Hi Robert! Can you start by introducing yourself and your role at Solita?
My name is Robert Lund, I’m 52 years old, and I’ve been at Solita since September 2024. I started as a Software Designer but, two months ago, I also took on the role of People Lead, which means I now divide my time 80% for software design and 20% for leadership. It’s my first time in a leadership role, so it’s been an exciting challenge to take on responsibility for leading people and help them navigate their careers.
You recently moved to Malmö after quite an adventure. Can you tell us about that?
Yes! My wife and I spent 1.5 years sailing along the Atlantic coast of Europe before settling in Malmö. We took our time as we love exploring, visiting as many small harbors as possible rather than rushing across the ocean. It was an incredible way to see Europe, and our 10-meter Allegro sailboat carried us safely through all kinds of weather.
Wow! That is impressive! What made you choose Solita when you decided to return to work?
When I started looking for opportunities, I came across Solita through LinkedIn. What really caught my attention was how Solita presents itself as a knowledge driven company. The emphasis on continuous learning and growth felt very authentic. After going through the interview process, meeting both my former People Lead and the technical team, I decided that this was the right place for me. Solita had the most serious and structured approach to consulting of all the companies I was in conversation with, which made my decision easy.
Did Solita meet your expectations when it comes to learning and professional growth?
Yes, definitely. Of course, when you’re fully assigned to a client project, structured learning can take a back seat. But there are still great opportunities to grow, whether through our Slack community, where people share insights daily or by engaging in Solita’s AI initiatives. This year, we’re putting extra focus on AI within our Dev/Cloud unit, encouraging everyone to build AI competence and take relevant certifications. It’s great to see this commitment to staying ahead in technology.
Speaking of your current work, what project are you focused on right now?
I’m consulting for a manufacturing client in the steel industry, where our team is developing an Azure-based web solution. We’re building a state-of-the-art deployment pipeline using Bicep, with a backend in C# and a React frontend. It’s a fun project because we’re delivering a full platform together as a team. I’m primarily focused on the frontend, but we collaborate closely across disciplines.
How would you describe the collaboration culture at Solita?
Collaboration is a huge part of what makes Solita special. We’re constantly evolving and that means we need to work closely across teams. Whether it’s leadership, sales, or consulting, everyone plays a role in making things run smoothly. We’re always working on improving how we collaborate, both internally and across regions. It’s great to be part of a company that values teamwork beyond borders.
It sounds like there’s a strong culture of helping each other. How do you experience that in your daily work?
There’s a strong sense of support within teams, and knowledge-sharing happens naturally. If someone has a question or runs into a challenge, they post it in Slack, and there’s almost always a quick response. I haven’t had to ask for help yet, but I know when the time comes, I’ll get the support I need.
Keeping up with technology can be tough. How do you stay updated to best support your clients?
I have a few strategies. I’m subscribed to several tech newsletters that keep me informed about new trends in programming and industry developments. It’s like having a curated feed of relevant news, like the old RSS feeds, delivered straight to my inbox. I also rely on browser algorithms and once I start reading interesting tech articles, I get even more recommendations tailored to my interests. It’s almost like having an AI assistant to stay updated.
And outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
With my kids grown up and out of the house, I have more time for hobbies. Right now, I’m really into carpentry. I’ve joined a local workshop where I’m learning how to use professional tools and machinery. I’ve always loved building, whether it’s software or something physical, so this is another creative outlet for me. Lately, I’ve been working on some home projects like making flowerpots for the balcony and in the future, I’d like to build a bar cabinet. It’s a great way to unwind.
Want to stay updated on the latest tech trends, just like Robert? Here are some newsletters and sites he recommends:
Stay curious and keep creating, Robert—whether in code or wood!
