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Fortune

Jane Thier

IKEA’s CEO says he climbed from assistant to the C-suite by not pursuing a ‘shimmering’ title

Jesper Brodin IKEA Fortune Fortune Connect Xerox

Jesper Brodin (Credit: Courtesy of Ikea)

Fortune Connect is a new learning community for the next generation of purpose-driven leaders. We provide you with the tools and allies you need to accelerate your career, enter the C-suite, and have a positive impact on business. Join live events with Fortune 500 leaders and build your network.

Any worthwhile endeavor, whether that’s making it to the C-suite or assembling an end table, requires hard work, ambition, and endurance. Just ask Jesper Brodin, the CEO of INGKA Holding, the company behind IKEA. His path was paved with grunt work: Over 20 years ago, he was the boss’ assistant.

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