Hi everyone, we’d like to introduce ourselves to the online world! Our names are Vincent Tapia and Arman Kayhan-Mahd, and we are also known as the AV Post. We both joined the MBA flex program at Chapman in August of 2024. We are both expected to complete our MBA program in December 2026. We have been to many international countries, but never to Scandinavia, and we look forward to what the adventure brings us on the trip! This trip represents a chance to learn how innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and quality of life are deeply integrated into both business strategy and everyday life in the Nordic region.
Scandinavian countries are often recognized as global leaders in sustainability, clean energy, design thinking, and employee well-being. Companies from Sweden and Denmark have built international reputations not only for financial success, but also for their commitment to social responsibility, equality, and long-term thinking. As MBA students, we are eager to understand how these values shape leadership styles, workplace culture, and business decision-making. One item that caught our interest this week from our lecture setting at Chapman was hearing about Northvolt’s rise and fall in Sweden as an innovator in the EV battery industry. Their batteries were supposed to be seen as the world’s greenest battery and were supposed to reduce Europe’s dependency on Asian battery suppliers. Northvolt had raised about $14 billion from investors, including Volkswagen and Goldman Sachs. In addition, Northvolt built a factory in one of the cities we are visiting, Skelleftea. Unfortunately, due to the many challenges of scaling battery manufacturing and other factors in the broader EV market, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2024.
One aspect of Scandinavian culture that particularly interests us is the emphasis on trust and collaboration. Sweden and Denmark are known for fostering high levels of trust within their societies, workplaces, and institutions. We look forward to seeing how this trust influences leadership styles, employee engagement, and decision-making processes. It will be fascinating to compare these approaches with the more hierarchical business structures that are common in other parts of the world.
Another major learning opportunity will come from exploring the role of design and innovation in Scandinavian businesses. From globally recognized companies to emerging startups, Sweden and Denmark have consistently demonstrated how simplicity, functionality, and user-centered thinking can drive success. We hope to see how businesses incorporate these principles into their products, operations, and customer experiences. This trip will hopefully open up new ideas that we can bring back to the states and to our own industries.
We are also eager to learn how Scandinavian societies prioritize work-life balance. Both countries are frequently recognized for their strong commitment to employee well-being, family life, and personal fulfillment. As MBA students studying leadership and organizational effectiveness, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of how businesses can maintain high levels of productivity while also supporting the quality of life of their employees.
As we begin our trip, we look forward to learning about every cultural aspect in Scandinavia and comparing it to the United States to see the similarities and differences. Perhaps one style may suit the other country better in certain regions. On a personal note, we hope to run into Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as he was one of our favorite football players to watch growing up. He also has a unique personality that we would love to interview if he is in the country. Stay tuned for more posts by the AV Post and chat soon!
