Kjell A. Nordstrom

Europe’s number 1 Management Thinker

Amid the madness and hyperbole surrounding the new economy, Dr. Kjell A. Nordström is a guru of the new world of business. The 2007 Thinkers 50, the world's first ranking of management thinkers, ranked Nordström and his partner Dr. Jonas Ridderstråle at number 13 in the world and number one in Europe. His dynamic style makes him a highly appreciated speaker throughout the world. He has served as an advisor/consultant to several large multinationals.

Kjell holds an Economic Licentiate degree and a doctoral degree from the Stockholm School of Economics. He is presently Associate Professor at the Institute of International Business (IIB) at the Stockholm School of Economics. His research and consulting focus is on the areas of corporate strategy, multinational corporations and globalization. Kjell has published a book and numerous articles on the internationalization process of firms. Already 5 years ago he was recognized as Sweden's outstanding young academic of the year.

Kjell explains the drivers that are shaping the wired world. He challenges people to depart from the patterns of the past by rethinking organisation and the value of human capital. Through his expertise and insight he helps businesses to prosper in the global marketplace.

He is presently an Assistant Professor at the Institute of International Business (IIB), Stockholm School of Economics, focusing on research, consulting and management training in Sweden and abroad in the areas of corporate strategy, multinational corporations and globalisation. Kjell is one of the founders of the Stockholm School of Economics’ most prestigious program, The Advanced Management Program (AMP).

Kjell has served as an advisor and consultant to several large multinational corporations. During the last few years he has also been heavily involved in management training at various institutions, such as the Swedish Institute of Management (ILF), the Beijing Institute on Economic Management, Chalmers Institute of Technology and The Ericsson Management Institute. He is also on the board of directors of several companies.

The book Funky Business - Talent makes capital dance (co-authored with Jonas Ridderstråle) is a manifesto of what our time requires from business firms and their leaders. The book has been featured on CNN and CNBC, and appeared in Fortune, Fast Company, Time Magazine, Financial Times, Paris Match, etc. and is an international best-seller. So far, it has been translated into more than 31 languages. In 2000, both Amazon.co.uk and Management General rated Funky Business as one of the five best business books of that year. The book was recently ranked at number 16 in a survey of the best business book of all time.

The new book Karaoke Capitalism: Management for Mankind (co-authored with Jonas Ridderstråle) is a new manifesto for how to make it in the world of Karaoke Capitalism. Individuals with endless choice dominate the karaoke economy. The trouble for business is that the karaoke club is also home to institutionalized imitation. Copycats abound. Only imagination and innovation place societies, organizations and individuals center-stage. Karaoke Capitalism is a call to arms.

To date Karaoke Capitalism has been contracted for publication in 23 languages.

Kjell is a rebel with a cause. With his unorthodox combination of academic rigor, forceful logic and funky free-thinking he once again re-writes the rules for revolutionaries.

An unconventional, dynamic and highly effective speaker, Kjell is not your typical conservative business guru in a suit. Unconventional times call for unconventional thinkers, and Kjell suits the times. This is reflected in his revolutionary message and his antidote for conservatism in what he calls “Karaoke Capitalism”.

Areas of expertise

Change Management
Creativity/ Innovation
E-business
E-commerce
Entrepreneurship
Futurist
Globalization
Human Resources
International Business
Leadership
Management
Strategy

Testimonials

“It was incredibly powerful, immensely forward looking and visionary. We are also full of admiration for your superb and inspirational facilitation techniques.” Rudolf H. Messinger, Chief, Career Management Section, UNICEF Headquarters

“Our clients and my colleagues were impacted by your performance. We were able to enjoy a very entertaining while at the same time provoking speech outlining a wealth of ideas about the new world.” - Dirk Lohmann, CEO, Zurich Re

“On behalf of all the conference participants and the employees of MGG Conferences, I would like to thank you most sincerely for a fantastic seminar. Your independent thoughts, confident summaries and tone of optimism has given real support and inspiration to the participants to go out and look for new, fresh solutions to their business problems.” - Malgorzata Golinska-Gierych, President, MGG Conferences Sp. z o.o. Poland

“You are possessed of a unique clarity of thought and vision which I for one found extremely compelling. Rarely have I seen a room of often jaded marketing professionals, with the odd HR spy, completely engaged and genuinely interested.” - Conor Ryan, Consumer Service, Guinness UDV