Ep 91 - Axel Ohrstrom, Strategy & Operations at AWS – How to Make High-Impact Contributions and Start Your Career Off Right

97% Effective

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.com

In this episode of 97% Effective, Michael Wenderoth speaks with Axel Ohrstrom at Amazon Web Services about keys to starting your career off right, particularly in those first critical years right after college. We discuss what a high-impact contribution looks like in your job, the importance of volunteering on interesting projects, and how to continuously learn and grow. Axel shares how he builds key relationships when working remote, and how to build a team dynamic when you are not the manager. By the end of this episode, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives on important soft skills – and a deeper appreciation for how the next generation thoughtfully approaches the world of work.

SHOW NOTES:

• How Michael and Axel met: Was it the free pizza?
• Axel’s blunt view on early career advice he got: “Do your best on your resume and submit your application.”
• Ignoring the “Seniors only” sign
• Reframing office politics
• Addressing the elephant in the studio: What can I learn from a 26 year-old about career acceleration?
• Work hard, but don’t always keep your head down
• The critical first step: How do I even know what a high impact contribution is?
• Parsing priorities
• The importance of holding up your hand to work on interesting projects, particularly those that are in your manager’s sphere of influence
• “High impact work when you start your career is not the same thing as high impact work a year or two years in”: How to continuously develop yourself and rise to the expectations
• What’s the skill that will accelerate your learning path?
• Observations on how skills from studying remote apply (and don’t apply) to working remote
• Why Axel keeps his “camera on” as much as possible in meetings
• The power of self-reflection: Trace back what is driving a particular feeling, notice trends, but then act and try a few things
• Balancing learning applicable skills and what you’re interested in
• Effective ways to network when you are younger
• Get comfortable with rejection, but ways to increase your odds: find commonality, be short and sweet, and be open about what you are asking for
• Technology reduced the friction on reaching people, but make sure you do the research!
• Asking good questions
• What Michael did not ask: Axel shares important tips on building a team dynamic when you are not the manager, and as a remote employee
• The value of the 1-1 meeting (it’s not just a work check-in)
• The power of asking advice
• When there is no video or audio: Inject your personality and develop a voice on slack
• 6 resources that Axel recommends on starting your career off right
• Axel’s hobby re-selling limited edition sneakers

BIO AND LINKS:

Axel Ohrstrom works in Strategy & Operations at Amazon Web Services (AWS), which he joined straight out of college during the global pandemic. In his Sales Operations role, he focuses on program management and driving strategic priorities for the Worldwide Public Sector (WWPS) Group, and supports generative AI initiatives across AWS. Originally from Sweden, Axel holds a BA in Economics from Carleton College and has studied at the Stockholm School of Economics, and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth (Business Bridge Program). Passionate about democratizing AI, the gaming industry, and helping young professionals, Axel serves as Business Advisor to the Bronx Gaming Network and as a GRE Tutor.

• Axel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-ohrstrom/
• AWS: https://aws.amazon.com
• Carleton College, ranked #1 in undergraduate teaching in the USA (13 years in a row): https://www.carleton.edu/about/carleton-at-a-glance/
• Adam Grant’s book, Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World: https://a.co/d/1XvcH7q
• The Bronx Gaming Network: https://www.thebronxgamingnetwork.com
• Air, the movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Euy4Yu6B3nU
• Gorick Ng on 97% Effective: What You’re Not Taught in School: https://tinyurl.com/mr43sbup
• Gorick Ng’s book, The Unspoken Rules: https://www.gorick.com/unspokenrules
• Michael Melcher on 97% Effective: Harnessing the Relationships That Will Transform Your Career: https://tinyurl.com/mwsf2hft
• Michael Melcher’s book, Your Invisible Network: https://michaelmelcher.com/yourinvisiblenetwork/
• Jeffrey Pfeffer on 97% Effective: Why Good People Need to Understand the Rules of Power: https://tinyurl.com/3y56bzcz
• Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book, 7 Rules of Power: https://jeffreypfeffer.com/books/7-rules-of-power/
• Matt Abraham’s podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast
• Charles Duhigg’s book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection: https://a.co/d/i4IXZMc
• David Brooks book, How to Know a Person: https://a.co/d/8VBKVdM
• Michael’s book, Get Promoted: https://tinyurl.com/453txk74

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy