Get to know our members
As Vice President Energy Trading at Stockholm Exergi, Mr Shamsher Khan has worked for many years in environments where strategic decisions, complex issues and long-term leadership are a natural part of everyday life. When he chose to get involved in Diversity Charter Sweden's board, he wanted to bring those experiences with him, but also his desire to contribute to something bigger than his own organisation.
Why he chose the board position
Before joining the board, Mr Shamsher thought about how he could best contribute:
”When I said yes, my idea was quite simple: I wanted to contribute with my first-hand experiences from the workplace. I've been a co-worker, a manager, and a senior executive - all of those perspectives shape how I view diversity and inclusion work. I wanted to be able to put them on the table, openly and honestly.”
Over time, the mission grew into something more than he had expected:
”Being on the Board felt - and still feels - like a mission where we try to create something together that goes beyond our own roles. It's about building something that works in practice, in real organisations and for real people. It requires us to bring in more perspectives than our own.”
For him, board work is about constantly testing ideas, questioning, listening and finding measures that can actually be implemented:
”We try to come up with interventions that are well balanced, well thought out and make a real difference.”
The fruitful co-operation
What he appreciates most are the people he works with:
”I really enjoy getting out of my own everyday life and gaining insight into others”. It gives me new ideas and completely new perspectives."
He describes the Board as a group where commitment is always present:
”We come from different industries and different starting points, but we all feel that the work we do is meaningful - not only for ourselves, but also for our member companies and for society at large. I am even more motivated when I see the commitment of my fellow board members.”
A moment that stood out
One particular moment that stuck with him was when he was in charge of Diversity Charter's first C-level event focused on mental health:
”Already when the participants started coming in, I noticed that there was an expectation. Like, ’Finally, we're going to talk about this.’
During the roundtables, the atmosphere quickly became engaged:
”There was something about the way the participants opened up. Leaders who normally talk about strategies and results were now sharing personal experiences of stress, responsibility and what it takes to create sustainable work environments. It was honest and important.”
In the middle of one of the conversations came the realisation that stuck:
”When I saw how engaged everyone was and how much they gave to each other, it hit me: ’This is why I'm here.’ This is exactly the kind of meeting we need more of - where no one has all the answers, but everyone is willing to share.”
For Shamsher, it was a confirmation of why he chose to get involved:
”We created an opportunity that otherwise would not have existed. A forum where leaders could talk about issues that are difficult but absolutely necessary. And I felt that I had been part of making that possible. That's my contribution.”
About Shamsher
Shamsher Khan is Vice President Energy Trading at Stockholm Exergi and a board member and convener of the C-level work of Diversity Charter Sweden.
Nominate to the Board
We are now opening nominations for the 2026/2027 Board. If you want to help drive the development of more inclusive workplaces - or know someone who should - you are warmly invited to nominate. Read more here.
Curious about how we continue to drive change? Find out more about our work in Diversity Charter Sweden - and how you can get involved.
