The Female Effect

In a world that often treats symptoms instead of addressing the root cause, Bianca Brangstrup is offering a holistic approach to health—focused on prevention, balance, and long-term wellbeing. Bianca is a functional medicine practitioner, trained psychotherapist, and CEO of Vitaviva, a premium supplement brand founded by her mother in 1999 to support cancer patients' immune health. She is also a co-owner of Vippa House, a holistic wellness space offering personalized care and integrative health practices. At Vippa, health is not just treated but elevated through a deeply personalized, preventive approach.Raised in a health-conscious family where alternative remedies, clean nutrition, and longevity were essential, Bianca's approach blends modern science with holistic practices. Bianca believes true health starts with awareness—slowing down, listening to the body, and making conscious choices. Passionate about gut health and the vital role of vitamin D, Bianca emphasizes nutrient synergy, stressing that supplements should support, never replace, a balanced diet and that proper absorption is key to their effectiveness.Bianca shares a philosophy centered on treating root causes rather than symptoms, empowering people to reclaim their wellbeing through simplified, mindful living—tuning in to what truly sustains us rather than doing more. As she puts it: “We all want to get old—but in what way?”I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-Bianca would like to “pass on the goodwill” @melrobbins American author and host of @themelrobbinspodcast. Keep up with Bianca:Instagram: @vitavivaworld @vippahouseKeep up with The Female Effect:

“It takes a vagina to know a vagina.”Dr. Hedieh Asadi's words were met with cheers—an instant, collective yes from the room. And that's exactly the energy behind DeoDoc.Together with Redgert Comms, we hosted a LIVE podcast event with the incredible team behind DeoDoc — a Swedish intimate skincare brand founded by Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Gunvor Ekman-Ordeberg and sisters Dr. Hedieh Asadi and Hasti Asadi. Seeing a major gap in the market, they created the world's first intimate care brand founded by women doctors 11 years ago — offering safe, science-backed products designed specifically for vulvar care, an area too often neglected, misunderstood, or surrounded by shame. Tired of misinformation and poor-quality products, they set out to change the narrative with medically developed, pH-balanced solutions made for women, by women doctors. They spoke candidly about pH balance, ingredient transparency, and why most intimate products still don't serve women. They also expose the truths about tampons, including the widespread use of plastic and the lack of ingredient transparency in many major brands. For them, transparency in women's health isn't optional, but essential. But this conversation wasn't just about products—it was about power. About shifting the narrative, replacing shame with science, and giving women the tools they need to take charge of their health.It was education. It was empowerment. Because women deserve better. And it takes one to know one.xx Julie—-Dr. Hedieh Asadi would like to “pass on the goodwill” to Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Gunvor Ekman-OrdebergKeep up with DeoDoc:Instagram: @deodocwellnessWebsite: deodoc.comKeep up with The Female Effect:

In this episode, Prudence Davis, health entrepreneur, wellbeing innovator, and founder of ‘20FOUR' Matcha and ‘A Space to Breathe', shares her journey of healing and balancing physical and mental health. She discusses how her work integrates wellness practices like meditation and pilates into her everyday life. Prudence opens up about her personal health struggles and how losing her health led her to find new ways to heal. She shares how a supportive community played a key role in her recovery, as well as the powerful lessons learned from her grandmother, who overcame poverty to create a better life.She reflects on how her husband's battle with cancer shaped her twenties, pushing her into survival mode and neglecting her own health. Through meditation, better sleep, and stress management, she transformed her life, learning to listen to her body and embrace both physical and emotional pain.At the time of the conversation, Prudence was preparing for motherhood with twins, and since then, she has welcomed two beautiful babies into the world. She talks about the importance of setting boundaries, trusting her intuition over her ego, and tending to the inner work that sustains true well-being. Prudence emphasizes how this new phase of life offers her a fresh perspective on her work and wellness, allowing her to create a space for others navigating similar transitions.This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care, community, and embracing change. I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie------Prudence would like to “pass on the goodwill” Tina Horsted @evighed, medical doctor, specialist in Anaesthesiology and pain management. Keep up with Prudence:Instagram: @prudencedavisWellness: A Space to BreatheWebsite: prudencedavis.comPodcast: Health ClubKeep up with The Female Effect:

