Meet the minds: the people of atNorth

Introducing Steven Henderson, People & Culture Specialist

At atNorth, we believe that people power performance. Behind each and every atNorth data center site is a team of talented individuals who make it all possible. To celebrate these incredible people who bring our vision – more compute for a better world – to life, we are launching our new blog series – Meet the minds: The People of atNorth.  

Here we uncover stories beyond the data to explore their journeys and the motivations that are helping shape the future of digital infrastructure. Each post offers a window into the diverse talents and perspectives that define atNorth, united by a shared passion for excellence, optimism and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. 

What better way to kick off this series than with our People and Culture Specialist, Steven Henderson. 

Thanks for joining me Steven – to start, can you share a bit about yourself, when you joined atNorth, and what’s your role? 
I joined atNorth in September 2024 and what a wild year it has been! There has been so much growth and so much happening across the business already in my short time. Since I joined, more than 50 new colleagues have come on board.  My role as People and Culture Specialist has allowed me to be actively involved in many of these exciting changes, as we continue to prioritize a positive, supportive working environment.  

Tell us a bit about your career – where did it begin and how has it changed through the course of your journey? 
It has certainly been a journey. I actually started my career as a music teacher. After getting my undergraduate degree in the US, I moved to Sweden where I taught music for several years. Wanting a career change, I undertook a master’s degree in human resources management from Penn State University and began my HR career working in Stockholm. That path eventually brought me to atNorth, where I’m glad to be contributing to a growing and innovative company. 

What have been the most memorable moments of your career – either in a previous role or here at atNorth? 
I have always loved working with and supporting people, which is why it was a natural transition for me to go from teaching to human resources. Managing teams, supporting people through their careers, and helping them achieve their goals – these are the moments where I feel at my best.  

If I had to choose one moment – my most memorable goes back to a former student of mine who has become a successful professional musician. She has recently taken part in a reality TV show here in Sweden called Så Mycket Bättre, which brings well-known musicians together to perform each other’s music. During the show they also talk about each musician’s background and their paths towards becoming successful, including interviews with people who had a strong impact or influence on their past. I had the opportunity to be interviewed, to talk about my former student’s time while I was teaching her in school. It was such a cool, extremely rewarding experience and I got to be on TV! 

What are you most looking forward to this year at atNorth? 
The annual retreat, of course! Once a year, atNorth brings the whole company together in one location to give everyone the chance to connect face-to-face, share experiences, and enjoy some good old team-building fun. I always enjoy catching up with colleagues from other offices and getting to know people I don’t usually interact with in my day-to-day work. It really makes the company feel more connected and close-knit when we’re all in the same place. 
 
What atNorth value do you align to most and why? 
In my case, the most important is Flexible. With the level of change and amount of growth we’ve had in the time I have been here, not just in my department but the entire organization, I think you have to be flexible to be able to adapt to these changes and our fast-paced environment. 

If you could fast forward five years, where do you think you’d find your future self? 
That is a great question – and honestly, I have no idea! Life has changed so much over the years that it’s hard to say. I never thought I’d get to live in Sweden, but here I am 13 years later because I took a chance at an opportunity. So, I hope that in 5 years, whatever opportunities that have come my way will lead to my family and I to being safe and happy, and that my job continues to bring me success and fulfilment. 

Interview conducted by Bylgja Palsdottir, Senior Communications Manager