On leading HR through growth and resistance

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Episode summary

In this episode, Kristoffer is joined by Mikaela, Head of HR at the pioneering Swedish nuclear power company Blykalla. She shares her unique journey from recruiter to strategic HR leader, and what it’s like to build an HR function from scratch inside a fast-growing, deep-tech startup. Mikaela opens up about how she turned around a skeptical organization, the importance of business understanding in HR, and what it takes to maintain culture and leadership during rapid scale-up. The conversation also dives into Blykalla’s mission to develop small, modular, lead-cooled nuclear reactors, the challenges of growing from 80 to 500 people, and how Mikaela manages HR, compliance, office logistics — and even investor relations — all at once. A high-energy, insightful episode about leadership, resilience, and redefining HR in the heart of one of the most complex industries today.

Episode transcript

Themes discussed

  1. Strategic HR in scaleups: Mikaela talks about joining Blykalla at an early stage, balancing rapid hiring with building a full HR function from scratch.
  2. Leading through resistance: A powerful story about transforming a resistant organization by building trust, showing results, and pushing for change.
  3. Business-first HR: Mikaela stresses why HR must understand the company’s core business — in her case, nuclear technology — to be seen as a credible and valuable partner.
  4. From startup to industrial company: Blykalla’s evolution from R&D lab to regulated energy player brings new demands on compliance, safety, and organizational maturity.
  5. Culture and leadership in fast growth: How to preserve startup spirit while creating psychological safety and strong leadership structures.
  6. The real power of recruiting: Mikaela reframes recruitment as a strategic, value-driving function rather than just a stepping stone within HR.

Key takeaways

  • Business understanding is critical for HR professionals to make the right calls and gain internal trust.
  • Building trust through relationships and early wins is essential when facing internal resistance.
  • In-house recruitment capabilities are a major asset in tech-heavy and fast-scaling organizations.
  • Scaling in regulated industries demands early planning around security clearance, compliance, and health & safety.
  • Being able to shift between operational execution and long-term strategy is key in modern HR roles.
  • Shownotes

    [00:00] – Kristoffer introduces Micheala

    [03:20] – Podcast begins, discussion of nicknames and credentials

    [05:00] – What Blykalla does and how their lead-cooled reactor works.[

    [07:52] – From academic research to commercial startup: the origin of Blykalla.

    [15:14] – Building a stealth HR function while scaling recruitment fast.

    [22:00] – Career reflections: from recruiter to Head of HR.

    [26:42] – Mikaela’s most complex challenge: transforming a dysfunctional TA team.

    [33:20] – How to build relationships and win trust inside organizations.

    [39:17] – Being persistent, delivering results, and staying humble.

    [46:22] – Creating engagement and connection during recruitment.

    [51:10] – HR’s double loyalty: balancing candidate care and company needs.

    [55:45] – Why understanding the business is non-negotiable in HR.

    [01:00:00] – Future challenges: compliance, growth, culture, and leadership.

    [01:07:00] – Final thoughts: construction milestones, market competition, and nuclear energy’s future roles.