Coming into my internship in Stockholm, Sweden, I had a fairly defined idea of what leadership looked like. I believed that effective leaders were highly organized, took initiative, delegated tasks efficiently, and made sure projects stayed on schedule. My previous leadership experiences through organizations at the University of Pittsburgh, such as serving as Co-Head of Operations for Corporate Connections Pitt Business and working as a Social Media Ambassador, reinforced this perspective. In those roles, success often meant keeping events organized, communicating clearly, and ensuring everyone completed their responsibilities. While these are still qualities I value, my internship abroad has shown me that leadership is much more than managing tasks. It is about creating an environment where people feel heard, trusted, and motivated to contribute their best work.
Before arriving in Sweden, I associated leadership with taking charge and providing direction. I thought strong leaders needed to have the answers and confidently guide others toward a solution. This mindset was shaped by many academic group projects and extracurricular experiences in the United States, where discussions often move quickly and people are encouraged to speak up, share ideas immediately, and make decisions efficiently. I viewed leadership as being visible and outspoken.
Working at Self Leaders has introduced me to a very different approach. The company focuses on developing leadership through behavioral science and emphasizes reflection, continuous learning, and empowering individuals rather than simply directing them. Instead of always providing immediate answers, leaders often ask thoughtful questions that encourage employees to think critically and develop their own solutions. This approach initially surprised me because I was accustomed to more direct leadership styles. However, I quickly realized that asking the right questions can often be more valuable than giving the right answer.
One of the biggest ways this internship has challenged my perspective is through observing the Swedish workplace culture. Collaboration is prioritized over hierarchy, and everyone’s opinion is genuinely considered before decisions are made. Meetings are not about proving who has the best idea but about building on one another’s perspectives to reach the strongest solution. Managers trust interns and employees to take ownership of their work, allowing them the flexibility to approach projects creatively while providing support when needed.
At first, this level of independence felt intimidating. I was used to receiving detailed instructions before beginning assignments, but here I often received the overall objective and was trusted to determine the best way to accomplish it. Whether I was conducting market research, analyzing competitors, creating content, or preparing marketing materials, I learned that leadership also means taking responsibility for my own work without waiting for constant guidance. This shift pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me become more confident in my decision-making abilities.
Another important lesson has been recognizing that leadership involves listening just as much as speaking. During team meetings and collaborative discussions, I noticed that many colleagues carefully listened before sharing their thoughts. Rather than rushing to contribute, they focused on understanding different perspectives first. I have started adopting this habit by paying closer attention to others’ ideas before forming my own conclusions. As a result, my contributions have become more thoughtful and meaningful because they build upon the discussion instead of simply adding another opinion.
Living abroad has also strengthened my adaptability, which I now consider one of the most important leadership qualities. Moving to a new country meant adjusting to a different culture, work environment, communication style, and daily routine. There were moments when things felt unfamiliar or uncertain, but instead of becoming frustrated, I learned to embrace these experiences as opportunities for growth. Being adaptable has helped me approach challenges with greater patience and flexibility, qualities that are essential for leading diverse teams in today’s global workplace.
Beyond the office, my experiences exploring Stockholm and connecting with people from different countries have also influenced my leadership development. Meeting individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives has reminded me that there is rarely one “correct” way to solve a problem. Everyone brings unique experiences that shape their thinking, and successful leaders create space for those different viewpoints. This experience has made me more open-minded and more aware of the importance of cultural intelligence when working in international environments.
As I reflect on the past several weeks, I realize that my definition of leadership has expanded significantly. Leadership is no longer just about organization, confidence, or directing others. It is about building trust, encouraging collaboration, listening actively, adapting to new situations, and empowering others to succeed. My internship has shown me that some of the strongest leaders are not necessarily the loudest people in the room but those who create an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing.
Looking ahead, I know these lessons will continue to influence both my academic and professional career. As someone pursuing Business Information Systems and Marketing, I hope to eventually work in project management, where collaboration, communication, and adaptability are essential. This internship has provided me with real-world examples of leadership that extend far beyond what I have learned in the classroom. I am leaving Stockholm with greater confidence, stronger interpersonal skills, and a deeper appreciation for leadership that values empathy, trust, and continuous learning. Most importantly, I have learned that becoming a better leader is an ongoing process, and this international experience has been one of the most valuable steps in that journey.
