When Ida Thomasdotter Eriksson joined Schibsted in 2017, fresh out of university, she couldn’t have predicted the career growth that awaited her within the company.
Reflecting on her early days, Ida says, “I was eager to make an impact. Schibsted gave me the platform I needed to grow, exposing me to various brands within the group and expanding my understanding of the business.” Initially hired as an HR coordinator, Ida quickly became essential in enhancing the company’s recruitment processes, employer branding initiatives and training catalogue, which allowed her to form connections with colleagues across different departments and brands.
The journey through Schibsted
By 2018, Ida had transitioned into her first business-facing HR role, interacting with multiple teams and brands within the Schibsted group. “Eight years later, I am still thriving in this fantastic environment, where I’ve had the opportunity to grow as a person, a professional and recently, as a leader,” she states. Now in her fifth role with the company, Ida serves as the Head of People & Culture at Lendo Group, part of Schibsted Marketplaces, a position she once dreamed of as a recent graduate back in 2017.
Ida is particularly grateful to her past managers, who recognized and nurtured her potential from the start. “I am forever thankful to my former manager, who allowed me to take on my very first HR Business Partner role. She saw potential in me and challenged me, especially when I doubted myself,” Ida reflects. She credits the trust placed in her and the supportive attitude of her previous managers – who encouraged her to ‘try it out, and it’s okay if you fail’ – as foundational to her growth.
Lendo Group’s winning culture
Transitioning to Lendo Group required only a short move for Ida – from one floor to another within the same building as Schibsted Marketplaces. She immediately recognized that although Lendo Group shares the dynamic,fast-paced nature of Schibsted, the company also has qualities that define its unique workplace culture. “At Lendo Group, with its different units, our emphasis on teamwork, customer focus, and relentless execution fuels our success,” Ida explains. “Here, we strive to win as a team but also uphold resilience and perseverance”.
The vibrant atmosphere is both inclusive and supportive, complementing the high-energy environment to foster a workspace where employees are continuously challenged yet thoroughly supported. Ida elaborates, “The incredible determination our team shows is a critical component of our success. Combined with our commitment to inclusivity, this determination is essential for nurturing a productive and supportive workplace.”
Internal learning opportunities
Ida highlights Schibsted’s Learning Lab as a crucial part of her growth within the company. Eager to maximize her professional development, Ida has actively participated in various programs, including leadership initiatives to enhance employee skills. “I have tried to join as many relevant learning opportunities as possible,” Ida states.
However, she attributes much of her professional development to the robust HR community at Schibsted. “What has made me grow the most is surrounding myself with colleagues and specialists with knowledge that differs from my own, giving me new perspectives” she reflects.
Looking forward
Reflecting on her initial ambitions and how they have shaped her current responsibilities, Ida shares, “Back in 2017, I aimed to step into a business-facing HR role where I would be part of driving business success, through the people, culture and organisation dimension. Today, I’m fortunate to do exactly that.” As she continues in her capacity as Head of People & Culture at Lendo Group, her goals are clear: to be the best leader for her team and act as a role model for the organization. Continuously driving a forward-leaning, ‘never satisfied’ HR function. She is committed to deeply integrating HR to empower business growth and make a lasting impact.
