Rural roots in the big city

It’s a long way from a farm in Sweden to the bright lights of Tokyo, but Carl-Gustav Eklund has made a successful transition. Born in a town just outside Gothenburg, Eklund has spent more than 34 years thriving in the world’s largest metropolis. Still, he credits his farm background for values that have guided him throughout his career.

“On a farm, you put in ‘man hours’ or ‘boy hours’,” he says. “All kids work there. So even in my teens, I worked 3–4 hours a day at the farm. Because that was what was needed and I was used to it. Chopping wood, milk machines, driving tractors [and] milking cows.

“By working with animals, seeing them born, growing up, etc, etc, it helps you work with people. Because with animals, you also see personalities,” he adds. “It also helps you respect and better understand life and death. I think you take responsibility and are less shocked over dramatic events.”

Studying mechanical engineering and adding an MBA, Eklund prefers a hands-on rather than strategic approach to management. It was as a student that his urge to work overseas was sparked, when he took summer internship sojourns to Italy, Germany, the US and Brazil. Fluent in five languages, Eklund arrived in Japan in 1978, on a business trip for a major shipping equipment company.

“I had ideas that I would work abroad but I never, ever expected Japan,” he says. “I’d been in America but Japan was off the radar.

“I was thrown out and I stayed alone, representing the firm here for two weeks, visiting a number of companies. And I had lot of interesting experiences. And I think I learned that if you get surprised, then you just have to try to solve the issue and do as [well] as you can.”

Eklund eventually settled in Japan in his twenties, working his way through several industrial companies including the Swedish auto giant Volvo before arriving at his current employer in 2004. These days, as president and representative director of Höganäs Japan, a Swedish metal powder firm, Eklund oversees a staff of 30 in two locations in Japan.

“We are the world leader, by far, in our niche [which is] iron and metal powder,” he says, going on to describe how his company’s products are converted into core components for cars, bicycles and heavy machinery. “The technology is called powder metallurgy and it’s compacted under high pressure … and then heated up to 1,100-1,150 degrees Celsius and the atoms start moving. It doesn’t melt; it goes through a sintering phase. It strengthens; and when it comes out, it has the strength of normal steel.”

For automobiles, Höganäs metal powders are used to make components such as sprockets, small gears, oil pumps and shock absorbers. Eklund proudly points out that his firm’s products are used by all the automakers in Japan, and can be found in some 98% of all cars built in Japan.

“Instead of machining complicated shapes, you have a mould for pressing,” he continues. “You press and you get the right shape from the beginning. It saves materials and saves energy. It’s a very efficient process to manufacture metal components for certain sizes and shapes.”

In a career that’s taken him across Asia — visiting South Korea more than 100 times and China on 40 to 50 occasions, also Taiwan and SE Asia — Eklund believes he’s gained an understanding of the region’s fragile politics. And he believes being a “neutral Swede” acts as a buffer that softens misunderstandings.

“It is helpful because Sweden has always been neutral. We’ve always tried to assist. I think we have a history of good diplomacy. I’m not a diplomat, but I’m pretty good at understanding and explaining the past and present,” he says.

Eklund, the EBC vice-chair, also finds time to contribute to the organisation and various chamber activities. He served as president of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Japan, showing off his golf skills by winning long-drive competitions at joint-chamber tournaments. Eklund hits the links twice a month and holds a 16 handicap — saying in particular that he enjoys the social aspects of the sport.

“Golf has another dimension that few other sports have,” he says. “You have so much time to talk, and it is unique that you can play together even with very different ages and different skills. It’s fantastic, because you do not have to be really athletic, but you can combine your mental strength with the physical.”

Time spent working in Japan: All but two years of my career have been in Japan and Asia (34 years).

Career regret (if any): None, even though I have faced real challenges and higher management positions since a young age.

Favourite saying: “Nothing is impossible, just more difficult”. You can always find a solution to most problems by trying harder and working smart.

Favourite book: Historical books and biographies of great leaders.

Cannot live without: My wife and friends; people connections are your most important asset.

Lesson learned in Japan: Be patient, listen well and be honest; then you can build trust and develop loyal customer relations.

Secret of success in business: Building trust, showing you are in for the long haul and understanding your customer.

Favourite place to dine out: Several —one is BIMI in Daikanyama and at home, there is a Master Chef.

Do you like natto? Not unless it is mixed with spicy Kimchi.

© Japan Today