Ann Molin, Founder and Secretary General of the Hack4Earth Foundation, shares how she brings people together across the world to create real solutions for global challenges. Through her pioneering Dream.Hack.Build method, she has led citizen-driven hackathons that empower individuals to use their unique competencies and transform ideas into action aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In this inspiring conversation, Ann opens up about:

1. The moment she shifted from self-doubt to higher purpose on stage—and how it changed her trajectory.
2. How a community of a thousand participants supported each other in ways her small team never imagined.
3. Why saying yes more often can unlock opportunities and unexpected “how’s” when you feel stuck.
4. Her perspective on failure as “success in progress” and why doing matters more than just reading.
5. What success means to her: using your gifts to bring value to society and being remembered for the positive impact you create.

With her background in psychology and decades of experience in global innovation, Ann’s story is a powerful reminder that collaboration, courage, and purpose can move the world forward. This episode is for anyone curious about hackathons, female changemakers, and the future of citizen-driven innovation.

Her linkedin: @ann-molin-89416191

Her Instagram: @annfannymolin

Her book: Dream! Hack! Build!: Unleash citizen-driven innovation with the power of hackathons

Try co-working space at Yard. 

Rita is a MedTech Software Engineer from Portugal who found her true calling in Sweden. After completing her Bachelor's degree, she moved to Gothenburg to pursue her Master's in Biomedical Engineering at Chalmers. She began her career as a consultant developing software for MedTech companies, then went on to earn a PhD focused on machine learning for robotic manipulation tasks.

Now back in the MedTech industry with deeper expertise in AI, Rita shares how her path has been shaped by creativity, curiosity, and personal growth. In this episode, she reflects on how moving from Portugal to Sweden helped her break free from cultural expectations and connect more deeply with her authentic self. For her, success isn’t a destination—it’s a continuous journey. 

This conversation is full of insight, heart, and thoughtful reflection on language, purpose, and becoming. I hope you enjoy her story!

Her recommended book: The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté MD (Author), Daniel Maté

Her recommended podcast: Huberman Lab

Follow her journey in Linkedin.

More episode, Follow "Her light, Her journey" in Spotify, apple podcast and instagram. 

Madeleine works as a project manager in tech at Business Region Göteborg. Her job is to make Gothenburg a great place for startups and scale-ups in the tech industry. She’s really passionate about connecting people and opening doors for them.

One thing that really touched me during our conversation was when she shared her biggest breakthrough—getting her current job. Before that, she tried reaching out to people, but many didn’t listen. However, once she had the title and company behind her, people started paying attention. That experience taught her something important: no matter someone’s title or company, she wants to truly listen and respect everyone she talks to.

Madeleine also runs Beta Lunch, a women’s networking event in tech, which now has 200 members in Gothenburg. She used to think of herself as just an average person, but through her work, she discovered her true talent—bringing people together and creating opportunities for them. This gives her so much joy and fulfillment.

She has a big network and is always happy to help startups and scale-ups connect with the right people. So, if you’re thinking about starting a company or growing one, she’s a great person to talk to. And if you’re curious about jobs in Business Region Göteborg or venture capital, this episode will be really interesting and helpful. I hope you enjoy it!

Follow her journey at Madelene ✨ Näslund 

Her recommended podcast: Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel 

The podcast she is in: #73. Techbegreppen du behöver känna till. Kvant, SaaS, deeptech, greentech, medtech & defencetech - Business Region Göteborg 

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Claudia is a data scientist and former founder of Jolint, a company that developed data-driven tools to enhance inclusivity in the workplace. Originally from Italy, she has lived in Germany and spent the past six years in Sweden. With a background in physics and a master's in complex adaptive systems, her passion for social network analysis led her to start her own company.

In this episode, Claudia shares the challenges of building a business as an immigrant—navigating limited networks, resources, and investment opportunities. Despite the hurdles, she doesn’t regret taking the leap, as the experience helped her grow, redefine success, and align with her values. She now embraces a new chapter as a data scientist and AI engineer at a Swedish scale-up, finding fulfillment in her work.

Claudia offers powerful insights on risk-taking, learning, and resilience: taking risks isn’t about guaranteeing an outcome—it’s about growth. And the best time to start? Right now. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, career transitions, and finding joy in the unexpected.

Follow her journey @klaudiamur

Her recommended book: Scale: The Universal Laws of Growth, Innovation, Sustainability, and the Pace of Life in Organisms, Cities, Economies, and Companies by Geoffrey B. West

Her recommended podcast: DRINNIES 

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Moving to a new country comes with many challenges, especially when looking for a job. In this episode, Kelasi shares her journey from Sri Lanka to Sweden—how she struggled to get a job despite her strong qualifications, sending 50–60 applications daily with no response. Instead of giving up, she changed her mindset, started networking, attended career fairs, and became active on LinkedIn. Her efforts paid off, and she got a new opportunity as a Marketing and Event Coordinator at one of Sweden’s top architectural firms.

