Already in middle school, he was rewriting computer games when they became too simple and boring. And he never stopped. Driven by curiosity and a desire to help others, Johan Åkerberg loves creative problem-solving.
“I feel my best when someone says something is impossible. Naturally, I want to prove them wrong,” says Johan.
Johan grew up in Kolbäck during the 70s and 80s, part of the first generation to have a personal computer in his room – the classic Commodore 64, to be exact. At just 10 or 11 years old, his curiosity led him to take things apart, improve games, and build sound cards. This was long before the internet and YouTube tutorials.
“Back then, it was all about books,” Johan recalls. “I taught myself assembly language using books from the library.”
His first full-time job was at ABB – but not through a job posting. As a newly graduated engineering student, he walked into the head office claiming to have an interview.
“I don’t like leaving things to chance,” says Johan. “After waiting a bit in the reception, a guy from HR came by. An hour later, I was hired.”
Twenty-five years later, Johan left the company – then a global R&D coordinator and specialist in industrial data communication. During that time, he also earned a Ph.D. in computer science and engineering and developed multiple patented innovations.
Since 2021, he’s been a project manager and part of the leadership team at Addiva Elektronik, now called Wires.
“I wanted to return to a more hands-on reality,” Johan says. “My research time was amazing in many ways, but I missed direct customer interaction – meeting people and helping them solve real problems.”
Johan hasn’t entirely left academia, though. He still works part-time as a professor of data communication at Mälardalen University.
And there’s more to Wires that gives Johan great satisfaction.
“First of all, we’re a fantastic team full of talented and kind people. And I get the chance to mentor younger talents in the company.
Having support and guidance was crucial to me in my early years. The road to success involves trial and error. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that.
We support each other and reach our goals together.”