In this episode, I dive into my journey of becoming a mother, reflecting on the mix of emotions, fears, and self-doubts that came with it. I talk about the struggles I faced around maintaining relevance in my career, especially in business, and how pregnancy and motherhood are often seen as things we should downplay or avoid bringing up in professional settings. There's this pressure to not let these life changes affect how we're perceived, and I explore how that impacts us as women.I also get into the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on pregnant women—how much emphasis is placed on our appearance, the pressure to stay a certain size, and the expectation to look ‘effortlessly' perfect while navigating such a major life shift. It's a lot to deal with on top of everything else, and I believe it's time to shift the focus and be kinder to ourselves during such an intense physical and emotional transition. On top of that, there's this constant pressure to have life all sorted out before becoming a mom—that your career, finances, and personal life should be perfectly aligned. But the truth is, motherhood doesn't wait for that perfect moment to happen. It arrives while life is still unfolding, and it's messy, unpredictable, and beautiful. And that's okay.This episode is deeply personal, as I reflect on how I've had to challenge long-held beliefs, confront identity shifts, and come to terms with the fact that success and motherhood can absolutely coexist. It's about navigating this complex journey, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and finding confidence in the chaos, even when nothing feels certain.I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-Podcast Episode Mentioned: The Mel Robbins Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EDFD1avnXWXoov8kCgrtT?si=c2c428edcf6448f5I would like to “pass on the goodwill” @birgitkasper @signeskriver and @sandralinne to the team of @thefemaleeffect. Keep up with The Female Effect:

Julie Herskin and Cecilie Hjermind, founders of the sex wellness brand Sitre, are changing how we view intimacy, self-care, and sexual wellness. With their personal experiences and innovative approach, they share how they aim to break down the shame and negative body image often linked to intimacy products.The conversation touches on personal experiences, the stigma surrounding intimate products, and how design plays a role in shifting cultural narratives.Julie and Cecilie emphasize that intimacy can take many forms, from a hug to a meaningful conversation, all of which promote feelings of connection and release of oxytocin. They bring a broader view of intimacy and through their products they encourage people to check in with themselves, to understand their emotions and desires, and to build deeper, more meaningful connections. Sitre is about creating a new culture around intimacy—one that's inclusive, open, and free from shame. Cecilie and Julie explain that the goal is to offer products that promote self-care and intimacy as integral parts of overall well-being, while challenging outdated and narrow views of what intimacy should look like. By making products that feel like part of a wellness routine, Sitre aim to make intimacy more accessible, comfortable, and empowering for everyone. I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-Cecilie and Julie would like to “pass on the goodwill” to founder of suncare brand Lerub @kimmaes and co-founder of outdoor skincare brand Gun Ana @kajsaregnerKeep up with Sitre:Instagram: @feelsitreShop online: Sitrestore.comEditorial universe: feelsitre.com Keep up with The Female Effect:

Sleep has a unique impact on women, shaping aspects of both our physical health and overall well-being. Laura Kanadel is a trailblazer in sleep science and as the founder of ‘The Sleep Institute' and the new sleeping brand ‘Muun', Laura is advising both individuals and companies to optimize their sleep. She is reshaping how we understand and prioritize sleep and the profound effects sleep has on our health. Laura explains the impact of sleep on women, focusing on how hormonal fluctuations and societal pressures play a role, while offering insights into how women's sleep cycles are influenced by factors like puberty and menopause. She emphasizes the crucial role of deep sleep in regeneration, cell repair, and skin health. As we age, deep sleep becomes even more vital, with quality rest being essential for maintaining overall health, vitality, and mental clarity.I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-Laura would like to “pass on the goodwill” to Oprah Winfrey (@oprah) and Dr. Mindy Pelz (@dr.mindypelz)Keep up with Laura:

