Pursuit of Purpose: Embracing the Autonomous Future at Scania
I Am A Happy Man
It’s been six months since I moved to Sweden and stepped into my new role at Scania. It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. But today, as I stand in the Scania Museum, I can genuinely say I am a happy man. A profound sense of gratitude warms my heart.
I am content and fulfilled because I have found a purpose in life that aligns with my Self. Despite having the freedom to be anywhere in the world, I deliberately chose to be here, in Södertälje, and I couldn’t be happier with that decision. I believe that my journey has led me here for a reason, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.
Perhaps, we never find exactly what we are looking for… however, we always find what is best for us. As I sit and attempt to make sense of my learnings and experiences from the past six months, it feels like assembling a puzzle where the pieces only become clear after living through and experiencing them. I encountered diverse cultures, various perspectives on life, different values. I’ve been wearing a different “hat”. The tougher the challenges I faced, the more profound the sense of fulfilment I experienced upon overcoming them. Once again, I’ve come to realize that life is cyclical in its nature. Enjoy the ups. Endure the downs. Now, I find myself filled with a sense of contentment, gratitude, and pride in my own growth and resilience.
I have been granted with abundant blessings and many opportunities, giving me the freedom to live almost anywhere in the world and do many different jobs. As a free man, I get to exercise my greatest privilege and power — to choose. Each day, I am reminded that I am the architect of my life’s path, and it is up to me to create a life worth living. It is these very choices that have led me to where I am today, and I understand the profound responsibility that comes with such power. While there are numerous career paths I could have pursued, I consciously chose to be a part of Scania’s remarkable team.
I am content and joyful because I firmly believe that at this very moment, I am exactly where I should be. I have found my true path and am living a life that aligns with my purpose. This sense of fulfillment resonates deep within me, affirming that I am on the right track.
In the past, I experienced the opposite—feeling adrift and without a clear purpose, which was akin to living in a state of despair. It was a powerful lesson that taught me the value of finding a meaningful mission in life, something worth dedicating myself to entirely.
Through life’s pains and challenges, I’ve come to understand that they are invaluable teachers, guiding me towards authenticity and alignment with my true self. Now, I strongly believe that the most important, the number one task in a man’s life, is to find his mission. A goal worth living and dying for. Pain is the greatest teacher and guide. My feelings, as a North Star, tell me when I am not true to myself and not living in harmony with my life’s purpose.
For many years, I’ve pondered the purpose of my existence, wondering why I should be granted another five or seven decades on this wonderful planet. Is there a grander reason for my presence here? Merely to reproduce, indulge in my favorite foods, watch more movies, read more books, buy more clothes, cars, etc.? Is life about pleasing and being liked by other people, visiting all the countries in the world, and capturing moments for social media?
I yearn to discover a purpose that goes beyond mere material pursuits, one that infuses my life with meaning and fulfilment. As I search or the answers, I am drawn to the deeper questions of existence, questioning whether my life holds a significance comparable to the love and loyalty I see in my faithful companion, my dog Mr. Blake.
There is something, that I can become. There is something that, once achieved, I will find deeply and lastingly satisfying. I will then go to bed in the evening knowing, whether anyone else knows it or not, that I did it, and I can be proud of myself. I will be at peace with myself. I will be proud man — an internal feeling of justified deep sense of pride. The true essence of this pride doesn’t hinge on external factors like the impact of my actions on the World or the approval and applause of others. What matters to me most is the internal fulfilment, the profound sense of achievement that comes from going past my limits and reaching for my personal aspirations. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth, and it is this inward sense of pride that fuels my passion and drives me forward.
It doesn’t matter if the outcome of my work becomes a wild success or gets unnoticed. It will be noticed by Me, and I am the only person on Earth who needs to be impressed.
The only applause that truly matters to me is the one I give myself. What holds significance is whether I wholeheartedly gave my best effort. I often reflect on my actions and ask myself important questions: Did I hold back, or did I pour my all into it? Could I have done better, and did distractions divert me from staying focused and present? Was love the driving force behind my actions, or did fear play a part?
In the end, what counts is not what I thought, but what I did with my life. Actions and choices I make, moment by moment, day by day, shape the course of my existence.I have no minute to waste. Life is an extraordinary gift, and just as effortlessly as it was given to me, it can be taken away. Observing the challenges faced by my fellow Ukrainians, I am reminded of the fragility of life. The struggles and hardships they endure serve as a poignant reminder of how swiftly circumstances can change, and how precious and delicate our existence truly is. This is why I am urged to live with purpose and intention, ensuring that my journey through life is one filled with meaning.
The future shines brightly, and it is undoubtedly Autonomous
It won’t be long until every item to our homes is being delivered by a robot. The sheer complexity and scale of this challenge fascinate me, and I can’t help but wonder about the vast array of new opportunities it will open up for the World. It’s truly an exciting time, and I feel immense gratitude to be a part of this historical shift in the transportation industry. My purpose is to contribute to this transformative journey.
One day, an autonomous truck from Scania will find its place in the Scania Museum. It will be a testament to the efforts of not only myself but also my colleagues, past, present, and future, who have chosen to dedicate their skills and passion to creating something remarkable.
To me, the vision of a Scania Autonomous Truck in the museum will symbolize our collective dedication and commitment to greatness, leaving a permanent impact on the world of logistics and transportation. I am thrilled to be part of this endeavour, and I eagerly anticipate the day when our efforts culminate in the first successful driver-out commercial operation. Looking forward to what the future holds!