Johan Åkesson | Future-facing brand strategy
What
You don't need louder. You need clearer.
Deep listening, sharp thinking, and calm collaboration – all aimed at clarity, relevance and long-term growth. That’s the approach. That’s the partnership.
Led by Johan Åkesson, independent brand strategist.
How we can work together
Actionable advice. Clear results. Built on trust and real insight.
Available for hungry Clients in B2C and B2B, and for Agencies with shared values.
Insight & Foresight
You’ll get validated trends, nuanced consumer insights, and a clear picture of what’s coming next.
Qualitative and quantitative. Business crucial. Always human.
Brand Strategy
Together we'll define your brand's place in the world, with a crafted narrative and platform that gives clear directions for a differential brand.
Intertwined with your business strategy. Built to last.
Thought Leadership
Turning insights into stories that inspire and validates your desired position. From public reports to activation messaging.
Letting you lead the conversation.
Concept Development
Moving from insight to idea – with creative concepts, copy and mock-ups tested for relevance and impact.
Ensuring consumer excitement, brand relevance and commercial impact.
Kickstart
Tailor-made talks, sessions or workshops. Storytelling based on insight and trend analysis.
Ideal for management teams or larger groups who need a boost of perspective and energy.
Advisor
Need a trusted second opinion? Whether it’s a quick sounding board or long-term strategic support.
An outside perspective that is sharp, kind and quietly confident.
About
Want to work with someone who's built a career connecting cultural shifts with business strategy? Johan Åkesson has led brand development and trend work for clients such as ICA, H&M Group, Ikano Bank, Atrium Ljungberg, Orkla Foods and Lantmännen. Before founding his independent consultancy, he co-founded strategy agency Hint. With a background as copywriter, trend analyst, journalist and managing editor at Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, Johan brings editorial clarity and curiosity to every brief. Today he offers his services to clients and agencies globally.
Work
Selection of clients, present or past.
Extended team
Some projects take a village.
When needed, get access to a nurtured network and a curated team of collaborators (researchers, creatives, or specialists) matched to your challenge.
Johan Åkesson will lead the work, ensure clarity, and keep things cohesive.
Always with the same calm, sharp, collaborative spirit.
Trend scouting, Trend research, Trend safaris, Trend analysis, Trend talks, Trend reports, Nordic trends, Swedish trends, Swedish consumer, Nordic consumer, Futurism, Future strategy, Consumer insights, Business insights, Market insights, Quantitative insights, Qualitative insights, Consumer interviews, Early adopter interviews, Brand strategy, Communication strategy, Naming, Positioning, Target group analysis and definition, Messaging platform, Brand platform, Communication platform, Copywriting, Storytelling, Strategic storytelling, Thought leadership, Editor, Editing, Content creation, Concept development, Concept testing, Concept creation, Workshop facilitation, Innovation facilitation, Innovation workshops.
Let's Talk
Looking for clarity, direction or a new perspective? Full service or a plug-in to an existing team? You'll get thoughtful strategy, grounded in insight and a smooth, collaborative process. Reach out and let's start the conversation.
Plenty of references from clients, colleagues and creatives available upon request.
Phone
+46709383868
Location
Based in Stockholm – working globally
Office: A house Katarina, Stadsgården 6