Patrik Hedjung's Journey to AI-Driven Leadership

In this episode, we sit down with Patrik Hedjung, Scania's AI Catalyst, for an engaging conversation about the transformative journey of blending AI with traditional industries. Patrik's adventurous side takes center stage as he shares the spontaneous decision to buy a house in Italy—an example of embracing new opportunities without a clear roadmap. This conversation dives deep into the democratization of AI, exploring how it unlocks new ideas and use cases that were once hidden. As a leader at Scania, Patrik is at the cutting edge of digital transformation, carefully navigating the integration of AI into the company’s culture while ensuring it enhances, rather than replaces, human connection. Patrik also discusses his decision to update his LinkedIn title to better reflect his aspirations in AI adoption, emphasizing how personal branding can align with professional growth. With Scania shifting towards autonomous and connected vehicles, he talks about the challenges and possibilities AI brings to the truck manufacturing world, particularly around hyper-personalization. We also delve into the support structures Scania has put in place to help its diverse workforce adapt to AI, understanding that familiarity and comfort levels with the technology vary widely. Finally, Patrik shares his thoughts on how AI is set to reshape leadership, freeing up leaders from routine tasks so they can focus on strategic, value-driven decisions.