CEO Agenda: The secrets of success with Jesper Brodin, CEO of IKEA

Jesper Brodin is the CEO of Sweden’s most famous furniture company. Since he took over the yellow giant’s global retail operations in 2017, the company underwent a drastic transformation. INGKA Group (the official name of IKEA’s retail arm) under his tenure became a net producer of green energy; opened second-hand shops and recycling programs in most of its locations; and in some key markets, like Germany, now sells more veggie meatballs than real ones. 

Behind this strategic and operational shift is a man who deeply contemplates the role he and his company play in the world. Yes, Brodin thinks about IKEA’s growth and profitability, and the company’s 20% growth in recent years attest to that commitment. But he’d feel bad if that was his only legacy, he says, when the world he grew up in is at risk of disappearing, both because the middle class is under pressure, and climate change is already wreaking havoc in many parts of the world. 

We couldn’t think of a better candidate to open our new “CEO Agenda” series, where we explore what goes on in the lives and minds of some of the world’s most influential and admired business leaders. Today we meet with the CEO of Ingka Group, Jesper Brodin.

This interview has been edited for brevity.

Down to business

Fortune: What is the single most important project you are working on with your company?

Jesper Brodin: The single most important one is how we can better serve people with thin wallets – by becoming more affordable. At the same time, growing our business and reducing carbon in line with the Paris Agreement. We know being a good business is good for business, and we want to inspire many more to follow.

Which long-term trend are you most bullish about for society and the economy at large?

Climate change. We are in the most important decade of climate action, and it’s our generation’s responsibility to solve and change the course of the present trend. We still have it in our hands, and even if we can see slight positive movement, we need to speed up and collaborate across society, businesses and governments.

If you were an economic policymaker, what would be your top priority?   

To ensure that we incentivize the right investments when it comes to transitioning to net-zero.

Being productive

What time do you get up, and what part of your morning routine sets you up for the day?

Coffee is important….  Even after 7 hours of good sleep!

What time do you work until? Do you continue sending emails during the night and/or weekends?

I try to stop around 6 pm. After work, I enjoy spending time with my family and exercising. This isn’t always the case – but I try. My job never ends, and I could work until midnight and still not be done.

What apps or methods do you use to be more productive?

Best method: spend time with family, nature, and exercise. And laugh often!

Who is on your “personal board”?

My wife and my three teenage kids. Thanks to them, I get a reality check on what’s important in life. I also have a close relationship with our chair; Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, who has been and continues to be a great support in challenging times, with his simple and pragmatic approach.

Getting personal

What book have you read, either recently or in the past, that has inspired you?

I recently read “The Hydrogen Revolution” by Marco Alvera. I enjoy a good old Steinbeck or Dostojevski, however, this was one of the most educational reads in a long time.

Amazon.co.uk

If you could ask your idol one question, who would it be, and what would you ask?

I have many idols…. I would ask my Youth Council what more we can do to spread hope and stimulate actions for a better world. I would also ask Douglas Adams if the answer to the meaning of life and everything is still 42.

As a consumer, what is your favorite company and why?

Assuming I cannot vote for IKEA, I will go for Volvo Cars. They make great vehicles and have committed to transforming to 100% electric by 2030, despite the challenges. That’s leadership, in my opinion.

Han Myung-Gu/WireImage via Getty

And to end on a lighter note: What was the last costume you wore?

A tux, if that counts. I felt a bit dressed up since that’s not my usual attire.

CEO Agenda provides unique insights into how leaders think and lead and what keeps them busy in a world of constant change. We look into the lives, minds and agendas of CEOs at the world’s most iconic companies.