Strength from Values: Nordec’s Journey Toward a Unified and Coaching-Oriented Leadership Culture

Nordec’s Background: A Merger of Two Strong Legacies

 

Nordec is a leading provider of steel frame structures and façade solutions in the Nordic countries and the CEE markets. The company was established in 2020 through the merger of Normek and Ruukki Building Systems. While Nordec as a company is relatively young, its roots run deep — backed by decades of experience in the design, manufacturing, and installation of structural frames.

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In this fast-growing organization of more than 650 employees, there was a widely recognized need to further develop leadership practices — especially given that personnel operate across different countries, cultures, and business units.

 

A Shared Direction Through Values

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"Even during the planning phase of my own recruitment, it was clear to me that we needed to build a unified way of working for our managers," says Karin Hussi, Nordec’s HR Director. When she stepped into her role, there was a strong need to support line managers and harmonize the leadership culture across countries and business units.

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Shortly after Hussi joined, Nordec launched its core values: Accountability, Collaboration, Creativity and Solution focus. These values weren’t intended to be just posters on the wall — the goal was to embed them into everyday leadership.

“Values guide our actions and shape our culture. Managers must lead by example," Hussi emphasizes.

 

Selecting the Right Partner

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After a vendor selection, Netco was chosen as the development partner. A key criterion in the design of the leadership program was the partner’s willingness to truly understand Nordec’s business and co-create an interactive, practical experience — not just a series of lectures.

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Through the collaboration, Netco has gained deep insight into Nordec’s day-to-day operations and leadership needs. “From the very beginning, it felt like we were speaking the same language,” Hussi recalls of her first interaction with Sini.

 

A Leadership Program That Evolves With Everyday Work

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The leadership development program was designed in a modular format, combining in-person sessions with interactive Teams meetings. The first round, held in autumn 2024, targeted line managers with direct reports. In the next phase, the program was expanded to include project managers as well.

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Key themes of the program included:

• Value-based leadership

• Coaching-oriented leadership style

• Self-awareness in managerial roles (including tools such as the Big Five personality assessment)

 

“We have a long history and traditionally quite a direct leadership style. Our goal was to introduce a new approach — one that inspires, engages, and creates space for insight.”

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The program is continuously evolving. For example, based on participant feedback, an entire module on navigating difficult leadership situations was added along the way.

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Participants: “This Isn’t Just a Program – It’s a Shared Journey”

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The feedback highlighted especially the approachability of the facilitators and their ability to create a space where participants felt safe to speak openly. The experience was widely described as both practical and thought-provoking.

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One piece of feedback captured the spirit well:

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“Block time in your calendar and give the sessions your full focus. Please continue organizing leadership trainings — thank you.”

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Another participant reflected on the program as:

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“A great investment in people and an excellent way to connect with colleagues from different countries and functions.”

 

Impact: Just Scratching the Surface — But the Direction Is Clear

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While the tangible impacts emerge over time, the early signs are promising. Employee survey results related to managerial work have improved, and enthusiasm has exceeded expectations — with more participants than available seats and a growing waitlist.

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“The biggest positive surprise?Just how excited people are.”

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Collaboration with Netco: Strategic and Built on Trust

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The partnership with Netco Advisors has been adaptable and grounded in trust. While the program has been participant-driven, it has also supported Nordec’s strategic leadership priorities.

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“The Nordec leadership program was a great opportunity to deepen self-awarenessand reflect on how I show up in different situations and environments. It offered practical techniques and valuable tools for managing challenging work situations, and for motivating myself and my team.I learned a lot and truly enjoyed the training days in Helsinki. As a bonus, I also got to connect with colleagues — both familiar and new faces.”

     — Mats Gretland, Project Manager​