What makes her story even more inspiring is that she found this new role to be more fulfilling than her previous background in finance. Sometimes, difficult situations are the universe’s way of guiding us toward something even better—an opportunity to thrive in ways we never expected.

Kelasi’s journey is a powerful reminder to stay open to new possibilities and trust the process. If you’re navigating career challenges, this episode will inspire you to keep going. Tune in to hear her story!

Follow her journey IG: @kalasi.w, Linkedin @kalasiweeratunga 

Her Bakery Business @chocolate_clicks_

More episod! Follow @herlightherjourney

Andreea, originally from Romania, started her own consulting business, wearing multiple hats in project management, research, and design. When she first faced the tough Swedish job market, she used to think, What’s wrong with me? But everything changed when she stepped out, started networking, and realized she wasn’t alone.

In this episode, she shares how she challenged herself daily, pushed past fear, and embraced new opportunities. She talks about tuning into your true voice, questioning limiting beliefs, and celebrating even the smallest wins. Her biggest lesson? Fear isn’t the enemy—it’s a sign of growth.

Key Takeaways:
✨ Say yes to more things and figure out how later—opportunities will follow. But if it doesn’t align with your values, it’s okay to say no.
✨ When fear shows up, ask yourself: What’s the worst that can happen? And what’s the best that can happen?
✨ Listen to your body—how are you feeling? Self-care starts with self-awareness.
✨ Gratitude shifts your perspective—count your blessings and see how it changes your world.
✨ Fear can be a sign that you’re evolving. Stepping outside your comfort zone is part of the journey.
✨ Celebrate small wins! It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come—acknowledge your progress and own your power.
✨ Trust yourself. You don’t have to control everything—when challenges come, you will handle them.
✨ Look back at your journey—see your growth, and let your future self guide you forward.

Andrea’s story is a reminder that fear and uncertainty are part of growth. The key is to take action anyway. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on courage, authenticity, and self-belief.
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📍 Follow Andrea’s journey:
 👉 Instagram: @andreeabindar__
👉 LinkedIn: Andrea Bindar

🎧 Her Recommended Podcasts:
👉 The Diary of a CEO – Steven Bartlett: Listen on Apple Podcasts
👉 The Mel Robbins Podcast – Mel Robbins: Listen on Apple Podcasts

📖 Her Recommended Book:
👉 The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle: Get it on Amazon

✨ Follow more episodes at Her Light, Her Journey on sportify and apple podcast! @herlightherjourney 💫

Born in Sweden with Macedonian roots, Elizabeth always had a strong inner compass—if everyone turned right, she went left. But in her search to be seen, heard, and accepted, she started suppressing her true self to fit in. That led to inner suffering, but also to a powerful realization: true freedom comes from embracing who you are, not who the world expects you to be.

Now, as a Courage Catalyst and Energy Activator, Elizabeth helps others break free from fear, reclaim their personal power, and step into their most authentic lives. In this episode, she shares her wisdom on how to stop letting others define your worth, use fear as a tool for growth, and take full responsibility for your emotions and mindset.

Get ready for an empowering conversation that will inspire you to show up unapologetically and own your unique energy!

Follow Elizabeth's Journey @energized.by.dimellie

Today's guest, Gina, grew up in Spain, immersed in the hospitality industry through her family’s restaurant. But after losing both her parents to cancer, she found herself at a crossroads, questioning her direction in life. With only three months of savings, she took a leap of faith and moved to the UK, beginning a transformative journey of resilience and reinvention.

Through personal struggles—including fertility challenges that she overcame by transforming her diet—Gina developed a deep passion for food, well-being, and community. This passion led her to create Gigi’s Food, a company dedicated to using all-natural ingredients to help people connect with themselves and each other.

In this episode, Gina shares her powerful story of loss, courage, and renewal—ultimately finding a new home in Sweden and building a life rooted in purpose. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, mindset, and the power of food to heal and unite.

🎧 Listen now! 

Follow Gigi's journey @gigifoods.se 

#Resilience #FoodIsConnection #PodcastEpisode #herlightherjourney #yourstorymatters

In this inspiring first episode, we sit down with Swan Hering, psychologist, global health expert, and author of Life of a Rainbow, to explore the power of self-expression, resilience, and authenticity. Swan shares deep reflections on overcoming fear and doubt, embracing personal transformation, and stepping into one’s true strength and purpose.

Through her own journey—from Germany to Sweden—Swan has discovered how to break free from limiting beliefs and fully trust herself. She offers profound wisdom on navigating inner shifts, embracing life’s uncertainties, and living in alignment with who we truly are.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to express yourself more freely, tap into your unique gifts, and step forward with confidence, this episode is for you. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with insights and inspiration to help you embrace your own path of growth and empowerment.

Follow Swan\s Journey at @TheColoursOfBeing💗🤗🌈

Her favorite book is “Daring Greatly” by : Brene Brown

Follow @herlightherjourney for more inspiring conversations and share it with those who might beed to hear this message!