ELLA BJÖRNSDÓTTIR IS AN INSPIRING KEYNOTE SPEAKER, STRATEGIC CONSULTANT, AND EXECUTIVE COACH WHO HELPS INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. SHE IS DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING LEADERS AND DRIVING GROWTH ACROSS INDUSTRIES.

Ella has a proven track record of helping organizations align people, purpose, and performance. Through her global consultancy work, she partners with executive teams and CEO´s to lead strategic planning, develop action-oriented road maps, and drive cultural and organizational transformation.

With deep expertise in leadership development, Ella designs and delivers programs that support leaders in navigating complex challenges, leading change, and building high-performing teams. Her approach integrates practical tools with powerful human insight—focusing on trust-building, cultural intelligence, and conscious leadership.

Ella’s work spans industries and cultures, where she has led workshops and keynotes on cross-cultural collaboration, unconscious bias, psychological safety, and team dynamics. Her facilitation helps teams better understand how to work across differences and create inclusive, results-driven environments.

Beyond leadership development, she advises companies on how to build strong HR foundations—aligning systems, processes, and behaviors with organizational goals. A core philosophy of her work is ensuring that leadership and culture are not left to HR alone, but are owned and practiced by leaders at every level. Here are some of her notable achievements:

• CHRO Leadership: Leader of Human Resources, communication, sustainability, and office management, expanding offices across multiple locations.

• Board Member: Currently serves on WISE’s board of directors, shaping strategy and growth.

• HR Expansion: Scaled Controlant’s workforce from 110 to 550 in two years, supporting global COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

• Sustainability Success: Led Controlant to a silver rating in the 2024 EcoVadis assessment, ranking in the top 15% for ESG management.

• Leadership Training: Co-designed and implemented Marel’s first global leadership program, strengthening leadership company-wide.

• Executive Coaching: Trained LEGO’s executive team, improving employee satisfaction and
  retention.

Ella has also served as the Managing Director of Education Practice at FranklinCovey EMEA, where her insights shaped educational practices across the continent. Her unique focus on individual growth—integrating social, emotional, and performance aspects—sets her apart as a thought leader in the field.

Ella is passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential, invigorating those around her with her warmth and authenticity. Through her current work at Valhalla, she continues to inspire positive change and cultivate a culture of leadership that resonates with the philosophy that "I am because we are."

In her personal life, Ella balances her professional pursuits with her role as a devoted spouse and a mother of six. She is an advocate for children in need, having written a children’s book and supported various orphanages. An avid painter and outdoor enthusiast, she finds inspiration in nature, hiking, skiing and being with her family.