Solution Architect: “I hunt down trouble”
On October 1, 2024, Henrik Rendahl started his first day at Consid’s office in Karlstad. As a business developer and architect, he is a problem-solver to his core.
– I take on an assignment, identify possible improvements, and design a solution. Since my approach is quite broad, I move freely between business development, change management, and architecture. In some cases, the challenge is technical, but more often, it’s a matter of cultural change, education, alignment, or simply that the chosen tool doesn’t quite fit the organization’s business processes.
When explaining his role in a more relaxed setting, it sounds like this:
– I was at a private dinner and was asked what I do for work. My answer was something along the lines of: “Imagine you walk into an American saloon sometime in the mid-1800s. In one corner sits a weather-beaten man in a cowboy hat and long coat. He looks up, adjusts his hat, and begins to speak in a broad Southern drawl. ‘Well, ma’am, reckon I’m what ya’d call a troubleshooter by trade. I hunt down trouble, an’ when I find it, I deal with it — quick an’ sure as a six-shooter.’, Henrik says with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye, a clear example of his cheerful personality.
From Infrastructure to Cloud Technology
Henrik started his career in infrastructure, which after several years led him to specialize in web and databases.
– From there, I moved on to integrations until something fantastic happened: cloud technology. I was completely hooked, first in integration and later in data/AI. The cloud journey also led me to solution architecture, which suited my personal traits very well.
In recent years, Henrik has shifted his focus. Today, he works less on technology and more on what is needed to make the technology work in an organization.
– This can include roles such as enterprise architect, business architect, change manager, business analyst, tech lead, project lead, and so on. I have also worked extensively with innovation, both practically and in helping organizations become more innovation-driven.
Do you have anything you are particularly proud of in your career?
– I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world, participating in massive projects with thousands of participants, innovating with well-known players in the industry, and speaking on stages in front of large audiences. However, I would say that none of this matters unless it also leads to personal growth. If I’m part of something exciting but don’t change from the experience, it’s just fleeting entertainment.
Something Henrik strongly recommends for personal growth is getting involved in mentorship programs, both as a mentor and as a mentee.
– I am incredibly proud of the moments when I’ve managed to motivate someone to let go for a moment. Or as Kierkegaard said: “To dare is to lose your footing for a moment. Not to dare is to lose yourself.”
