In this episode of the Digital Customer Experience Podcast by giosg, host Daniel Paul sits down with Patrik Hedljung, AI Catalyst at Scania, to explore how one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers is embracing AI and digital transformation.
Patrik’s unique journey from HR to IT, together with his passion for innovation, sheds light on how organizations can navigate the complexities of integrating AI into their operations while keeping human connections at the forefront.
There's one question on many people's minds when it comes to AI in business: how can organizations maintain authentic human connections while leveraging cutting-edge technologies? To this, Patrik emphasizes the importance of balance:
"You need to find a balance between creating that human space to meet and leveraging the possibilities generative AI offers,"
Scania is navigating this balance by democratizing AI, making it accessible to employees across all levels.
By promoting AI literacy, they empower employees to explore innovative use cases that could transform their roles and outputs.
For a traditional truck manufacturer like Scania, integrating AI adds another layer to the existing shift towards electric, autonomous, and connected vehicles. Patrik describes the transition as "extremely complex," requiring a departure from incremental improvements to rapid, large-scale changes.
Moreover, addressing employee concerns about AI’s impact on jobs is critical. Scania prioritizes transparency and collaboration:
"We don’t know exactly how AI will impact jobs, but our goal is not to reduce people. Instead, we aim to produce more and better with the same team."
Patrik’s philosophy for AI adoption centres around the organization’s culture. Rather than relying solely on top-down mandates, he highlights the importance of identifying and involving influencers within the company to drive change:
"Start with assessing your organization—its culture, traditions, and people. Early adopters and intrapreneurs hold the key to success."
This tailored approach ensures that AI initiatives resonate with employees and are implemented effectively across departments.
Scania has implemented numerous AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity, from meeting summaries to data analysis. However, the true power lies in spreading AI tools widely:
"By democratizing AI, we enable employees to come up with the smartest use cases that IT alone could never envision,"
This strategy not only improves efficiency but also sparks innovation across the organization.
Looking ahead, Patrik believes AI will redefine leadership by automating transactional tasks and freeing leaders to focus on meaningful, value-driven interactions:
"AI can help us fulfill the promise of leadership that is truly about human potential and real connections."
With AI as an enabler, leaders can spend less time on administrative work and more time fostering collaboration and creativity.
Patrik’s story isn’t just about AI — it's also about taking bold risks. From spontaneously buying a house in Italy to updating his LinkedIn title months before officially landing his dream role, Patrik exemplifies the power of action and vision.
"Dress for the role you want, not the one you have," he advises, recounting how these bold moves have shaped his career and personal life.
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