The Road to Success

Jesper Nygård - CEO of Realdania

Meet Jesper Nygård, CEO of Realdania. Jesper has a distinguished leadership career in philanthropy, sustainability, and urban development. With a Master of Science in Governance from Roskilde University, his professional journey began in diverse roles, including substitute teacher, taxi driver, and mail worker. Early in his career, Jesper specialized in IT policy at the consulting firm EKJ before transitioning into influential board and chair positions across multiple organizations. He has played a key role in institutions such as the KAB Foundation, BRF Kredit, City Renewal Denmark, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, the Danish Architecture Center, and the European Foundation Centre, among others. Currently, Jesper serves as the CEO of Realdania, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting projects that shape the built environment, reinforcing his commitment to sustainable urban development and societal impact. In this conversation, Jesper and Maria discuss various topics, including Jespers' approach to leadership, the power of being good to people around you, and the importance of giving back to others and society. Learn more about Female Leadership Academy Website: https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/ [https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l [https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l] Linkedin: https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy [https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy] Learn more about Jesper Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesper-nyg%C3%A5rd-5602946/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesper-nyg%C3%A5rd-5602946/] Learn more about Realdania Website: https://realdania.dk/ [https://realdania.dk/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realdania/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/realdania/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdaniadk/ [https://www.instagram.com/realdaniadk/] Podcast Crew Podcast Soundbites: Laurits Nørgaard Podcast Editor: Rodrigo Arrieta About The Host Maria Anker Andersen is a young leader who fast-tracked her career in management consulting but dropped the career race to focus on developing meaningful organizations that contribute to a better planet and society. Hence, the non-profit Female Leadership Academy and the slow-fashion brand REIGN OF GAIA were born. Sign up to our Events & Become a Member (free) https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share [https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share]

Pernille C. Lotus - CEO & Founder of Beyond Breath

Pernille C. Lotus is the founder of Beyond Breath and former CEO of WeAreCube, one of the largest influencer agencies in the Nordics. After nine years of relentless work in the corporate world, Pernille took a step back to reflect on her path. Struggling with physical pain and feeling like a diminished version of herself—a stressed mother, a disengaged partner, and an absent leader—she knew change was needed. In December 2023, Pernille boldly decided to leave her well-paying CEO role and dedicate herself fully to her passion: becoming a breathwork instructor and meditation teacher with Beyond Breath. Join this conversation to uncover Pernille's inspiring journey from CEO of a leading influencer agency to breathwork instructor. Discover what drove her bold career shift, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she is now on a mission to make the world a better place—by helping individuals reconnect with themselves and unlock their true potential. Learn more about Female Leadership Academy Website: https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/ [https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l [https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l] Linkedin: https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy [https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy] Learn more about Pernille Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pernillecarolinelotus/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pernillecarolinelotus/] Learn more about Beyond Breath Website: https://www.beyondbreath.dk/ [https://www.beyondbreath.dk/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbreath/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondbreath/] Podcast Crew Podcast Soundbites: Laurits Nørgaard Podcast Editor: Rodrigo Arrieta About The Host Maria Anker Andersen is a young leader who fast-tracked her career in management consulting but dropped the career race to focus on developing meaningful organizations that contribute to a better planet and society. Hence, the non-profit Female Leadership Academy and the slow-fashion brand REIGN OF GAIA were born. Sign up to our Events & Become a Member (free) https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share [https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share]

