In a recent episode of "Hallgeir's Podcast," we had the pleasure of hearing from Julia Paulson, the Director of e-Commerce at Elkjøp Nordic. Julia's journey and insights offer a fascinating look into the life of a modern business leader. Below, I've summarized the podcast for those who may have missed it or wish to revisit the highlights.
Introduction to Julia Paulson
Julia Paulson introduces herself as the Director of e-Commerce at El Shop Nordic, a prominent tech company in Norway with a significant presence across Scandinavia. Julia manages the company's websites in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, working with e-commerce teams to enhance customer journeys online—a role she has passionately embraced over the past four years.
Navigating E-Commerce and Employer Branding
During the conversation, Julia touches on her love for testing and measuring in e-commerce. Interestingly, despite not enjoying math in school, she finds the data-driven aspect of her work rewarding. Julia emphasizes the importance of understanding financial data and customer behavior, highlighting the value of immediate feedback in the online world.
Cultural Influences and Personal Growth
Julia shares her unique background, growing up in Carlia, an area once part of Finland but now within Russia's borders. Raised by her grandmother in a self-sufficient community, Julia learned the value of independence and people-oriented living. Her journey took her from Finland to London, then to Berlin, and ultimately to Norway, reinforcing her adaptability and openness to new challenges.
Julia discusses her core philosophy: the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities. Her decision to move to London without a return ticket, and later to embrace a career shift with Zalando in Berlin, illustrates her fearless approach to life and work.
A Leadership Style Focused on Coaching
As a leader, Julia describes her style as coaching-focused. She manages a diverse team spread across different markets, emphasizing the significance of understanding her team's daily challenges to make informed decisions. Her approach balances trust and involvement, ensuring that she contributes valuable insights while empowering her team to excel.
Reflections on Life and Career
Reflecting on her life, Julia expresses pride in her ability to rebuild herself multiple times in new environments. She attributes much of her success to her supportive husband, illustrating the importance of a strong personal foundation. Julia's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and partnership in achieving professional and personal fulfillment.
Rapid Fire Questions with Julia
In the latter part of the podcast, Hallgeir poses rapid-fire questions, revealing Julia's appreciation for humor, her admiration for her grandmother, and her love for Leonard Cohen's music. Asked how she would advise her ten-year-old self, Julia underscores the value of embracing mistakes and learning from them.
Conclusion
Julia Paulson's journey is an inspiring example of embracing life's opportunities with courage and conviction. Her insights into leadership, personal growth, and the power of saying "yes" offer valuable lessons for anyone striving to navigate the complexities of modern life and work.
Catch more insightful conversations like this on Hallgeir's Podcast, where the madness of everyday life meets the stories that shape us.
