This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Anneli Gustavsson, IMA Sweden on 18th February 2026.

At IMA, we believe leadership is not defined by title, but by impact. In this edition of Leadership in Action, Anneli Gustavsson shares how influence, courage, and thoughtful coordination can shape outcomes — even from behind the scenes.

Orchestrating Success Behind the Scenes

My name is Anneli Gustavsson, and I work as an Executive Assistant at SAP, supporting the Swedish MD and the Nordic Growth Officer. I’m based in Stockholm.

What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to orchestrate success behind the scenes. I thrive in roles where strong structure, clarity, and thoughtful coordination enable others to deliver their best work. My path has taken me from secretary to Marketing Communications, to Executive Assistant, but the common thread has always been enabling people, teams, and leaders to succeed.

Leadership Without the Title

Early in my career, I was asked to review all my areas of responsibility and identify cost savings. As the person responsible for the office, I analyzed everything from cleaning and office supplies to travel costs and employee lunches.

After digging into the numbers, I found we could save a significant amount simply by changing suppliers for office supplies and travel. But in my conversations with employees, something else stood out: the lack of affordable lunch options was affecting their engagement and daily wellbeing.

So instead of presenting a pure cost-cutting plan, I built a business case for leasing a “Convini fridge”. The cost was minimal, but the potential impact on employee satisfaction was high. I explained to management that maintaining service levels while supporting employee engagement was the better long-term investment.

Despite the company’s push to cut costs, I advocated for the employees, and we moved forward with the fridge. It was a small decision with a surprisingly big impact.

This was an early moment when I realized leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about having the courage to speak up when something matters and grounding your argument in what will genuinely benefit people.

Influencing Without Owning the Decision

As an Executive Assistant, I often influence decisions indirectly. My approach is simple: listen carefully, build trust, stay fact-based, and understand what truly matters to the people involved.

When I combine data, empathy, and clear communication, I’ve found I can help shape decisions even when I’m not the one making them.

Growing Others Along the Way

I try to be a role model for younger people — both through my engagement with Ung Företagsamhet*, where I advise students running their own companies, and in supporting younger assistants early in their careers.

A piece of advice I often share, — and what I would tell my younger self — is this:

• Dare to take space. Your ideas matter.
• Take initiative. Don’t wait to be asked.
• Lean into your strengths. If you love writing, languages, or creating — use it.
• Stay curious. Keep learning, always.
• And most importantly: believe in yourself. Confidence grows through action, not perfection.

These are lessons I learned along the way — so I share them hoping someone else gets to learn them earlier.

(*Junior Achievement)

Staying in Balance to Lead Well

For me, balance isn’t optional — it is the foundation for performing well. I make space for exercise and nature, because that’s where I reset.

I run in the summer and ski in the winter. The combination of movement, fresh air, aching muscles, and the feeling of letting everything else go gives me energy, clarity, and perspective.

We often talk about work-life balance, but I believe it starts with simply being in balance as humans.

This article is penned by Anneli Gustavsson, IMA Sweden.

The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.