From Refugee to Electronics Industry LeaderThe story of Irma Björsell, CEO of Evertiq AB, who is using electronics to make the world a better place

For 26 years, the Evertiq brand has been connecting professionals from across the global electronics industry—facilitating business networking, inspiring with innovative solutions, and providing the latest market insights. A team of over 30 people runs 7 online portals and organizes the international Evertiq Expo, held annually in 7 locations. We spoke with Irma Björsell, the woman behind Evertiq’s success, about the phenomenon of a company whose mission clearly extends far beyond numbers in an Excel spreadsheet, despite generating over €2.6 million in annual revenue.

At first, you dreamed of a career in fashion. What made you give up on becoming a designer and instead pursue a path in the electronics industry?

I’ve always loved bringing creative ideas to life—unusual forms, bold color combinations. That’s why I dreamed of working in the fashion world. But early in my career, a coincidence led to a request for marketing support and help with organizing a trade show booth in Gothenburg.
It was then that I discovered how much I enjoyed hosting business meetings and connecting people from different cultures.

I also saw the tremendous potential of the electronics sector—how it can be used for good and create real change. I felt a bit like an explorer who stumbles upon treasure and is dazzled by its shine.
Looking back, I realize the world already has too many clothes. While fashion is inspiring, it’s mainly about self-expression. Electronics is different—it holds the potential to improve the world we live in.

Your early life was shaped by the war in Yugoslavia. After arriving in Sweden, did you meet people who helped you on your journey from refugee to industry leader?

At the age of 12, I fled war-torn Yugoslavia with my parents. It was an incredibly difficult time. The war left deep emotional scars on my entire family. My parents were mentally exhausted, and our home lacked peace, joy, and inspiration.

So I had to find something on my own—something that would help me rise above those tragic experiences.
I found inspiration in Madonna—a strong and independent woman who wouldn’t let herself be hurt. Thanks to my fascination with her, I slowly transformed from a shy little girl into a confident, direct woman. I believe it’s important to combine ambition and inner strength with kindness and respect toward others.

A bit later, I met people who became my mentors. The first was my husband, Henrik, who always believed in me and encouraged me to be brave and embrace change. The second was my father-in-law, Anders, who inspired me with his wisdom and quiet strength.
The long conversations I had with Henrik and Anders were my first real leadership lessons—and they helped me avoid many mistakes while building the Evertiq brand.

What was the most difficult challenge you faced while growing Evertiq?

Learning patience. That was the hardest part for me—realizing that building something good takes time.
I had very high expectations and wanted success right away. But building trust, a strong team, and valuable products are all processes that can’t be rushed.
It took time for me to understand that patience—and truly listening to clients, team members, and those around me—is incredibly helpful in business.

What would you say is your biggest success?

I believe it’s the idea that unites us. At some point, it stopped being just about products, events, or numbers. It became about moving in the same direction—with a shared goal of creating a better, more united, and more empathetic world.
That vision has brought together not only our team, but also our clients and partners. And it became a milestone in our company’s journey.

What’s the secret behind Evertiq’s success?

For me, success isn’t just about revenue or financial reports. It’s about people—employees who feel appreciated and clients who have trusted us for years.

These relationships are what make Evertiq more than a company. It’s a community of people united by a passion for new technologies.
Happy employees are an incredible asset—they don’t lose their passion and come to work because they want to, not because they have to. That directly impacts both company culture and business results.

Speaking of results—how is Evertiq AB doing today from a business standpoint?

Very well. Evertiq has reached a stage of strong, sustainable growth.
Last year alone, we generated nearly 29.5 million SEK in revenue — around €2.6 million.
I believe these results are closely tied to how we work – our company culture, the way we build relationships, and the values that guide everything we do.

I’m also happy to see that it’s not just us who are growing — our clients are growing with us.
The one-day Evertiq Expo format helps save time and money, while allowing businesses to focus on expanding their networks through the exhibition, expert-led conference, and networking dinner.
During the expo, many of our clients form partnerships that later lead to innovative projects, market success, and real-world impact. That idea — of making the world better through electronics—is something that brings me a deep sense of satisfaction.

Is creating a better world through electronics your main goal?

Absolutely. And for me, that’s not just a slogan – it’s a vision that can become reality.
Electronics opens the door to incredible possibilities. It can save lives, speed up medical diagnoses, improve transportation safety, and support automation and robotics in places suffering from labor shortages.

Evertiq can be a bridge – a space where visions, innovations, scientists, entrepreneurs, and people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds come together, united by knowledge and passion.
I want each of them to find their place here – to feel they belong in this industry and that they can use their creativity to drive positive change.

Do you remember the moment you truly felt that electronics can change the world?

Yes. I’ve always been interested in biology and medicine. To me, the human body is the most perfect machine—fascinating, but also fragile. And electronics gives us tools to protect it.

Quick cancer diagnosis, real-time health monitoring, cutting-edge rescue and transport technologies—these are all real, tangible improvements. I didn’t become a doctor, but thanks to Evertiq, I feel that I am helping people—by creating a space where technology serves humanity. That awareness is the source of my joy, strength, and fulfillment.

Irma Björsell is a graduate of IHM Business School (Marknadsekonom) and Folkuniversitetet (Fashion Design and Method Acting). She joined Evertiq New Media AB in 2003 and became CEO in 2020. Under her leadership, Evertiq has grown from a regional news portal into a global brand, reaching nearly 2 million users annually. Today, the company operates 7 online portals and organizes the renowned Evertiq Expo in Poland, Germany, Sweden, Finland, and France — with Switzerland coming soon.

Last Updated on July 24, 2025 by Anastazja Lach