If you have ever started a new role, joined a new team, or found yourself sitting in a room full of more experienced colleagues, you probably know the feeling. You wonder whether your ideas are valuable enough to share. You hesitate before asking a question because everyone else seems to know the answer already and you might think: Do I really belong here?
Most of us have experienced moments like these. While the circumstances may differ, the feeling is often the same: uncertainty about whether we truly fit in.
What I have learned through conversations with colleagues across Husqvarna Group is that these thoughts are far more common than we tend to believe. Some of the most accomplished, confident, and inspiring people I have met have shared similar experiences. Regardless of role, seniority, or background, most of us experience moments of self-doubt. What matters is not the absence of uncertainty, but having the confidence to contribute despite it.
One place that has helped me develop that confidence has been EMPOWERed.
EMPOWERed is Husqvarna Groups Employee Resource Group dedicated to fostering gender equality, inclusion, connection, and growth. It brings together colleagues from different functions, backgrounds, experiences, and career stages to exchange perspectives, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships.
For me, EMPOWERed has been much more than a network. It has played an important role in both my personal and professional development. It has provided a space where I got the opportunity to try out new things, challenge myself, and grow while always feeling comfortable to be myself.
Through EMPOWERed, I have had the privilege of meeting colleagues from across the organization whom I would likely never have encountered in my day-to-day work. I have listened to their stories, learned from their experiences, and been inspired by their openness. Seeing how others navigate challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty reminds me that growth is rarely a straight line and that none of us are alone in our doubts. Most importantly, EMPOWERed creates something that every person needs: a sense of belonging.
Belonging is about more than simply being invited into the room. It is about feeling comfortable enough to contribute once you are there. It is about knowing that your perspective matters, that your experiences are valued, that your voice is welcome, and you are appreciated for who you are.
Over time, I have realized that much of the confidence I’ve gained has come from colleagues who took the time to listen, encouraged me to speak up, showed genuine interest in my perspective, and created an environment where it felt safe to contribute. Those experiences have taught me that belonging is not only about finding your place, it is also about helping others find theirs.
Every one of us has the opportunity to create that feeling for someone else. After all, we all contribute to each other's work environment. Every interaction gives us an opportunity to help someone feel included. A welcoming conversation, an invitation to share an opinion, or simply taking the time to listen can have a greater impact on someone than we realize.
Nowadays, it is common knowledge that diversity is a key driver for innovation and organizational success, as diverse teams bring a broader range of experiences, perspectives, and ideas. Innovation thrives when people challenge assumptions, offer alternative viewpoints, and approach problems from different angles.
Especially in times of uncertainty and change, diverse perspectives become even more valuable.
These are the moments when organizations benefit most from curiosity, constructive dialogue, and fresh thinking. However, to fully unlock its potential, we need to create an environment where people feel comfortable contributing what makes them different.
Imagine how much energy it takes to be someone you are not. To constantly adapt, filter yourself, or try to fit into an image of who you think you should be. That is energy that could otherwise be spent solving problems, generating ideas, building relationships, and creating value. When people feel they need to hide parts of themselves, both individuals and organizations miss out on their full potential.
When people feel accepted as they are, something powerful happens.
The energy spent on fitting in can be redirected towards learning, growing, collaborating, and innovating. People are more likely to speak up, challenge ideas constructively, and contribute with their best work. That is why Come as You Are resonates strongly with me.
Belonging is not about changing who we are to fit in. It is about creating an environment where people do not feel they have to. When we make space for others to be themselves, we unlock the perspectives, talents, and potential that make our teams, our organization, and our culture stronger. And that benefits all of us.
Anna Lena Linke
Strategy & Business Development Manager