23 ou could say that the interest started when I lived in Aus- tralia and learned to surf. I found a passion in the water, so when I came back to Sweden I started to kite-surf. And that’s how it’s continued,” says Karolina Larsson.   Today, two years later, she is involved in an international, competitive kite-surf- ing career. And a year ago she began to combine it with her work as a Production Leader at Trioplast.   “I enjoy my job. As production leader, you are at the centre of things and have the opportunity to influence and partici- pate in a lot. Above all, I like to lead and be part of a team that is working together towards a common goal.”   For Karolina, it is important to always have clear goals whether it concerns kite-surfing or work. In her department, goals are set together in order to generate motivation and a driving force.   “We are a team of 35 people, so it’s im- portant that everyone feels involved and is pulling in the same direction. In my department, there are so many people with great expertise and using every staff member’s skills to the full is an important part of my job.” Freedom with responsibility The fact that Trioplast gives her freedom with responsibility means a lot for Karolina and the result is that she feels eager to go in to work.   “Trioplast trusts me and when I am at work I always give 100% and leave nothing to chance. Trioplast gives me the opportunity to combine my job with the biggest passion in my life – kite-surfing. I know that extra hours at work one day mean that I can leave a little earlier an- other day because the wind conditions are perfect.” Close leadership Karolina’s department works on a five- shift basis, which means that communi- cation can sometimes pose challenges. It is something that Karolina addresses by maintaining a close management style.   “I am out in production a lot and have close and frequent contact with my col- leagues, direct the daily routines, and lis- ten to find out what is working well and not so well,” she says.   Having a safe workplace is self-evident. Karolina is the Health and Safety Manager for her department and carries out inspec- tions each month to ensure that safety is at the required standard.   “It stands to reason that everyone should feel secure in their workplace. At the same time, a good work environment involves a lot more. It’s about a feeling of togetherness and job satisfaction. Having fun at work and celebrating when things goes well is just as important as everyone focusing a little extra when it’s needed,” she says. “I am curious and brave” Karolina is a curious person who likes ad- venture. She has backpacked all over the world, competed professionally as a rider in eventing, hiked up to the Mount Everest basecamp, taken an advanced diving cer- tificate, and gone parachuting and bungee jumping.   “My most prominent characteristic is probably that I am brave,” she says, but adds that being brave is so much more than diving in deep water or jumping from great heights.   “Being brave is about being out of your comfort zone, daring to be challenged and seeing things from another perspective, admitting your fears and daring to fail. I am totally convinced that we can all do a lot more than we think we can and that’s why I continue to challenge myself.”