Hi! My name is William Pankratz, and I’m a junior studying Management Information Systems at the University of Montana. My GLI global theme is Technology and Society, and my challenge focuses on how technology can drive more sustainable systems. This summer, I explored that theme in a big way during my internship with NORNORM, a sustainable office furniture company in Stockholm, Sweden.

NORNORM’s business model is built on the circular economy. They provide companies with Scandinavian office furniture on a subscription, then refurbish and reuse pieces to reduce waste. It’s a perfect blend of design, environmental responsibility, and technology. My role was to work with my supervisors, Ella Linden and Emil Steenhouwer, on a go-to-market strategy for NORNORM’s U.S. launch. We researched industry trends, regional differences, and customer needs, then created tailored strategies for different regions of the country.

Living in Sweden was just as eye-opening as the work itself. One moment that will always stick with me was walking through Stockholm’s city center and realizing how important sustainability is to their country, from the advanced recycling stations on every block to the bike-first street design. It made me reflect on how my own culture approaches environmental responsibility, and how much opportunity there is to improve.

This experience pushed me to think bigger about how technology, especially AI, can optimize circular economy models and make sustainable practices easier to adopt. It also strengthened my skills in cross-cultural collaboration, research, and strategic thinking.

I’m so grateful to the Franke Global Leadership Initiative Fellowship for making this opportunity possible. My summer in Sweden didn’t just teach me about business strategy, it reinforced my commitment to building a career at the intersection of technology and environmental preservation.