Environmental Manager Helen fuels change with a passion for technology
My name is Helen Dömstedt, and I work as an Environmental & Regulatory Manager at Adven, where I have been for the past three years. Every day, I ensure that the transformation process is carried out in the right way. My career has been defined by a varied professional life—working in roles such as process operator, chemical engineer, CEO, and environmental consultant.
Throughout all these roles, one thing has always followed me: my love for technology. I was the kind of kid who took things apart to see how they actually worked. My father, who was a teacher in Maintenance and Operations at a high school, encouraged my interest. By the time I was 10, he would let me join him while he prepared his lessons.
My interest in understanding how things actually work has always been with me, and even now that I work more with legal matters, it remains a key part of my work. I make sure that our legal processes create the right conditions for the technology we use in our daily operations. A friend once said I light up when I get to work with technical solutions and problem-solving. We all get excited about different things, but solving problems is what energizes me.
Where it all began
My career journey started as a laboratory assistant at a chemical company in Strängnäs, Sweden, as part of a large chemical cluster. This opened the door to a role as a process operator in another chemical industry, where I got to be involved in the technical process, which I found engaging.
After the economic crisis of the early ‘90s, I needed to find a new job. This led to a new chapter in my life in the energy sector as a chemical engineer at Mälarenergi. I specialized in boiler water chemistry and flue gas chemistry, technically complex areas that required close collaboration with operational staff. In my daily work with flue gas cleaning, I also encountered environmental legislation tied to emission standards, and eventually, I was asked if I would like to transition to an environmental and quality coordinator role. I had no prior experience with environmental law but learned on my own, marking my first full-time role focused on environmental issues.
Testing my way to results
At Mälarenergi, I got to know many consultants, and after 16 years there, I was headhunted to a consulting firm. I enjoyed my time at Mälarenergi but felt it was time to grow and try something new. As a consultant, I worked extensively with environmental permits and greenhouse gas monitoring (emissions trading), which was fairly new for both me and the companies I supported. I specialized in this area, spending about half of my time on greenhouse gas monitoring.
A few years in, I was asked to become the CEO of the consulting firm, by the then-current CEO. I had no experience in such a role but accepted, thinking I would lead the company until it reached its next phase. After just two years, the company was thriving, and I stepped back. My heart has always been closer to an engineering role, so I wanted someone with a different focus to take the reins.
Part of a growth journey
During this time, I had already worked with Värmevärden, one of my first clients as a consultant. I enjoyed working with their team, and when I needed to change jobs due to a move to Stockholm, I decided to reach out. The timing was right, and I got to be part of their merger with Adven.
Even though I now work on larger problems than I did when I was younger, I still get the same thrill. Today, I work internationally on permit-related issues, navigating the regulations and requirements of different countries. Most projects require some type of environmental permit, whether it is for building permits, environmentally hazardous activities, or emissions allowances. Cultural differences also play a major role in how regulations are applied, which can be challenging, but that is why collaboration with Adven’s local experts is so essential.
Working with climate issues can be challenging, so I have found it essential to have other leisure activities that help me unwind. My children and grandchildren have always ensured I step away from work, but I also find relaxation in being around animals and nature, as well as through sailing and needlework. And surprisingly, nothing lifts the spirit quite like mucking out a stable – something many horse enthusiasts can surely relate to.
No need to worry about the future
When I was in school, my job today did not exist. This type of role was unknown when I graduated in the ‘80s, and who knows what jobs will exist in the future? The direction you choose today does not determine your entire life. The most important thing is to be open to new opportunities and willing to try different paths. However, I believe personal drive and a strong commitment to supporting your company are essential for moving forward in your career.
My advice to younger people is to be willing to try new things. Small steps forward can sometimes lead to missteps, but they can also lead to great ones that open unexpected doors. Suddenly, you will find the solution in front of you.
I have never been the type to plan where I want to be in a few years, and I have enjoyed long tenures at my workplaces. When I have felt I had mastered a role and was ready for the next step, I have looked for opportunities within the same company or switched employer. So, when someone asks me where I will be in a few years, I always say, “No idea, let’s wait and see!”
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