Henrik Nordvall is the kind of leader who carves out one hour, every Friday, for reflection. A leader who embraces failure, not as a setback, but as a gateway to growth. Under his leadership, H&M was ranked the fifth-best employer in the UK in the clothing, accessories and sports sector (Financial Times and Statista). So, how did this Swedish “Bjärred boy” become a seasoned leader in London?
Henrik Nordvall didn’t set out to climb the corporate ladder. In fact, his first ambition was far from boardrooms and business strategy; he dreamed of becoming a professional golfer. His studies at Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM) were, at the time, simply a backup plan in case his sporting career didn’t pan out. Today, he’s deeply grateful that his parents encouraged him to pursue that education, because it ultimately shaped the course of his adult life.
“My mother was a teacher, and my father worked in banking. Both of them were incredibly hardworking and showed me that nothing in life comes for free,” he says. “But all the competitors I faced in sports also helped shape my drive to excel.”
Even though his professional life is now centered in London, Henrik’s ties to Lund remain strong. All his siblings still live in the area, making it a natural point of connection and grounding whenever he returns to Sweden.
Now his life is in London with his wife and two children. This is his second chapter in the vibrant, double-decker metropolis. He was here once before and left, but came back again in 2022, because he loves this city.
“I was always drawn to London. It is an incredible city where the entire world seems to live together in harmony,” he says. “The natural diversity of people, cultures and experiences is unlike anywhere else on earth.”
For Henrik, working in London isn’t just a professional choice, it’s a continuous source of personal growth. The multicultural landscape offers daily lessons in perspective, while the competitive talent pool keeps him sharp and inspired. It’s a place that challenges him, motivates him, and constantly broadens his view of what leadership means in a global context.
“The talent pool is enormous, and the level of competition is intense. That’s exactly what makes working life here both educational and rewarding.”
The Road to Success
The road to success often begins with understanding that your first job might just be the first step on a career ladder. Henrik started at H&M as a trainee and worked his way through various roles and all over the world. He credits some of his success to his previous H&M manager, Madeline Persson (a Lund University alumna), recognised as one of Sweden’s most powerful female directors who played a key role in shaping H&M’s global growth.
Henrik’s experience with Madeleine highlights her unique leadership style, as someone who inspires and empowers those around her, she fosters an environment where growth thrives.
“Madeleine is a source of energy, a person who brings people along with her through her enthusiasm and visionary nature, as well as her belief in people. She provides support to her team instead of micromanaging. As a result, she helps people grow through responsibility”, he says.
He is also grateful for Lund and the endless possibilities and inspiration that the city and the University have given him. “I was very unsure about what to do after my studies,” he recalls, “but the University and the city gave me many opportunities to explore different paths.”
Purpose first, profit follows
He encourages others to explore international opportunities and remain curious about what they truly want to contribute to in life. In his view, money isn’t everything, doing something you can be proud of holds far greater value. By identifying that purpose, he believes a career naturally becomes more focused and successful, often bringing financial security as a result.
Looking to the future, Henrik is eager to continue growing, both professionally and personally. Privately, he looks forward to watching his children develop into compassionate individuals with strong values. Professionally, he is excited to keep evolving in new contexts and contributing to H&M’s long-term vision.
“Working for a company that truly wants to make a positive impact in sustainability and genuinely takes care of its employees is a privilege. Right now, we are developing our offering and what we want to provide our customers, a task that brings a lot of drive and motivation for me and my colleagues,” he reflects.
Does not leave reflection to chance
For the past 15 years, Henrik has scheduled one hour every Friday to pause, look back on the week, and assess whether he has stayed true to his purpose.
“It’s a commitment I’ve given myself—every Friday, one hour to reflect. Sometimes the mind is tired and not much comes, but that’s okay” he explains.
This ritual isn’t about productivity alone. It’s about intention, and about staying aligned with the values that drive him, even when the week has been overwhelming. Some weeks, the clarity comes easily. Other times, the reflections are sparse. But over time, this practice has built a sense of continuity and direction.
“You sit down, write it out—was it a good week, a tough one? What could be done better? What do I want to continue doing?” he says. “The key is to find what kind of reflection works for you, and not to beat yourself up if it’s not perfect.”
In a world that often glorifies constant motion, Henrik Nordvall’s weekly hour of stillness is a quiet act of leadership, and perhaps a reminder that self-awareness is a skill worth prioritising?
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