Sandra Anderstedt: Leading with Innovation and Inclusion
Sandra Anderstedt, Vice President and Head of Marketing and Communications at Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions, is a leader in the industrial sector. With nearly two decades of experience leading global marketing and communications teams, Sandra has been a transformative force. Her leadership principles and innovative approach have driven meaningful change, fostering an inclusive and high-performing work environment.
Key Leadership Principles
For Sandra, leadership is about creating a space where different perspectives, experiences, and ideas come together to make something great. “I think leadership is about creating an environment where diverse perspectives, experiences, and personalities come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts,” she explains.
She sees diversity as a key ingredient for high-performing teams—not just in terms of gender, but also in background, experience, and ways of thinking. “When you have a team of smart specialists, leadership becomes a privilege. You get to guide the vision while empowering those around you to shape the best way forward.”
Sandra’s leadership approach is built on transparency, trust, and inclusion. “I believe in sharing a joint vision, defining goals together, and then giving people the freedom to act,” she says. By encouraging open communication and making sure everyone feels valued, she creates an environment where innovation and productivity thrive. She also believes in enjoying the process: “A strong team isn’t just about performance; it’s about growing together, trying new things, and complementing each other’s strengths.”
Driving Innovation and Communication
As a leader in marketing and digitalization, Sandra has tackled plenty of challenges in an industry that’s evolving fast. Despite the traditional gender norms in industrial manufacturing, she’s never let that define her career. “During my nearly 20 years at Sandvik, I have actually never really reflected on my gender – I have always felt that I am with peers where we all bring different strengths, experiences, and perspectives. I have felt valued, respected, and taken seriously for who I am and for the contributions I bring to the table.”
For Sandra, strong communication is key to setting a clear direction. “Communication is essential in setting a clear direction – where we are heading, what is important, and how we measure progress. It’s about making sure everyone is on board, celebrating successes, and learning along the way.”
She thrives on innovation, always looking for new ways to push boundaries and improve efficiency. “Innovation is a driving force for me personally. I am energized by trying new things, pushing boundaries, and finding better ways of doing things. This mindset is also deeply embedded in Sandvik’s DNA – over the past 160 years, innovation has been at the core of what we do. It’s what keeps us moving forward, and it’s what keeps me inspired every day.”
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders
Sandra encourages women to pursue careers in marketing, communications, and leadership within global and technical industries. She finds fulfillment in contributing to a company driven by a clear purpose: advancing the world through engineering. “The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in making the world more sustainable, developing better products, and finding more efficient and responsible ways to produce them. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to something that has a real impact on people’s daily lives.”
Her advice to aspiring leaders is straightforward: “Believe in yourself, be curious, and always do your best. Dare to try new things, and most importantly: deliver on what you promise. Hard work and reliability go a long way in building trust and opening doors for new opportunities.”
In marketing and communications, curiosity is key. “Take the time to truly understand the products, the business, and the company’s strategy. Spend time out in the organization, get to know people in different functions, ask for their input, learn about what the products do, and it will be easier to connect the dots between communication and business goals. The more you understand the bigger picture, the more impact you can have in shaping a strong and meaningful brand.”
Looking Ahead
Sandra Anderstedt’s leadership at Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions exemplifies the power of diversity, innovation, and effective communication. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive and high-performing environment has not only driven meaningful change within the company but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female leaders in the industry. Through her dedication and vision, Sandra continues to advance the world of manufacturing and technology, proving that diverse perspectives and collaboration are key to success.
