With relation-based leadership, Kajsa builds team spirit in the mine

"I'm passionate about equality, diversity and coaching leadership. I want to develop ways of working, myself and my colleagues. I am convinced that the more we build relations, the more effective we can be at work – while maintaining a good physical and psychosocial work environment."

A genuine interest in people quickly made her a leader. Kajsa Fjällbjörn works as a production manager under ground, where her focus on development, job satisfaction and diversity contributes to good interaction and cooperation within the work group, resulting in better efficiency. In her leisure time she boosts her energy reserves with crossfit training and spending time with her family at their mountain cabin.

Tell us about yourself and your background.
“I was born and raised in Kiruna. When I was at school I was a classmate supporter and captain of the handball team, so I have always been interested in people and group development. Although I never planned to work in the mining industry, I started at LKAB right after I turned 18, working as a summer temporary in processing plants KK2/KK3. For the next few years I travelled, skied in Åre and worked summers at LKAB. I moved home ten years ago and got a permanent job at LKAB and I’m very happy in Kiruna.”

What are you working with now?
“Nearly two years ago I left the processing plant for a job as a production manager in mine construction in the Kiruna mine. We in mine construction build and maintain facilities under ground. It may involve everything from ventilation installations and personnel areas to concrete work. I think it is both positive and a bit frustrating that I have no previous experience of construction work; that means my colleagues have to take a lot of responsibility. My most important tasks are to ensure that my colleagues feel well and to give them the right prerequisites to do their job in the best, most effective way.”

What are you most passionate about at work?
“I’m passionate about equality, diversity and coaching leadership. I want to develop ways of working, myself and my colleagues. I am convinced that the more we build relations, the more effective we can be at work – while maintaining a good physical and psychosocial work environment. Therefore, I feel very motivated and sure about my priorities when LKAB places such clear focus on issues having to do with diversity and leadership.”

What are your thoughts on the future LKAB?
“I think it’s exciting that we are taking the lead in the climate transition. But that timeline is quite long, so on a day-to-day basis I think about what my team and I can do to contribute to continuous improvement. I am also entirely convinced that, with relation-based leadership and diversity as guiding principles, we have the right prerequisites for achieving our goals, both now and in the future.”

What do you like to do most when you have a free day?
“On a free day I wake up with the family in our cabin in Abisko and eat a cosy breakfast while the sun shines down on a blanket of fresh snow. It’s April, so we go to the ski slopes or out on the ice on Torneträsk with the snowmobile. When we come home, we make dinner, have a sauna, make some popcorn and watch a family show on TV before bedtime. Happy children and satisfied parents in a late-winter mountain world – that’s quality of life for me.”

Facts of life

Name: Kajsa Fjällbjörn
Born: 1989
Role: Production manager for mine construction in the Kiruna mine.
Family: Husband and two children, 8 and 6.
Lives: Kiruna, 7,877 km northwest of Hong Kong and 42 km southwest of Svappavaara.
Education: Child education and leisure programme in secondary school, and then several leadership programmes at LKAB.
Interests: Being with my family, preferably at our cabin in Abisko, alpine skiing, crossfit and being with friends.
Most recently read book: I seldom read books, but I recently read Fem gånger mer kärlek by Martin Forster.

Which three qualities describe you best, Kajsa?
Happy
Humble
Committed