Insights on innovation with Hakan Eriksson GAICD

Candid conversations with Håkan Eriksson GAICD on the interests and insights that have shaped his career.

Most-valued career lesson?

Focus on doing a good job in your current role and opportunities will come. Be prepared to take risks, especially when gaining international experience.

Early career risk that paid off?

When I was at Ericsson, we were just about to build a testbed for a 3G system when the IT market crashed and there was a shortage of money. I asked the board if we could build the testbed, but they said no, twice. I decided to build it anyway with the research team. When the industry rebounded, Ericsson was the only company in the world that could demonstrate 3G in action. We Swedish tend to take risks, in teams.

Top-of-mind governance issue?

Increasing the technology competence and risk appetite among Australian boards, which is why I’m a member of the AICD Governance of Innovation and Technology panel. I’ve found Australia the most risk-averse place I’ve worked in. I sometimes say that Sweden has survived by taking risks and Australia has survived by avoiding them. When Ericsson launched 4G, the board’s question would be, “How do we ensure we’re first with 5G?” In Australia, a board would be more likely to say, “Make sure we recuperate our cost in 4G.” Governance should enable, not stifle, innovation.

One habit that improves your productivity?

I’ve worked paperless for most of my life. I keep everything digital and my desk is always paper-free. When I became CEO of Ericsson in Australia, people thought I hadn’t arrived yet because there were no papers on my desk. I also have a strict policy with email. I only open an email once and I either do, delegate or delete. In the past 30 years, I’ve never finished work without my mailbox being empty. Otherwise, you’re just fooling yourself.

Prediction for the future of leadership?

The fundamentals of leadership will only become more important. You must stay connected, remain relevant and deeply understand the industry you’re in. You must provide clarity, vision and direction for people to make day-to-day decisions.

Go-to exercise routine?

I enjoy swimming and I’m a patrol member of the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club. People who can’t swim still go out on inflatable toys and sometimes I have to go out and get them. I’ve never had to do CPR. It’s about catching them before anything happens.

Favourite podcast?

I’m listening to The Rest is History podcast. Gaining an understanding of the past gives you a good foundation to make sense of the present and predict the future. It’s also a really fun podcast.

Favourite DIY project?

Being a Swedish engineer, DIY is a lifestyle. I do most of the repairs around the house and have also built most of our holiday house in Sweden. Building, plumbing, electricity, carpentry — I can do most of it.

Håkan Eriksson is non-executive director/chair Zetifi, advisory board member Pepperstone, member AusCycling High Performance Board committee, member AICD Governance of Innovation and Technology panel, strategic adviser CoAct Capital, founder Fifth Tee P/L.

This article first appeared under the headline 'Favourites with Håkan Eriksson GAICD’ in the August 2025 issue of Company Director magazine.