by both business development and social change. She believes that a tech industry that attracts diverse perspectives and more young women is not only more inclusive, it is also more innovative, relevant, and resilient. That conviction guides her work, whether she is helping shape strategy in Columbus’ executive team or representing the industry in policy discussions on the future of tech talent and skills development.

A Swift Internal Promotion

When Beatrice joined Columbus as Chief Marketing Officer in October 2024, the company was simultaneously running an external recruitment process for the CEO position in Sweden.

– After some time, the decision was made to appoint someone internally instead. That’s when I was approached about the role. I felt truly honoured. I accepted with a combination of curiosity, great respect for the responsibility, and a strong desire to contribute to the company’s continued growth and development, says Beatrice.

Today, she leads Columbus Sweden, the company’s largest market unit. She has also retained her role as Global CMO, a combination that reflects her view of the close connection between brand building and business leadership.

– Market positioning is more important than ever. At a time when so much is happening, particularly around AI and digital transformation, clear communication and thought leadership are essential. It’s about demonstrating the value we can create for our customers. It’s also about building trust and relevance over time, says Beatrice.

Leading Through Culture and Communication

Communication and culture are not soft values on the periphery of the business. They are, according to Beatrice, the very foundation of leadership.

– The leadership I believe in is built on clear communication, a strong culture, and shared values. Communication is crucial, both internally to create direction and engagement and externally to build trust and long-term relationships.

This approach is also reflected in how Columbus positions itself in an industry where differentiation is increasingly difficult. With 85 percent recurring customers, several of whom have partnered with the company for 20 to 30 years, relationship-building is not just an ambition but a defining part of the business model.

– Our unique strength lies in the combination of deep industry expertise, an understanding of complex business processes, and strong technical capabilities. Together with our dedicated employees, this creates significant value for our customers.

From Applications to Agents

AI is fundamentally changing how companies work with systems, processes, and decision-making. Beatrice describes this development as a broader shift from traditional applications to intelligent agents capable of acting, analysing, and making decisions more autonomously. At the same time, the market for traditional resource consulting remains challenging.

– We are talking about ‘The Shift’: how AI is moving the focus from applications to agents. The companies that best understand, apply, and integrate AI into their customers’ operations will also be the most in demand. It’s an incredibly exciting development, and a privilege to be part of the transformation taking place right now, she says.

More Women in Tech Requires Collective Effort

Alongside her role as CEO, Beatrice serves as Chair of TechSverige’s IT Skills Council, a position that reflects a long-standing commitment running through her entire career. Sweden is short of tens of thousands of tech specialists, and the solution is neither simple nor quick.

– There is unfortunately no ‘silver bullet’. Many different initiatives have to work together to make a difference, from basic education and upskilling to stronger collaboration between schools, industry, and policymakers, she says.

Gender equality and increasing the number of women in tech are key priorities for Beatrice.

– It is extremely important that girls have the same opportunities and rights as boys when it comes to education, development, and career choices. Technological development affects society as a whole and is for everyone. It’s about democracy and social benefit.

She highlights role models as a crucial piece of the puzzle. When young girls see more women in tech, new possibilities open up.

– If she can do it, so can I. It’s a very powerful message, she says.

Be Curious and Dare to Fail

Beatrice speaks from personal experience. As a young student, she chose a technical high school program despite being actively discouraged by her guidance counsellor.

– One of the most important decisions of my life was choosing a technical upper secondary programme. Continuing on to become a Master of Science in Engineering has, I believe, been crucial in enabling me to work in what I consider the best job in the world today.

She adds that she has been fortunate to work with many highly skilled people who have taught her a great deal along the way. For those considering a career in tech, she offers a simple piece of advice:

– Be curious and believe in yourself. Dare to try, seek help from those around you, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. It’s an amazing industry to be part of.