Asbjørn Kastaniegaard - Managing Partner at CLARITY PARTNERS

Meet Asbjørn Kastaniegaard. Asbjørn's career journey is truly remarkable. He began with nearly a decade in shipping at Maersk before transitioning to Bain & Company, where he spent ten years in various roles, ultimately becoming a partner. From there, he moved into the financial sector as Head of Long Term Equity Investments at Kirkbi for two years. He later returned to consulting as Managing Director and Partner at BCG for over four years. Most recently, Asbjørn co-founded CLARITY PARTNERS, focusing on M&A and strategy consulting, showcasing his dynamic leadership and expertise. In this conversation, Asbjørn and Maria explore topics such as building resilience, charting your own path, and the importance of mental and physical fitness as key drivers of well-being. Learn more about Female Leadership Academy Website: https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/ [https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l [https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l] Linkedin: https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy [https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy] Learn more about Asbjørn Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akastaniegaard/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/akastaniegaard/] Learn more about CLARITY PARTNERS Website: https://clarity-partners.com/ [https://clarity-partners.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarity-partners-copenhagen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarity-partners-copenhagen/] Podcast Crew Podcast Soundbites: Laurits Nørgaard Podcast Editor: Rodrigo Arrieta About The Host Maria Anker Andersen is a young leader who fast-tracked her career in management consulting but dropped the career race to focus on developing meaningful organizations that contribute to a better planet and society. Hence, the non-profit Female Leadership Academy and the slow-fashion brand REIGN OF GAIA were born. Sign up to our Events & Become a Member (free) https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share [https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share]

Jacob Aarup-Andersen - Group CEO of Carlsberg Group

Meet Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of the Carlsberg Group. Jacob holds a degree in Economics from the University of Copenhagen. He began his career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, followed by many years in the financial sector, ultimately becoming the Group CFO at Danica Pension. Jacob then served as Head of Banking Denmark and was a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Danske Bank. This was followed by his role as Group CEO at ISS A/S, and now, as CEO of the Carlsberg Group. In addition to his role at Carlsberg, Jacob lends his expertise to several supervisory and advisory boards, including SEB and IESE Business School. In this conversation, Jacob and Maria discuss a range of topics, including Jacob’s approach to leadership and how to develop your own set of leadership principles, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the role of FSN (Fitness, Sleep, Nutrition) and structured routines in achieving optimal performance. They also explore why selecting the right boss is crucial for career development, the importance of being driven by curiosity and passion in your professional life, and what a social contract entails. Learn more about Female Leadership Academy Website: https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/ [https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l [https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l] Linkedin: https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy [https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy] Learn more about Jacob Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-aarup-andersen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-aarup-andersen/] Learn more about Carlsberg Website: https://shop.carlsbergdanmark.dk/ [https://shop.carlsbergdanmark.dk/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carlsberg-group/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/carlsberg-group/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlsberg/?hl=da [https://www.instagram.com/carlsberg/?hl=da] Podcast Crew Podcast Soundbites: Laurits Nørgaard Podcast Editor: Rodrigo Arrieta About The Host Maria Anker Andersen is a young leader who fast-tracked her career in management consulting but dropped the career race to focus on developing meaningful organizations that contribute to a better planet and society. Hence, the non-profit Female Leadership Academy and the slow-fashion brand REIGN OF GAIA were born. Sign up to our Events & Become a Member (free) https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share [https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share]

Brian Christiansen - Partner & Chief Sustainability Operating Officer at PwC

Meet Brian Christiansen, Partner at PwC Denmark. Brian has an educational background in accounting from Copenhagen Business School and started his career at KPMG, where he spent approximately 16 years. Afterwards, he spent around 3 years at Novo Nordisk before continuing his career at PwC, where he has been for nearly 15 years and counting. He currently holds the position of Partner at PwC and Chief Sustainability Operating Officer. In this conversation, Brian and Maria discuss various topics, including the idea that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to build a career since we are all unique individuals, the importance of cultural awareness and understanding people through their own perspectives, and the value of being honest with yourself about your dreams, speaking up about them, and staying curious. Learn more about Female Leadership Academy Website: https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/ [https://www.female-leadership-academy.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l [https://www.instagram.com/female.leadership.academy?igsh=Z25ucTNrOHJqc25l] Linkedin: https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy [https://dk.linkedin.com/company/female-leadership-academy] Learn more about Brian Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiansenbrian/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiansenbrian/] Sponsors Podcast Soundbites: Laurits Nørgaard Podcast Editor: Rodrigo Arrieta About The Host Maria Anker Andersen is a young leader who fast-tracked her career in management consulting but dropped out of the career race to focus on developing meaningful organizations that contribute to a better planet and society. Hence, the non-profit Female Leadership Academy, diverseeksperter.dk [http://diverseeksperter.dk], and the slow-fashion brand REIGN OF GAIA were born. Sign-up to our Events & Become a Member (free) https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share [https://linktr.ee/female.leadership.academy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share]