When Helena Wahlberg Röhl joined Talentech, which was then ReachMee, back in 2018, she was hired as a product manager by someone who would become a key figure in her career: Maja Lindström, the former CPO.
“She was such an inspirational leader,” Helena reflects. “She had been brought in to build a strong product organization, and I knew I wanted to be part of that. I was still early in my product journey, but I saw so much potential to grow.”
That instinct turned out to be spot on. Six years later, Helena has held multiple roles, gone on two maternity leaves, and today, she is stepping into the role of Product Director, responsible for a the HR offering at Talentech, including People Core, Time & Absence, Boarding and Weekli. But Helena’s journey has been anything but traditional. And maybe that’s exactly what has made it so impactful.
A forward path that was not always linear
Before her career in product management, Helena explored several paths in her studies. They were as diverse as focusing on classical piano at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, studying literature, going through teacher training, and finally a linguistics-focused program in communication.
“I struggled a bit in my twenties to find what really suited me,” she shares. “But what’s always interested me is how technology can be designed for real people to actually solve problems. That intersection between people and product is where I’ve found my place.”
She began her career writing technical documentation and UX copy for a school platform. Over time, her interest in improving the product itself led her into more hands-on product work. Eventually, she stepped into her first product owner role.
Still early in her journey, she made a pivotal decision: to find a workplace where she could learn and grow into the product leader she aspired to be. That’s when she found ReachMee.
“And as you can see,” she smiles, “I found what I was looking for.”
The power of supportive leadership
When asked what’s made her stay, Helena doesn’t hesitate:
“The support I’ve had from my managers, especially Maja, has made all the difference. She always found ways to shape my roles so that I could grow into the next chapter of my career, balancing my current skill set with new challenges.”
That trust gave Helena room to evolve. After returning from her first maternity leave, she stepped into a more strategic product role, collaborating across departments to define Talentech’s broader product offering and market messaging. Eventually, she became the product manager for Talentech’s growing HR suite.
“ReachMee was a mature product when I inherited it. But with the HR tools, it was more of a blank canvas. I got to be part of shaping and launching it from the ground up. Seeing it now in the hands of users across different companies - that’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Motherhood and ambition
Helena has gone on two maternity leaves during her time at Talentech. And each time, she returned not just to resume work, but to take on more responsibility.
“I wouldn’t say it was particularly hard for me to come back and seek more responsibility quickly, but I definitely recognize that it’s a delicate time,” she says. “You go from focusing fully on family for a long stretch of time to suddenly being expected to jump back into work mode. That’s a big transition.”
When asked what made this transition easier, Helena immediately says what helped her the most was the company’s thoughtful approach to reboarding.
“I always had dedicated time for handovers with the person covering for me, which meant I wasn’t coming back to a mountain of confusion. And even while I was on leave, my manager would stay in touch, just checking in on a more personal level. And when it came closer to getting back to work, also on a more professional level helping me prepare for what might come next.”
Those check-ins, Helena believes, make a big difference – not just for her, but as an example of how companies can support working parents.
“During maternity leave, people are naturally at a crossroads. Many are open to new opportunities. But if the company keeps you close and makes you feel valued, it’s much more natural to come back.”
A culture that encourages growth
Helena’s story also highlights something broader: how Talentech enables internal movement, growth, and evolution, even across departments or without rigid career paths.
“Not all companies allow for this kind of internal flexibility. Here, if you’re curious and motivated, there’s space to move and learn,” she says. “I’ve always had clear responsibility, but also a strong support structure from my team and peers. That’s rare.”
Now, as she takes on a director-level role, she’s also shaping that culture for the next generation of product professionals.
When asked what she’s most proud of, Helena doesn’t mention a title. She talks about impact.
“For sure the HR product area I’m responsible for. When I came in, it had just started. Now it’s launched, growing, and making a real difference for people at work. Being part of that journey, from zero to something that matters, that’s what I’m proud of.”
The takeaways?
Helena’s story is one of thoughtful growth, of following curiosity, and of how far people can go when the culture around them believes in their potential.
So, the next time you assume someone needs to “move on” to grow, or that time away means taking a step back, maybe think again. With the right environment, people can keep growing right where they are.
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