Leadership Lessons from the Trenches
Keynotes and workshops on scaling, adaptability, and leading through pivotal moments.
About Andreas
I’m an executive advisor and keynote speaker, but before all that, I was a tech CEO who learned leadership the hard way. For 16+ years I built companies from scratch, scaled teams across three continents, and navigated the collision of startup chaos and enterprise expectations.
By 37, I had become Canon’s youngest stand‑alone CEO, leading Arcules, a cloud video startup backed by Canon. We grew to 150 employees and built a hyperscale AI platform cycling more than 100 petabytes of video and audio data every 30 days.
“Life has taught me that success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey best traveled with joy, purpose, and the occasional dance break!”
Those years taught me that leadership isn’t about titles or perfect strategy, it’s about how you show up in pressure moments. Confidence and clarity are practices, not personality traits.
“This journey isn’t just about about the grind, it’s about transformation, deep self-awareness and emotional intelligence.”
Along the way, I survived a near‑death health scare and learned resilience while raising my autistic son. Both experiences reshaped my view of leadership: real strength comes from empathy and adaptability, not just sharp strategy.
Now, as the founder of LeadersAdapt, I’ve advised more than 100 leaders. Many achieved 50% revenue growth in 12 months or earned promotions within six months. My goal is simple: help leaders grow without sacrificing health, family, or authenticity.
Everything you need for our event together
Bio
Andreas Pettersson is the author of Power Without Permission, executive advisor, and former AI SaaS CEO. By 37 he became Canon’s youngest stand‑alone CEO, leading Arcules (150 employees) and building a hyperscale video/audio security platform cycling 100+ PB every 30 days. He founded LeadersAdapt to help CEOs, founders, and senior leaders quiet impostor syndrome, build confidence at work, and advance women in leadership with field‑tested practices. His book—co‑created with thirteen women leaders—pairs raw stories with practical tools managers and teams can apply immediately. A near‑death health scare and raising his autistic son shaped his belief that empathy and clarity are core to sustainable performance. Pettersson has advised 100+ leaders; many report 50% revenue growth in 12 months and promotions within six. He hosts the ADAPT or Die podcast and contributes to outlets including Fast Company and Forbes.
Speaker Intro
Our next speaker has led at the highest levels—by 37 he was Canon’s youngest stand-alone CEO, scaling a global cloud video company to 150 employees and a platform cycling over 100 petabytes of data every month. But what makes his story unforgettable isn’t just the scale—it’s the lessons forged through a near-death health scare and raising his autistic son. He discovered that fearless leadership isn’t about perfection, but about showing up with empathy, adaptability, and courage. Today, as the author of Power Without Permission and founder of LeadersAdapt, he helps executives quiet impostor syndrome, build confidence at work, and advance women in leadership. Please welcome Andreas Pettersson—a leader who teaches us how to scale success without losing our soul.
FAQs
Q1. What is impostor syndrome at work?
It’s doubting your proven abilities and attributing wins to luck—despite clear evidence (also called “imposter” syndrome). It often shows up as second‑guessing, over‑preparing, and avoiding visibility. Read the full guide →
Q2. What’s the fastest way to feel calmer before a big meeting?
Use a 5‑minute run‑up: skim your Evidence Vault, write 3 points + 1 ask, then do a 90‑second reset (box breathing, posture, one line you believe). It turns panic into plan. Details →
Q3. How can managers reduce impostor syndrome on their teams?
Credit accurately and publicly, publish promotion criteria, rotate “office housework,” invite voices in early, and sponsor women into visible work. Manager tips →
Q4. How do I overcome impostor syndrome quickly?
Focus on three repeatable practices: 1) Keep an Evidence Vault of your wins, 2) Translate results into recognition (tell the story of your impact), 3) Use a 90‑second reset before high‑stakes moments. More here →