Meet the new leadership duo of ANE: One comes from Sweden, pharmaceuticals, pyrotechnics and ballroom dancing; the other from Finland, computer science, student politics and techno party organising. Very different stories and yet, they meet perfectly when it comes to values, purpose and the Nordic spirit.
Together, Ulrika Lindstrand and Juhani Nokela carry a shared ambition: to strengthen Nordic cooperation, elevate the role of engineers, and ensure ANE remains a relevant, trusted voice in a rapidly changing Europe.
Ulrika Lindstrand — ANE’s New Chair
Ulrika’s professional journey began with a simple “yes” — the kind you give before you quite realise what you’re getting into. Asked to serve as a local representative at her pharmaceutical company back in the early 2000s, she soon discovered an instinct for fairness, a drive to help others, and a curiosity for understanding how decisions are shaped. That initial role led her step by step into national bargaining, board work, the vice presidency, and ultimately the presidency of Sveriges Ingenjörer.
But long before she became the Chair of Sveriges Ingenjörer and of ANE, Ulrika was taking apart household gadgets to see how they worked, wondering how a pill “knows” where to go and what to do in the body. The engineer in her was there all along — it just needed time to reveal itself. She also worked as a pyrotechnician — a fact that never fails to surprise anyone who meets her in a professional setting.
Her leadership style is a blend of holistic thinking, inclusion, and perceptiveness. Ulrika sees the bigger picture without losing the essential details. She tries to build safe, open environments where everyone feels able to speak freely. And she has a rare skill: reading the room — sensing who is hesitating, who needs support, and when the timing is right for a decision.
Outside the office, Ulrika seeks quietness, nature, yoga and long walks that ground her. She loves English crime fiction and British history — perfect escapes from full days of meetings and negotiations. And sometimes, she simply treasures time alone, after a day filled with people.
Juhani Nokela — ANE’s New Vice Chair
If Ulrika’s path began with a surprised “yes”, Juhani’s began with a beat — a techno beat. As a student at Aalto University, studying computer science, he spent his early years organising techno parties on campus. Somewhere between DJ decks and floor‑cleaning at dawn, he had a thought: perhaps he could do something more serious for society. That thought led him into student politics — local, national, and eventually as General Secretary for vocational trainees.
By the time he graduated, he had unintentionally completed what he jokingly calls “a master’s degree in politics”. At TEK, he combined his two worlds — engineering understanding and political fluency — to become Director of Public Affairs.
Juhani’s leadership philosophy is straightforward and distinctly Nordic: trust people, treat them equally, and help them succeed. Leading experts, he believes, means giving them autonomy — and clearing obstacles rather than directing them.
Outside work, Juhani, who is a father of younger kids, prioritises family life above all else. But as a dedicated Liverpool FC supporter, he is also very happy either at Anfield or at a bar with friends who don’t care what he does for a living and what he thinks about politics (a refreshing rarity in his line of work).
His wellbeing philosophy is simple: have a hobby, prioritise what matters — and be merciful with yourself. Also, learn to say no. Even when it feels uncomfortable.
A Shared Nordic Vision
From the green transition to digitalisation, from defence to preparedness, both Ulrika and Juhani believe engineers hold the tools to address Europe’s biggest challenges — but their role must be recognised, strengthened and advocated for. And this is precisely why the collaboration within ANE matters so deeply.
They emphasise that the Nordic model is under pressure. Working life has become more demanding; expectations on engineers have intensified; and younger professionals often don’t know how unions can protect and support them. They argue that Nordic cooperation is more important than ever, allowing unions to share knowledge, avoid reinventing the wheel, and speak with one voice when it matters most.
Together, they hope for an ANE that is:
- United, with all Nordic engineering organisations onboard
- Recognised, a trusted advisor for decision‑makers across the Nordics and Europe
- Collaborative, with strong networks between experts, not just leaders
- Data-driven, with smooth knowledge‑sharing across borders
- Relevant, capable of adapting as challenges evolve
Above all, they imagine an ANE that continues to thrive long after their own terms end.