Leading with Purpose. Interview with Bodil Wigert, Manager Engineering.

Neonode has been certified as a Great Place to Work for the third year in a row. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting Bodil Wigert, Engineering Manager for MultiSensing, whose leadership, energy and people-first approach embody the culture we’re proud of.

Neonode has been certified as a Great Place to Work (GPTW) for the third year in a row. A recognition that reflects the culture of innovation, collaboration and care that defines our workplace.

At the heart of this culture are leaders like Bodil Wigert, Engineering Manager, who brings more than two decades of cross-industry experience and a genuine passion for empowering teams. After 11 years in telecom and leadership roles in consumer electronics and software development, Bodil joined Neonode 1.5 years ago, and immediately felt at home. Her approach to leadership mirrors her personal values: respect, transparency and creating environments where people can thrive both professionally and personally. From organizing the Neonode Run Club to guiding a team of highly skilled engineers developing next-generation computer vision technology, Bodil embodies what it means to lead with purpose.

We sat down with our tap-dancing Manager (you read that right) to discuss leadership, innovation and what makes Neonode such a special place to work.

The Journey to Neonode

Let's start at the beginning. Can you tell us about your career path and what ultimately led you to Neonode?

After studying economics, I began my career in telecom in an administrative role. Within months, I moved into management, eventually becoming a Product Manager, Process Manager and then Strategic Product Manager. I spent over 11 years in that industry before transitioning to consumer electronics, where I led project managers developing headphones and speakers. Hardware was exciting, but I was curious about software, so I joined a streaming company as an Engineering Manager. That's where I really embraced agile methodology and software development.

Through recommendations, I connected with Neonode and immediately fell in love with the company, including the innovative products and incredible colleagues. I joined 1.5 years ago, and it's been an amazing journey ever since.

What drew you to technology in the first place?

I was fascinated by electronics from a young age. I remember being mesmerized by products in store windows and Teknik Magazinet (a Swedish-based retail company which sells consumer electronics and gadgets). I was always impressed by technology, but interestingly, I initially wanted to be a doctor to take care of people. In a way, I still do that as a Manager, just in a different context. Today, my two passions are combined.

Leadership Philosophy

Neonode has just been certified as a Great Place to Work. From your perspective as an Engineering Manager, what makes the culture here so special?

As shown in the GPTW results, we have a strong culture of collaboration. Psychological safety is high, which encourages people to share their knowledge and opinions, which is something essential for driving engagement. I also believe, and personally feel, that everyone here knows they can make an impact. We're all in the same boat, working together to move forward.

In fact, our team scored 100% on team spirit in the GPTW survey, and Neonode consistently benchmarks well above industry averages for comradery. That tells you something about the environment we've built together.

What values or leadership principles guide you in managing your team?

Three things: respect, communication and transparency. These aren't just words. They are how we operate daily. Whether it's our yearly Neonode Days where we gather as a company to strategize and plan together, or everyday interactions, these principles create the foundation for trust and collaboration.

You lead a multidisciplinary engineering team. How do you ensure everyone feels included, empowered and excited about their work?

I genuinely believe that every colleague wants to do their best. Sometimes, circumstances prevent them from doing so, for example, it may be that they lack engaging tasks, communication is unclear, or personal challenges arise. My responsibility is to identify these obstacles and help remove them. This means creating strong psychological safety where everyone feels comfortable speaking openly, whether they agree or disagree. Building that safety starts with getting to know each other in low-pressure situations. But this isn't a one-person show. Every individual plays an equally important role in contributing to the team's well-being and success.

The Mission

Tell us about your role and what motivates you as Neonode's Engineering Manager.

I'm responsible for the team of Engineers who are developing our products. It is a large team, but truly amazing.

My main responsibility is ensuring we have the right people in the right roles, providing the support they need to perform at their best, and to create an environment where they can grow, stay engaged and feel motivated. It's rewarding to know I can make a real impact.

Every day brings something new, so the work is always dynamic and never dull.

MultiSensing, Neonode's computer vision plays a core role in many of Neonode's flagship technologies. How would you describe your team's mission?

The Engineering team is the very core of Neonode's product development. It is where the magic happens. Our mission is to develop next-generation computer vision technology, where MultiSensing interprets human behavior and intentions in real time. It's cutting-edge work that keeps us all engaged and excited about what we're building.

Can you share what excites you most about upcoming innovations?

The team does breakthroughs every day, but since we're at the forefront, I can't share specific examples yet! What I can say is that we're constantly preparing for the future. We look at next year's roadmap with excitement, always asking ourselves: Do we have the knowledge to exceed customer expectations, or do we need to train or hire? We're deeply customer-driven (our values include #CustomerFirst) and we're always learning and staying ahead.

Building an Exceptional Team

Neonode is known for having highly skilled teams. What attracts engineers to work here and what qualities do you look for when hiring?

At Neonode, we have a highly intellectual environment, including some PhDs. Our team members have the opportunity to continuously explore new ideas, making the work highly dynamic and varied. We all share a clear sense of purpose in what we do, which is incredibly motivating. Another key aspect is that we prioritize a healthy balance between work and personal life, because well-being drives performance. We embrace a hybrid work model because we value both collaborative time together and focused individual work time.

How do you encourage continuous learning and development within your group?

The tasks themselves often involve learning and development, but we also follow up regularly both within the team and with individuals. We ask: Do we have the right competencies, or do we need to complement them through training or hiring? It's an ongoing conversation that keeps everyone growing.

Life Beyond Work

Beyond professional development, what does team building look like for your group?

It's a very active team! Some of us hit the gym together every week and proudly share personal bests in bench press. Others join the Wednesday running sessions I started, a.k.a "The Neonode Run Club" and we regularly enjoy coffee breaks together.

We've also done laser tag, hiking, ski trips, wine tasting, football and frisbee golf. I've learned that many small things are better than occasional big events. These moments build real connection.

Neonode Run Club

Speaking of running, tell us more about your personal interests outside of work. We already know running plays a part.

Right now, most of my free time revolves around our horse which we bought one about a year ago. Having a horse means spending a lot of time outdoors, working physically and building a bond through training and interaction. It's also a wonderful way to spend time with my almost grown-up daughters. I'm a true stable mom! I wear muddy clothes, muck out stalls, carry water and hay, walk the horse, cook dinner in the late evenings, and drive back and forth between home and the stable - and I absolutely love it.

I believe deeply in the power of exercise. I feel so much better when I train a few times a week. I've run several marathons over the years, and I even tap-danced in a musical production of Some Like It Hot!

What are you most proud of when you look at your team and what you've built together at Neonode?

What's not to be proud of? The team is self-driven, highly engaged and truly cares for one another. It's an honor to be part of it.

Want to be a part of our exceptional team? Check out the latest opportunities at Neonode careers.