George Gorg is a Bulgarian-born model, content creator and founder of Bestie Skincare, known for her powerful voice in the modeling industry. Raised by a supportive mother, whom she lovingly calls her "soft angel," and a strong sister, George grew up in an environment of acceptance, never facing judgment for her identity.Coming out as a trans woman was a deeply challenging experience, but her mother's encouragement to embrace her true self provided invaluable support. George reflects on the struggle of having her identity politicized, stressing the importance of authenticity and self-expression. She opens up about the times when being queer felt outwardly more like a political statement than a simple act of living her truth, sharing the dehumanizing experiences she faced along the way.Starting her modeling career at 13, George faced pressure to conform to traditional gender norms. However, she later found success in London, where she could model on her own terms. She also faced struggles with acne, which inspired her to collaborate with a team of Bulgarian dermatologists to create ‘Bestie' Skincare—products that empower, heal, and nourish.A passionate advocate for women's empowerment, George believes that women should be free to evolve, embrace their full potential, and reject the limiting narratives of patriarchy. She champions the strength and creativity abilities of women, reminding us all that women are capable of so much more than the world often acknowledges. I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-George would like to “pass on the goodwill” to Emma Chamberlain (@emmachamberlain) & Luiza Cordery (@luizacordery) Keep up with George:Instagram: @gorgKeep up with The Female Effect:

In this solo episode I reflect on how the beginning of the new year has served as a much-needed reset for me after a few months that felt challenging and heavy. It was important for me to hit the reset button in order to reconnect with my inspiration, discipline, and motivation. The new year offers a fresh start, and it's given me the space to re-establish my routine and prioritize my health, particularly my mental health and nervous system regulation.I talk about the personal journey I've been on diving deeper into self-care, focusing on inner connection, and nurturing my well-being. I share insights into my routine and methods that help me stay grounded during stressful times or when anxiety and overwhelm start to creep in. It's all about finding balance and creating a reset package for emotional regulation.A big part of my process has been adopting an abundance mindset and being gentle with myself and those around me. By nourishing ourselves from within and focusing inward, we can create a solid foundation for self-care. I'll walk you through my personal nighttime routine that I call “saloon”, sharing the calming self-care steps that help me unwind and set the stage for quality rest. From skincare practices like gua sha and dry brushing to incorporating soothing music and reading before bed, I reveal the little habits that contribute to a calm and regulated life. I also discuss the benefits of high-quality sleep and how focusing on restful habits can positively impact both your short- and long-term health. I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-I would like to “pass on the goodwill” to @bonnielangedijk the founder of hursofficialProducts mentioned are Karmameju, Rudolph Care & Respirer (nose strips/mouth tape). Some products are gifted to me other I've bought myself, but everything is a genuine review.Meditation playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWZqd5JICZI0u?si=a42c998492314d78Keep up with The Female Effect:

In this panel talk, We brought together, Lakeisha Goedluck, Rylé Tuviera, and Julie Herskind - three women with deep industry expertise - to explore how fashion, beauty, and design brands can integrate sexual health and wellness. We discuss how these industries can embrace bold, forward-thinking approaches to integrate sexual health into their brand identities and challenge long-standing stigmas.The panel highlights the crucial role of empowerment, visibility, and design in fostering healthier, more open conversations about sexual health. With an emphasis on breaking down taboos, they examine innovative strategies that aim to reshape how the world views and discusses sexual wellness. The discussion touches on the silence and stigma that have long surrounded this topic despite its undeniable existence.A key focus is the shift driven by Gen Z and Millennials, who are actively challenging the status quo and demanding to be seen and heard. These younger generations are at the forefront of this movement, pushing boundaries to create a more inclusive and empowering dialogue around sexual health and wellness. Their drive for greater self-expression, visibility, and empowerment is reshaping the narrative in a profound way.The panel also underscores the vital role that design can play in shaping these important conversations by helping to break through barriers. Through design, brands can contribute to shifting perceptions and building a more inclusive and open dialogue about sexual health.This episode offers a fresh perspective on how industries can collectively create space for discussions that matter, challenge stigmas, and promote a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie & H2O—-Rylé Tuviera would like to “pass on the goodwill” to Ashley McDonnell & Marriam MossaliLakeisha Goedluck would like to “pass on the goodwill” to Aram Ostadian-Binai Julie Herskind would like to “pass on the goodwill” to Pia BaronciniKeep up with The Female Effect:

As a leading voice in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Poornima Luthra is redefining what it means to create truly inclusive workplaces. With over 15 years of experience as a speaker, author, and educator, Poornima challenges deep-seated biases and empowers organizations to foster environments where everyone can thrive.Growing up in Singapore, she often found herself questioning rigid educational norms—thinking outside the box in a system that didn't always embrace it. That early curiosity led her to a PhD that transformed her perspective on race, feminism, and intersectionality, shaping her mission to bring awareness to the biases we all hold. Poornima believes that awareness is the first step to change, urging individuals to ask, "Who is your bias buddy?"—a challenge to seek perspectives beyond our own blind spots.A TED speaker and Thinkers50-recognized management thinker, Poornima's expertise has influenced leading global corporations. As the author of two bestselling books, with her third recently released, she continues to push the boundaries of how we approach diversity and inclusion—not just as policies, but as fundamental shifts in the way we see and support one another.I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—- Poornima would like to “pass on the goodwill” Chisom Udeze @chisom_udeze and Aram Ostadian-Binai @aramobKeep up with Poornima: LinkedIn: Dr. Poornima Luthra Keep up with The Female Effect:

In this episode, Emma Holten shares her views and advocates for systemic change in how care work is valued and measured in both economies and societies worldwide. As a feminist activist, keynote speaker, writer, consultant, and advisor, Emma is challenging traditional economic models and exposing the hidden costs of care work. She highlights how society's failure to recognize the true worth of care labor, whether it is paid or unpaid, contributes to the depletion of vital resources and perpetuates inequality.In her book Deficit (Underskud), Emma delves deep into the often invisible and underappreciated forms of care work that sustain communities, from childcare and eldercare to emotional support and domestic responsibilities and sheds light on how the systematic undervaluing of care work is not merely an economic issue but a reflection of broader social issues, particularly gender inequality and oppression.By questioning why this vital work is so consistently ignored and underpaid, Emma calls attention to the harmful consequences of a society that devalues caregiving roles, leading to an imbalanced and unsustainable social structure.Emma's critique extends beyond the individual to encompass the very fabric of modern economies. She emphasizes that the well-being crisis seen in many wealthy nations—where economic prosperity does not translate into a higher quality of life for the majority—points to much deeper systemic issues. By drawing attention to this imbalance, Emma pushes for a fundamental shift in how we value time, relationships, and the work that sustains our lives. She calls for a reassessment of what truly matters in society, challenging us to prioritize care and well-being over profit and efficiency.I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-Emma would like to “pass on the goodwill” Lucia Odoom @luciaodoom Keep up with Emma

In this episode, Rylé shares her deeply personal insights on navigating life with a mindset of gratitude, positivity, and resilience. Drawing from her experiences with her mother and late aunt, Rylé talks about the importance of seeing the goodness in life, even during hardship and rejection. She believes that while life can be tough, the key to facing challenges is learning to let go of the need to control everything and instead, allowing life to flow—this, she says, empowers us to confront adversity with strength and a heart full of love.Rylé emphasizes the power of self-teaching when it comes to happiness. "No one can teach you happiness; only you can teach yourself happiness," she reflects, highlighting the importance of internal growth and self-awareness. She shares how focusing only on personal gain limits opportunities, encouraging people to help others, bring them into their circle, and offer mentorship to elevate those around them. A strong advocate for self-accountability, Rylé also delves into the power of letting go and trusting the universe. She discusses how rejection can be part of the journey, but the most important thing is knowing you've given your best—your heart, your talent—regardless of the outcome. This aligns with her belief that the path to success is not about external validation but about controlling what's within, making conscious choices, and eliminating excuses.As she says, "Always slay and stay fierce." For her, it's a way of life—facing every challenge with strength, confidence, and grace. She embraces her power, stays true to herself, and remains unshaken, no matter what.I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-Rylé would like to “pass on the goodwill” Ashley McDonnell @ash.mcdonnellKeep up with Rylé: Instagram: Thefiercewalker LinkedIn: Rylé TuvierraYoutube: Rylé Tuvierra Keep up with The Female Effect:

Susanne Holzweiler's journey reflects the delicate balance of building a thriving family business while embracing personal growth. As co-founder of Holzweiler, the family-run ready-to-wear fashion house known for blending future-facing design with their scandinavian heritage, and as the host of the Take A Moment podcast, she reflects on the core values that have shaped her path, with particular emphasis on the lessons passed down from her mother— of independence, self-belief, and the power of unconditional love. Reflecting on her evolution, Susanne shares how her mindset shifted from pushing herself to the limit as a driven go-getter to confronting burnout and learning the importance of slowing down. She shares her passion for meditation, listening to podcasts, and reading, all of which helped her transform her approach to life and work by prioritizing what truly matters.Susanne offers insights on how to navigate work in sync with your menstrual cycle and finding a way to approach work that aligns with the menstruating biology. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the significance of embracing mistakes, finding joy in continuous learning, and staying open to growth. Whether you're growing a business, navigating personal development, or facing challenges, Susanne's insights encourage trusting the process, surrounding yourself with the right people, and believing in yourself—even when things don't go as planned.I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-Susanne would like to “pass on the goodwill” to @iam_marthalouiseKeep up with Susanne: Podcast: “Take a moment”Instagram: @susanneholzweiler and @holzweiler Keep up with The Female Effect:

Through her platform, Fashion With Faith, Imane Asry is dedicated to redefining inclusion in an industry often criticized for performative diversity. As a content creator and style curator, Imane has carved her own path in the fashion world, navigating bias and breaking through barriers to spread a simple yet powerful message: if something feels unfamiliar, make it familiar. By doing so, Imane opens doors for others to feel genuinely valued and given the space to lead.Reflecting on her journey and a creativity that is most likely passed down from her father's talents as a chef - she speaks of the importance of finding ease in life's ups and downs and trusting that each moment unfolds with purpose. Her vision calls for a more inclusive approach to fashion that celebrates individuality and respects cultural diversity and Imane argues that modest fashion is a largely untapped market in the Western fashion industry, one with the potential to expand our understanding of what fashion can be. I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-Imane would like to “pass on the goodwill” Keep up with Imane:Instagram: @fashionwithfaithTikTok: @fashionwithfaithofficialKeep up with The Female Effect:

Som journalist, podcaster og debattør med en kandidatgrad i kultur og formidling, deler Emma Libner passioneret ud af sin dedikation og den rejse, hun har været på siden 2017. Hun fokuserer på vigtige emner relateret til kvindekroppen, cyklus og menstruation. Gennem sit arbejde kaster Emma lys over de samfundsmæssige perspektiver og den ofte oversete viden omkring kvindekroppen.Hun fremhæver, hvordan disse spørgsmål påvirker kvinders liv og understreger deres betydning i privatlivet, arbejdslivet og sociale sammenhænge. Hun går i dybden med, hvor dybt forankrede disse opfattelser er i vores kultur, og de udfordringer, der ligger i at ændre dem. Derudover deler Emma sin viden om vigtige statistikker og diskuterer, hvor langt vi er nået, og hvad der stadig mangler at ændre.Hun understreger, hvordan vores samfund ville kunne drage stor nytte af bedre at imødekomme kvinders behov, og hvordan vores forståelse af cyklusser ikke kun bør ses som kvindeligt ved at anlægge et mindre kønnet perspektiv.Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie—-Emma vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” ved at opfordre til aktivt at opsøge personer, der er anderledes end dig selv – og engagere dig i indhold, der ikke afspejler dine egne oplevelser eller overbevisninger.Keep up with Emma Libner:Instagram: @kh_underlivetPodcast: ‘Sexpanelet'Bog: ‘Kh Underlivet' by Emma Libner Keep up with The Female Effect:

Podcastvært Sofie Sytnik har talt åbent om det hun kalder sin “kvartlivskrise” og den ofte fejlagtige forestilling om succes. Da Sofie gik fra at have et udadtil prestigefyldt job som radiovært, til en periode med arbejdsløshed og fordybelse, fandt hun ægte glæde, ved at omdefinere, hvad succes egentlig betyder for hende. Styret af sin tro på affirmationer, intention og en dybere forbindelse til naturen, traf Sofie den afgørende beslutning at flytte ind i sit lille kolonihavehus og finde tilbage til sig selv.For Sofie handler succes om nærvær, dybde og indre lykke – ikke ydre faktorer. På sin Instagram skaber Sofie ligeledes et rum for åben dialog om identitet, kropsidealer og samfundsnormer, især dem der påvirker kvinder. Hendes rejse involverer også jagten på balance gennem spiritualitet, terapi, breathwork og en tro på, at universet vil støtte dig, når dine intentioner er rene.Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie—-Sofie would like to “pass on the goodwill” to @clara.maria.bahamondesKeep up with Sofie Sytnik:Instagram: @sofiesytnikPodcast: “Hvad skal der ske med os?” Keep up with The Female Effect:

In this special solo episode of The Female Effect, I sit down for the first time in English, to reflect on my journey so far, sharing personal insights after taking a brief break from publishing. Since day one, my dream for The Female Effect has been to create a platform with no boundaries—where geography doesn't define our audience and where anyone can tap in and out as needed. This philosophy extends to all of us, including myself.In this reflection I explore the concept of momentum, something that often brings me anxiety, and instead, how I'm focused on cultivating a space where we can all pause, reflect, and support one another. Over the past months, I've hosted community events with incredible partners who share these values, experimenting with how we can bring The Female Effect into the physical space. I'm excited to see how these efforts grow and inspire even more connection.In this episode, I'll also touch on the abundance mindset, reminding us all that opportunities are never taken but instead shared—what's meant for you will come to you. The last ten episodes have taught me so much, and I'm eager to continue sharing these stories with you, hoping you leave feeling inspired to think about who's in your life that you can uplift and what you can bring to the table for others.I hope this episode encourages you to pause, reflect, and embrace the power of community.I hope you're feeling inspired, cause we're rooting for you!xx Julie—-I'd like to pass on the goodwill to Selam Fessahaye - @zelamfezzahyeStay up to date with The Female Effect:

Som grundlægger, designer og kreativ direktør for Kernemilk omdefinerer Marie Mark sin egen fortælling om mode ved at fejre hver enkelt person for, hvem de er, og hvordan de ser ud. Marie mener, at tøj kan være et værktøj til selvkærlighed og empowerment. Siden Kernemilks lancering har hendes inkluderende vision og brandets stærke femme energy opnået anerkendelse både i Danmark og internationalt. Styret af mantraet, "Kernemilk is not something you drink, it's something you wear, but when you wear it, your body drinks it,” omfavner Kernemilks designs naturlig skønhed og kropspositivitet uden at følge trends.I vores samtale belyser Marie bl.a. usunde mønstre i modeindustrien, hendes udfordringer med en traditionel skolegang og hendes oplevelser med at blive mor, mens hun opbyggede sit brand—alt imens hun stræber efter at være et stærkt forbillede for sin søn.Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie—-Marie vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til Maji Claire @majiclaireHold dig opdateret med Marie & Kernemilk:Instagram: @mariemark_ & @kernemilk Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

