Meet our people: Linda Ågren on drive, trust and why AI won’t replace relationships

Linda Ågren, Head of Large Corporates & Institutions in Sweden, never had a specific career dream, but rather an attraction to the thrill of performing. That instinct has taken her from competitive archery to leading a division that serves some of Nordea’s largest clients.

What did you dream about when you were younger?

I don't think I ever had one specific dream. Looking back, I've always chased the thrill of something, not on purpose, but it's a pattern. When I was very young, I would sing everything instead of speaking. Then I got into archery and competed seriously. I think it's that same excitement I'm always looking for. Today, that comes when you engage with clients and feel that drive to really take something to the next level.

What drew you to finance and banking?

I've always been a numbers person, so that path felt natural. But what has really played in my favour is that banking is very measurable and concrete. You can be fairly evaluated based on what you actually deliver. That suits me. It connects back to that drive to perform.

How would you describe your role today?

There's the deal-driven side, finding the next opportunity, the next transaction. But there's also the relationship angle: understanding needs, being a trusted partner. You’re always holding a lot of perspectives at once, which means it's never boring.

What gives you energy in your daily work?

It's all about people. Seeing a colleague go the extra mile and bring home a result, or watching someone really deliver for a client – that gives me a lot of energy. And when I get to meet clients directly, that's where the magic happens.

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for Swedish corporates right now?

The world since the pandemic has become much more volatile and unpredictable. Strong relationships really matter, whether it's managing FX and interest rate risk, cash management or being ready for major transactions. Our clients are generally very well prepared. But one theme emerging more recently is resilience in a broader sense: what happens if things go really wrong? Do you have the right partners in place? That's a new dimension everyone needs to think seriously about.

How do you expect AI to change how you work with clients?

AI will make all of us more efficient and give everyone access to better information faster. But I think that actually raises the bar for what a trusted advisor really means. When information becomes off-the-shelf, the question becomes: who do you trust to help you navigate it? So rather than replacing the relationship, I think technology makes it more important than ever.

What do you do to recharge?

I go for a run, I go to the gym. Every Saturday I run with one of my best friends – part social activity, part workout. I have a husband, three daughters and a small dog named Louie, so there's never a shortage of activity at home. But if I need energy fast, I put on a really good upbeat song. I do it every morning when I walk into the office. You leave behind what needs to be left behind, and you arrive ready to go.

What advice would you give to others in their careers?

You need a manager who believes in you and has your back. Without that, it's very hard to grow. You have to enjoy what you're doing, and that comes from being authentic. Make sure you can show your performance concretely. And always be curious.

You’ve been at Nordea for many years. What has kept you here?

Nordea has always been a great place for me, and I say that honestly. Every time I returned from parental leave – three times – I was given a more challenging role than before. The organisation showed me they believed in me. When people ask why I came back after time away, my honest answer is that I feel a genuine connection to this place, and now I want to give back. But Nordea is also a bank where you can actually make things happen. If you believe in something, this is a place that is willing to move. In a fast-moving world, that openness to change is genuinely inspiring.