Young professionals

Opticos YPP Journey: Our First Year at Opticos

At the end of another momentous year of the Opticos Young Professionals Program (YPP), Ida Svensson and Louise Lago reflect upon their journey through the YPP

Our first year as management consultants and participants in the Opticos Young Professional Program (YPP) has been nothing short of an adventure. To describe the knowledge we acquired, personal development, and challenges we’ve encountered during this period as merely significant would be an understatement.

Having dedicated four years to earning our Master’s degrees at Linköpings University, we could not help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation on our first day at Opticos. Our journey began on August 22, 2022, when we gathered in Stockholm, along with our fellow YPP colleagues. Given Opticos’ presence in both Stockholm and Gothenburg and the varied locations of program participants, our first week was divided between the two offices. This arrangement provided us with the unique opportunity to get to know our colleagues, fostering collaboration across locations. . Our onboarding week was packed with various onboarding activities, lectures, presentations, and an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the company.

Some of the topics covered in the program included mastering PowerPoint and Excel to insights shared by previous YPP graduates. These sessions laid a strong foundation for our consultancy career, which we continued to build on throughout the YPP-year. This was made possible through a series of specialized sessions, thoughtfully curated by our senior colleagues, who brought their wealth of experience to the table. These sessions, thoughtfully crafted by our senior colleagues covered a wide range of topics; including Consultancy Skills, Project Management, Sourcing, Business & IT Strategy, IT Methodology & Frameworks, Data Management, Enterprise Architecture, and more – all in perfect alignment with Opticos’ portfolio.

One of the standout features of the YPP program at Opticos has been a blend of client assignments and lectures, which has proven invaluable for our development. Being a part of client assignments from the beginning provided us with hands-on experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in real-word challenges. The assignments have been different for each of us attending the program.

Ida’s client assignment: A Hands-On Perspective on Digital Transformation

My journey began with a client assignment two weeks into the YPP-year. The client was in the midst of substantial digital transformation journey, and in my role as PMO, I was able to get a hands-on perspective on its implementation. Further, it gave Most importantly, I have had the support from senior colleges from Opticos throughout this assignment, who have been an integral part of the client assignment, working on various roles.

Louise’s client assignments: Multifaceted IT Experience

My journey began with an IT assessment project together with a senior Opticos colleague, which involved evaluating the client’s IT landscape and offering strategic recommendations to the board. Subsequently, my senior colleague took on the role of interim CIO, and I continued to collaborate with him on strategic initiatives as well as operational tasks. In parallel, I contributed to an Opticos team delivery, working on an information security project, where we implemented an information security management system and provided support to the organization. The assignments have given me a rapid start in understanding different sectors, organizations, and client needs.

In addition to the invaluable support we received from our senior colleagues in our respective client assignments, each of us was assigned a development coach (DC). These coaching sessions with the DC have been instrumental in our ongoing growth and development, not only helping us navigate challenging situations but also allowing us to identify our passions and improvement areas. At Opticos, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is paramount, and this year has been highlighted by enjoyable events, post-work gatherings, and laughter which has enriched our professional lives and forged lasting friendships. We’ve embarked on diverse activities, from painting hot air balloons on canvases to go-kart racing, music quizzes, workout classes, dinners, and much more. Beyond the local events, we’ve had the privilege of attending both the fall conference in Venice and the spring conference in Gothenburg. These conferences offered us the opportunity to work as a cohesive team, share knowledge, and envision the future of our company – a truly inspiring experience.

During these conferences, our Indian colleagues joined us, further strengthening our collaborative ties. As the YPP-year drew to a close, we embarked on a graduation trip to visit our office in Bangalore, India. This proved to be an extraordinary week filled with enlightening company visits, insightful lectures about the Indian business landscape, delightful dinners, and an enriching exploration of Indian culture and history.

In hindsight, as we reflect on our first year as management consultants at Opticos, it is clear that the year has been one of tremendous growth, both personally and professionally. We’ve conquered our initial fears, embraced new challenges, and found our footing in the world of management consulting. The mix of client assignments, expert lectures, and the unwavering support of our colleagues and development coaches has been invaluable in shaping our careers.

As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in our careers with a profound sense of excitement and gratitude, our first year at Opticos will forever be cherished in our memories. Armed with newfound knowledge, strong bonds, and positive memories, we are well-prepared to chart our future course as management consultants, fuelled by the skills and passion instilled in us during this incredible year!

News

Opticos Launches the Chief Data Officer (CDO) Network

With the ever-increasing role of Data in the context of unlocking business value, the role of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) has achieved strategic significance.

We are delighted to launch the Opticos CDO network in an effort to engage with executives, showcase best practices, and foster interactions in the area of Data strategy, management and governance.

The Opticos CDO network has already had two network meetings. The representation is very satisfying, and we have participants across various domains such as banking, transportation, security, manufacturing, and insurance. The participants are willing to contribute, and they appreciate the possibility of networking and knowledge exchange”, says Madeleine Tornard, project leader of the CDO network at Opticos.