DANISH EPISODEMaria Jarjis er science-influencer, ambassadør for European Space Agency (ESA) og en pioner inden for videnskabsformidling til børn i STEM - som står for “Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics”. Gennem sit online univers "WTF er det?" bl.a. via Youtube, inspirerer hun børn og unge til at se mulighederne i videnskaben. Med sin platform udfordrer Maria de normer, der ofte afholder unge fra at følge deres passioner og evner, eller fra overhovedet at opdage dem, og viser, at videnskab er for alle. Maria deler sine tanker om den stempling, der ofte sker i folkeskolen mellem de boglige og de ikke-boglige elever, og hvordan dette system er forældet. Hun argumenterer for, at skolesystemet bør moderniseres for at være mere inkluderende og vise børn og unge, at de kan blive lige, hvad de vil.I denne episode af The Female Effect dykker vi ned i Marias rejse fra at mangle rollemodeller i STEM til selv at blive én for de tusinder af børn og unge som følger med på hendes kanaler. Maria fortæller om sin mors modige valg i livet—fra at gå ingeniørvejen i Iran, noget kun meget få kvinder gjorde, til at blive selvstændig forretningskvinde efter hun kom til Danmark i 1992 - noget som har haft en dyb indflydelse på Marias egen mentalitet og ambitioner.Vi taler også om vigtigheden af at sige fra, når noget ikke føles rigtigt, og om at lære, at man ikke altid har ansvaret for den gode stemning. Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret - for vi hepper på dig! xx Julie—-Maria vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til Mina Jaf @iam_mina_jafLife hack: “Når jeg skal finde ud af ting så går jeg faktisk ind på YouTube og TikTok, som en search engine, hvis der er noget du ikke kan finde ud af - bare søg på det - du får det serveret hurtigt, kort, simpelt” Life lesson / saying to live by: "Det er cool at være nørd. Man kan sagtens være en badass woman og være den største nørd” Bog: “Getting to Yes” Roger Fisher & William Ury Podcast: “Social Media Marketing Podcast” af Michael Steltzner Hold dig opdateret med Maria:Instagram: @maria_Jarjis Linkedin: Maria Jarjis Youtube: @MariaJarjis Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

Live Podcast recording & Panel Talk during Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25 - August 5-9th 2024 at Soho House Copenhagen. The conversation was co-moderated between Mona Ali, founder of FIIRI and Julie Lou, host at The Female Effect.“How can we ensure that more women feel they have access and opportunity in the fashion industry? And how do we create the most inclusive environment for all femme people contributing?”The purpose of the Panel Talk was to welcome different perspectives that can help us shed light on the current state of female representation in the fashion industry - With the aim to amplify female voices and contribute to the agenda of making space for all, ensuring every woman feels seen, heard, and empowered as a vital contributor in the industry.We were lucky to welcome a panel of incredible women navigating within the Copenhagen fashion scene: Sally Javadi/ @sallyssneakers: Iranian Copenhagen-based content creator. Under the alias @sallyssneakers, Sally has built a platform advocating for greater inclusivity in sneakers and streetwear for women and people of color. Additionally, she holds a major in psychology. Loïs Zaina/ @rudegirllois: Congolese-born Kenyan editorial makeup artist. Through her artistry, Loïs aspires to empower young POC creators to claim their own space in the industry.Aram Ostadian-Binai/ @aramob: Copenhagen-based Social Entrepreneur, Creative DEI Advocate and Consultant, and Founder & CEO of The Soulfuls, an award winning global network and platform on a mission to pave the way for a free, fair and inclusive future for young women of all backgrounds.Rosa Lois Balle Yahiya/ @rosalois: Model & Founder & Head of Secretariat at Another Life, an award-winning non-profit association that works with representation, mental health, discrimination and work environment in Danish music and cultural life.Sarah Stenfeldt/ @sarahstenfeldt: Photographer and director within the fashion, art and commercial worlds. With a playful and contemporary imprint Sarah's imagery is commissioned for leading fashion and lifestyle brands and magazines. We want to extend our warmest gratitude to Copenhagen Fashion Week & Soho House for supporting us with a platform to initiate this important conversation with everyone attending. xx Mona & Julie —-The Panel would like to pass on the goodwill to: Sarah Stenfeldt - Alva le Febvre - Photographer - @alvalefotoAram Ostadian-Binai - All Mentees of The Soulfuls - @thesoulfulsLoïs Zaina - Merveille - Catering - @enjoyments.dkSally Javadi - Melisa Pour - singer @melisapuor Rosa Lois Balle Yahya - Naima Yasin & Ingrid Baraka - A Seat at The Table Podcast - @asatt—-- Keep up with Mona & FIIRI Agency:

