Hello CEO: Anders Barnå, Unicus

In an industry where technology easily becomes the focus, Unicus CEO Anders Barnå wants to highlight the value of openness and respect, not least as a driver of innovation and real change. Through transparency both internally and towards customers, Unicus has shown how neurodiversity becomes a strength for both individuals and society.

- Good leadership is about seeing people. Technology is all well and good, but it's people who make the difference," says Anders Barnå. Eight years ago, he started up Unicus' operations in Sweden in 2017. By employing people on the autism spectrum in skilled IT roles in testing, data and development, commercial delivery has been combined with an inclusive work environment and support from job coaches.

How would you describe the corporate culture at Unicus? 

- Transparent, respectful and eager to make a difference. Transparency comes from our openness about diagnoses. Our employees are open and so are we to our customers. Openness is what allows us to act based on how things really are. We don't have to beat around the bush. Respect comes from the fact that diagnosis in society in general is a stigma, something that far too few people talk about. At the same time, neurodiversity today is a reality that affects far more people than those who talk about it today. Making a difference is a unifying motivating factor for us in the company - it is felt and noticed every day in everything we do. 

What is high on your agenda right now?

- Continuing to make a difference - a lot has happened since we started in Sweden in 2017, but much remains to be done. One concrete issue is to follow the technological shift towards more AI. We realize that roles will disappear but also that new needs will arise, probably a number where the autistic brain shines.

What challenges do you see for your continued development?

- Knowledge and awareness in the business community about the full value of neurodiversity. It already exists in all organizations but is an untapped potential. Our hope is that working with us is a start, an eye-opener.

You recently became a member of TechSverige. What do you see as the benefits of your membership?

- Offering fair conditions has been central to us since the start in 2017. It has also been a prerequisite for our cooperation with the Swedish Public Employment Service. As we have grown, it has become clear that we will be more effective with a guide in all employee-related matters. Becoming a member and signing a collective agreement also feels like a way of affirming the Swedish model. TechSverige felt like the obvious choice for us as an IT consulting company. In addition, we now have a number of customers who appreciate our membership.