It all started with a crossroads. After two decades of business development in the tech industry, civil engineer Fredrik Hörlyk felt it was time for a change. Midway through his career, he took the step from technical software to working with what he calls “human software” – with a focus on well-being for people and organizations.
– I want to devote more time to what interests me the most – people's development, and how to create genuine commitment in the individual to achieving the goals and purpose of the business.
A goldmine of potential
Fredrik chose to start his own company in leadership and business development. It was along this path that he came into contact with the Swedish Health Promotion Group in Alingsås outside Gothenburg a couple of years later. Since 2002, the company, led by founder and author Anders Hansson, has successfully developed simple, yet powerful tools based on a unique philosophy to create healthy workplaces.
The philosophy, called the salutogenic approach, immediately piqued Fredrik's interest. The word Salutogenesis means "origin of health" and is about creating a healthy work climate where every individual feels involved and seen. A work environment where you feel good, want to be and have the right conditions to perform optimally.
– I realized that I had found a gold mine of potential! Everything I am passionate about is here, along with deep knowledge and well-developed methodology, says Fredrik Hörlyk.
The results prove the effect
Fredrik joined the Swedish Health Promotion Group as a partner and today assumes the role of CEO and consultant. The company offers tailored training, practical tools and process support that promote salutogenic leadership and support long-term, sustainable development within all types of organizations.
– When we work with a client, they often report reduced sick leave and increased attendance at work, with fewer conflicts and a renewed mindset among employees. It is precisely results like these that prove the real impact of our work, Fredrik smiles.
He reflects on a market, both in Sweden and internationally, that is currently changing at a furious pace with new, complex challenges.
– In today’s situation, it is more important than ever to have confident and insightful leaders. We need more leaders who understand how to unleash the potential that arises when people feel seen and truly involved. To succeed in this, you must realize that leadership is not about a title. It is an action. A journey towards a common goal that you do together with the team.
Value-creating networks for leaders
The Swedish Health Promotion Group came into contact with Öijared Resort thanks to a shared vision of health promotion work. Öijared had long worked with a salutogenic approach, and Fredrik immediately saw the potential in combining their strengths to build a value-creating business network.
When Öijared Resort recently appointed a new marketing manager with a background in entrepreneurship, destination development and process management, their introduction to each other was the obvious starting point for a collaboration. A collaboration that has offered inspiring meetings and workshops for all members of the resort's business network, Öijared Business Club (ÖBC), since 2022.
With approximately 15 meetings per year, four of which are led by Fredrik Hörlyk, an inspiring and learning environment is created for business leaders and decision-makers.
– Here, people meet without any prestige to share experiences, challenges and solutions. Participants have the opportunity to dive deep into topics such as leadership, sales strategy, organizational culture and other business-critical areas through lectures, workshops and interactive exercises.
Wants to expand the network in 2025
Sara Drougge, Marketing Manager at Öijared Resort, has primary responsibility for strategy and implementation of the corporate partnerships in ÖBC. She highlights the unique value of the network and the plans for the future, where the goal is to further develop both the network part, corporate membership and product offering during 2025.
With more interactive workshops and engaging discussion forums, participants will now receive even better support and tools for practical solutions to their work-related challenges. The plan is also to present ideas in 2025 to collaboratively create concrete business benefits and, not least, energy, joy and knowledge for members.
– We see that the changes we have made to the structure of our networking meetings over the past year have created a real potential to make a difference. The participants now have, with the help of Fredrik's moderation and process management, the opportunity to exchange ideas, delve into reflection and truly grow together, both as companies and individuals, says Sara and continues;
– Many see these meetings as an investment in their future, as they make new business contacts and gain advice and insights that help them actively strengthen their leadership in their own organization.
Fredrik Hörlyk agrees and believes that it is precisely the combination of supportive community and non-prestigious learning that makes the networking meetings at Öijared so unique.
– This collaboration gives us a fantastic opportunity to support leaders in building sustainable and healthy corporate cultures. We are laying the foundation for Sweden's best workplaces – in an incredibly beautiful and inspiring environment, adds Fredrik.
Would you like to know more about Öijared Business Club?