Boel Schylander

Thank you very much, it is truly an honour to be to be included among such inspiring women.

As a person, I am open and outgoing, and I believe that, along with my knowledge and commitment to sustainability issues, was crucial for making it onto the list. I believe it is well described in the nomination text.

“An inspiring spokesperson for sustainability. Boel’s commitment is both contagious and driving for the entire industry. Her expertise, combined with her approach and personality, makes her a role model and increases interest in the field and the desire to learn more.”

I would say that the mining industry has generally come a long way. Many of the ESG topics are directly linked to the specific operation’s “license to operate,” and therefore, the industry has been working systematically with this for a long time.

Many mining companies have ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially within Scope 1 and 2. More are also actively working to reduce their emissions in the value chain, both upstream and downstream. To succeed with the climate transition, we need to work together towards the same goals!

I never questioned whether I would study at university; it was natural. My mom and dad were the first in their families to have the opportunity to pursue higher education, and at home, we regularly talked about it. By the time I was in high school, I knew I wanted to become an engineer, and since I found chemistry to be the most enjoyable science subject, I chose Chemical Engineering. At the university where I studied, there was an opportunity to specialize in the steel and mining industries, and I found these fields and companies exciting and interesting.

I am passionate about environmental and sustainability topics and integrating them as a natural part of the business and see them as a business opportunity. Seeing that sustainability becomes more important for our company, for customers and suppliers, is very rewarding. I also find it incredibly fulfilling to work with different people and functions within the organization and outside. In my role, I get the opportunity to work with people from all over the world, including customers, suppliers, consultants, universities, etc.

It feels a bit surreal that I have been working for over 20 years, but time flies when you’re having fun! I started my career as a development engineer in the steel industry. My first job focused on circularity, and we worked to increase the use and recycling of various types of by-products. The work involved process, product, and business development, and that’s where my interest in sustainability began. I also worked as an environmental specialist and EHS manager at the same company. After 13 years in this field, it was time to try something new, and I became the manager of a production section within the company. It was incredibly fun to have the opportunity to develop the business, apply my EHS knowledge, and develop as a leader.

After 15 years at the same company, it was time for me to see another company, and  I got a job as production manager for Raiseboring products at Sandvik Rock Tools, and that’s where my career at Sandvik began. After a couple of years, Rock Tools was looking for its first sustainability manager, and I felt that the role suited me perfectly. I got the role, and since it was new, I had the opportunity to work with the management team and other colleagues to prioritize and build up the joint sustainability work for the division. At the end of 2022, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions was looking for a VP of Sustainability, and I applied and got the job. I already had a great job at Rock Tools and wasn’t really done there, but sometimes you must seize the opportunity, and I have absolutely no regrets!

You don’t need to have an exact answer for what you want to study or what you want to do when you are finished with your education. By becoming an engineer, if that’s your choice, you have a solid theoretical foundation to build on, and from there, you can steer your career based on what you find enjoyable and fulfilling.

You also don’t need to perform at the top all the time, and you don’t need to rush to take the next career step. It’s important to think long-term, and you don’t need to have done everything before you turn 35. Be curious and dare to try new things, even if you don’t feel completely comfortable. It is by daring to step outside your comfort zone that you develop professionally and as a person.

I genuinely believe that the presence of women in all different roles in a company is crucial for the success of a company. I also believe it is an essential factor for attracting talent and new employees. I believe diverse operating teams lead to better performance overall, but a diverse team is not only about gender, but more about cognitive diversity. To achieve that, we need teams with different genders, cultures, ages, and social backgrounds.

I believe that role models are important, and as a young woman in a male-dominated industry, female role models are especially important.

When I started working, there were several female managers in the organization, which I perceived as very positive. It showed that there are many opportunities to develop, and that it was primarily up to me and what I wanted. I have also had the privilege of having good managers who believed in me and allowed me to develop.

My husband and I have two children, 15 and 17 years old, so much of my free time revolves around their sports activities. Both play floorball and football. The whole family also loves skiing, so during the winter, we spend as much time as possible in the mountains.

Personally, I enjoy being outdoors and staying active. I run, mountain bike, and walk, preferably with friends.