Maria Ahlström-Bondestam: Together everyone achieves more (Video case)
This case presents the unique approach to philanthropy of the Ahlström family. A group of 25 fifth-generation female Ahlström family members founded the Eva Ahlström foundation in 2010, in the name of the family matriarch Eva Ahlström (1848–1920), who was a big contributor to society in her time. This led to the establishment of the Ahlström Collective Impact in 2020. The uniqueness of the Ahlström Collective Impact lies in the power that comes from bringing all entities together under one umbrella, and letting purpose and values be the guiding principles that unite the Ahlström network. The core mission is to inspire, engage and involve everyone – employees and shareholders alike – to create a better understanding of what rights children have, and why and how their realization affects our businesses, our societies and our future.
- Explore what role family philanthropy can play for an enterprising family
- Learn how – if done well – it can lead to positive effects for an individual, the family, ownership, business and society.
- Be able to identify what is needed to gain a leadership position in one’s family when the winds are not favorable.
- Take the opportunity to turn the mirror on oneself and one’s own philanthropic ideas or activities, either within the existing family enterprise system or as a new philanthropic venture.
Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Manufacturing, Technology, Services, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Forestry
From early 2000s until 2021
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
 
                            Francine is good at what she does, but she's stuck in the safety zone. By exploring what’s holding her back, she learns to drive herself to greater heights.
 
                            Intuition and AI work best together. While data drives insight, human intuition adds context and creativity for smarter, more balanced decision-making.
 
                            The pathway from CFO to CEO is becoming well-trodden, but success is not guaranteed. Four global CEOs share lessons on navigating the transition.
 
                            Global trade is re-wiring without the US leading to the rise of new trade coalitions according to trade experts from IMD and the Hinrich Foundation.
 
                            Following on from Part 2 of our series on “undiscussables,” here are ways to resolve relationships characterized by mutual mistrust and antagonistic behaviors.
 
                            Energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to cut emissions. Business leaders must do more to translate words into action.
 
                            Toxic board culture can stall decisions and damage trust. Learn how to spot dysfunction, break groupthink, and build a healthier, more effective board.
 
                            LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace boosts performance and resilience, yet most Swiss firms lag behind. Discover how leaders can close the DE&I gap.
 
                            Gideon Rachman, Financial Times Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator and author, offers expert analysis on global politics, economics, and leadership.
 
                            With organizations experiencing unprecedented levels of leadership burnout, Nele Dael identifies three ways to help your people integrate recovery into even the busiest schedule.
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD Brain Circuits 23 October 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
