Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO and co-founder of Klarna, emphasizes the value of 'Swedishness' in leading an international company. Despite Klarna's global presence, with major markets in the US, Germany, and the UK, Siemiatkowski highlights the importance of Swedish cultural values and identity in the company's DNA.
Klarna CEO: Embracing 'Swedishness' as a Major Asset
Klarna CEO: Embracing 'Swedishness' as a Major Asset
Waving Swedish flags doesn't mean much to him, but what he calls 'Swedishness' is highly valued by Klarna's CEO and co-founder, Sebastian Siemiatkowski.
– It's a huge asset, he says about being a Swedish leader at an international corporation.
Sebastian Siemiatkowski was in New York when he, like many others, reacted to a post on X by Member of Parliament Jessica Stegrud (SD) on September 2.
Stegrud wrote, 'It's telling that it's a Swedish-born Kurd and a Persian debating a Swedish cultural canon on Aktuellt' in the controversial post.
'I am Swedish'
Siemiatkowski's response from his hotel room in New York – also on X – was:
'Let me jump into the debate about Swedishness. Born in Sundsvall and raised in Uppsala but with Polish immigrant parents... I am Swedish!'
When TT raises the issue with him in connection with Klarna's stock market listing this week, he says:
– You can't beat the 'Swedishness' out of me. I see it in myself. I see it in how I relate to things and how I appreciate the simple things in life.
For Siemiatkowski, it's about a great trust in people and authorities, about being able to enjoy long vacation days in a simple cottage in the countryside or enjoy books like 'The Road to Skarv: Stories from the Outskirts' by Sten Rinaldo.
From Rinaldo's book, Siemiatkowski recounts the story of a large 'old sea dog' who swam naked to the rocks in the archipelago, to lie down and scream like a seal – all to joke with tourists.
– Only a Swedish guy can do that, who is so secure in himself. There's something genuinely beautiful in that, which I think is wonderful.
'An Incredible Asset'
He gets the same feeling when adults dance 'The Little Frogs' around the midsummer pole.
– It's really silly, but at the same time so liberating. I miss this in the debate about Swedishness. Somewhere there lies the essence of what it is to be Swedish for me.
Siemiatkowski believes that the payment company Klarna – his life's work – has a Swedish DNA. But with over 70 percent foreign ownership and the US, Germany, and the UK as the company's largest markets, the company was listed in New York.
– Our employees are spread globally. Our banking license is indeed Swedish, but the company is registered in the UK. For the owners, it's a non-issue. They think it's obvious that we should be listed alongside our major competitors in the American market.
– Then I think it's an enormous strength that we have so many employees in Sweden and that we have a Swedish DNA in the company's culture. I think that's an incredible asset.