For example, some of the topics in focus at the CDO network sessions relate to how companies’ Data Management will be affected by the new EU directives, namely:

  1. Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD)
  2. Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
  3. Digital Product Passport (DPP)

Another interesting area which was discussed include “Data Governance – how do we work within our organizations?” This topic witnessed active participation by the attendees.

“The network and its initial meetings provided a great platform for me to exchange experiences and discuss current and future challenges with peers. I look forward to our future meetings and playing a role in expanding the network.”- CDO network participant

In response to the expressed interest in a face-to-face gathering, our next CDO meeting is scheduled to take place at our new Stockholm office on November 23rd. The meeting will cover other interesting areas such as Data Platforms, Architecture, Cloud/On-prem, and choices of suppliers.

For more information about the Opticos CDO network or to be a part of networking events, do not hesitate to contact our team, John Wallhoff, Madeleine Tornard, Mario Gonzalez, Mattias Gustrin.

News

The Future Is Digital – Are Your Passports Ready?: Insights From Our DPP Webinar

At Opticos, we believe that staying ahead in rapidly evolving business landscape requires not only foresight but also a deep understanding of emerging technological advancements and regulatory changes. Staying true to this philosophy, we recently collaborated with Ortelius to host an exclusive webinar titled “The future is digital, are your Passports Ready?” to understand the upcoming regulation on Digital Product Passport (DPP).

Our webinar provided a unique opportunity for industry leaders and decision-makers to gain valuable insights into the impending Digital Product Passport regulation within the European Union and its significance for businesses across various sectors. The session went beyond the usual discourse on regulatory compliance to explore the exciting business opportunities that DPP can unlock. The webinar generated significant interest, with nearly 100 dedicated professionals participating via the LinkedIn Webinar platform.

Here are the key highlights from the session:

1. Understanding basics

We began by breaking down the “EU Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation & DPP,” shedding light on its components and its importance in today’s business landscape. This segment served attendees with a foundational understanding of how DPP can promote sustainability in product development and business processes.

2. Timeline

The webinar outlined a clear idea of when and how DPP affects companies in the manufacturing sector. Further, a roadmap for compliance was presented, ensuring that participants benefited from a comprehensive understanding of the requirements.

3. Business Opportunities

Beyond compliance, we explored how businesses can leverage DPP in conjunction with digital thread and Digital Twin technologies to discover new growth opportunities and optimize their processes.

4. Initiating Your DPP Journey

To help businesses take practical steps towards implementing DPP, Opticos & Ortelius unveiled a strategic five-step plan. This actionable blueprint empowers companies to kickstart their DPP journey confidently.

In a world where digital transformation is reshaping industries, being well-prepared and strategically positioned is key. The Digital Product Passport revolution is upon us, and at Opticos, we are committed to guiding businesses through this transformative journey. Stay ahead of the curve, embrace the digital future, and ensure your passports are ready to navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s business landscape.

Did you miss the webinar? You can access the recording here.

News

Expanding Horizons: Opticos Opens New Offices in Gothenburg and Stockholm

With our growing team and the ever-increasing demand from our clients, we are thrilled to announce expansion of our office spaces in both Gothenburg and Stockholm. These new offices not only accommodate our expanding team but also enhance our ability to serve our clients with unmatched expertise.

Gothenburg

In Gothenburg, we’ve taken a significant step forward by expanding our office with an impressive 100 square meters space. This expansion is a testament to our dedication to providing top-notch consulting services and maintaining a friendly work environment. Our newly improved office is conveniently located in the heart of the city on Kungsportsavenyn 1, just one floor up from our previous location. The building, dating back to 1880, exudes charm, blending the rich history of the city with a modern and welcoming atmosphere.

Our Gothenburg office offers an open office layout, creating an environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. The space offers spacious conference rooms, ideal for client meetings and brainstorming sessions.

Stockholm

In the bustling city of Stockholm, our brand-new office space, located at Olof Palmes gata 23,  is at just a short walk from the Central Station. This spacious 300-square-meter office space has been carefully designed to boost efficiency and promote collaboration among our consultants.

The office supports meeting rooms, including six smaller ones and three conference rooms, with one especially spacious room to accommodate large gatherings and presentations. Our open workspace encourages flexibility and interaction, making it easier for our consultants to collaborate and share insights. A dedicated area is on offer for those who prefer a quiet and focused work environment.

At Opticos, we understand that our success lies in the collective brilliance and dedication of our team. With these expansions in Gothenburg and Stockholm, we aim to provide our consultants with the best possible resources and a friendly work atmosphere where they can thrive and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

We’d like to hear from you! Feel free to visit us in Stockholm or Gothenburg to discuss your requirements. For more information or to book a meeting, please write to us at: info@opticos.se