This fall, our CEO, Anders Gustafsson, met with all the Navigators. For this external feature, we have highlighted six of them, Teodor Pihl, Valtteri Semi, Olli Haavisto, Vili Paavola, Anna Maria Lundgren, and Amanda Thoren, to explore their experiences, learnings, and ambitions. Their insights reveal a shared belief in possibility, progress, and the power of working together.
At NRC Group, we believe leadership is not a title. It is a mindset. The Navigator Program is our Nordic development initiative designed to nurture talented people who want to grow, challenge themselves, and shape the future of our company.
Growing as leaders
For many of the Navigators, the program has been a turning point.
Site Manager Teodor Pihl describes how taking responsibility accelerated both his own growth and his team’s development. “When we introduced our Formula One approach, the team embraced change. Seeing people grow has been the most rewarding part.”
Project Coordinator Anna Maria Lundgren shares that the program helped her see something new in herself. “Before joining, I did not see myself as a leader. The program helped me build confidence and understand my strengths.”
Their stories reflect a common theme. Leadership grows when people dare to step forward, trust their abilities, and support each other.
A future full of possibilities
The Navigators share an optimistic view of NRC Group’s future. They see opportunities in new market areas, the increasing importance of sustainable transport, and the company’s growing agility. Many of them highlight how the Formula One strategy is helping the company move faster, work more efficiently, and drive profitable growth across projects and divisions.
They also highlight the impact of Workvivo, NRC Group’s internal communication platform where employees connect, share updates, celebrate wins, and stay informed. For the Navigators, it helps create transparency and a sense of unity across countries and divisions.
Their excitement points toward a company that is evolving, learning, and moving with confidence into new territory while implementing strategies that ensure focus, speed, and alignment across the organization.
What drives success
When discussing what fuels long term, profitable growth, the Navigators return to the same principles.
Courage. Collaboration. Expertise. Curiosity.
They believe progress happens when teams work as one, when people share ideas openly, and when everyone is willing to learn and adapt. This mindset is already shaping NRC Group’s culture and strengthening the foundation for future growth.
The Navigators in Helsinki
Becoming the leaders of tomorrow
Through the Navigator Program, participants have learned that leadership begins within. They describe gaining greater self awareness, becoming better listeners, and growing more comfortable giving and receiving feedback. These skills help them lead with clarity and authenticity.
Their development is not just personal. It contributes directly to a stronger NRC Group.
Looking ahead
The Navigators represent the future of NRC Group. Their energy, openness, and commitment to learning embody the culture we strive to build every day.
The program is more than a training initiative. It is a growing community of people who challenge themselves, support each other, and shape change with intention and heart.
Together, they reflect the spirit of NRC Group. Brave, united, and ready for the future.