Ph.d. og forsker inden for jura, samt kvinden bag virksomheden “My Law Story”, Sabba Mirza, er gæst i dette afsnit af The Female Effect. Vi dykker ned i betydningen af at udfordre det konservative blik i den juridiske verden, vigtigheden af at fremhæve mangfoldighed og nuancerede perspektiver for at forbedre trivsel, samt hendes erfaringer med at placere impact aller øverst i virksomhedens prioritetsrækkefølge.Som underviser fik Sabba et særligt indblik i studiemiljøet på jurastudiet, da studerende åbnede op om deres udfordringer, der viste sig at have dybe rødder i mistrivsel, depression og angst blandt jurastuderende. Dette blev kimen til skabelsen af “My Law Story”, der i dag spiller en afgørende rolle i arbejdet med at fremme mental sundhed, samt skabe rum til samtale og handling for at forbedre trivsel, ligestilling og diversitet i den juridiske verden, der længe har været præget af en forældet konkurrence- og præstationskultur.Vi taler om hvordan behovet for øget trivsel strækker sig langt ud over blot den juridiske branche, og Sabba deler sine tanker om at forbinde forretning og impact, samt om at møde kritiske holdninger til netop at kombinere de to. Sabba er en central figur i den offentlige samtale om vores samtykkelovgivning på voldtægtsområdet i Danmark, og i januar 2024 inviterede hun og My Law Story både politikere, jurister og den brede danske befolkning til en åben dialog og status på området. Sabba forklarer hvordan kropsligt samtykke er det fremtrædende i Danmark og hvordan en status pegede på at det ikke er lovgivning, men øget samtale i hjemmet og via vores institutioner der for alvor skal understøtte forebyggelsen på området. Jeg er taknemmelig for at Sabba ville komme og dele sin viden, forskning og erfaringer, og I vil blive efterladt både inspireret og beriget. xx Julie—-Sabba vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til instagram account @deltidsaraber & filmskaber og reporter Bisan Owda/ @wizard_bisan1Life hack: “stå tidligt op om morgenen” Life lesson / saying to live by: "Enhver der gir dig hånden er ikke din ven” - du skal ikke give dig hen til enhver person du møder, for det er ikke sikkert personen har de samme rene intentioner som du har. Bog: alle mine jura bøger - “jeg er så kedelig at høre på haha”Podcast: (Fra Julie) Lyt til Sabba's personlige interview i “Kh Mor” af Line Kirsten hos Ally. Hold dig opdateret med Sabba & My Law Story: Instagram: @sabba.mirza & @mylawstorydkLinkedin: dr. Sabba Mirza & My Law Story Website: ⁠www.mylawstory.org⁠ Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

ENGLISH EPISODETRIGGER WARNING* episode contains mention of suicide. It was a very dear experience for me to welcome Mona Mohammed Ali, founder of Scandinavia's first model agency for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, to join me in The Female Effect. In our conversation we delve into her journey from growing up in Scandinavia as a Somali refugee to uncovering her passion within fashion, how she shaped her true identity in her 11 years in London, and ultimately launching her business from her aunt's couch in Stockholm.Mona shares personal reflections on her own experiences with racism and bullying, navigating mental health and identity as a young Muslim girl, and her upbringing in a bustling household of 12 children—siblings and cousins alike—all lovingly raised by a single woman: her aunt. Mona is the woman behind FIIRI, a model and talents agency created to represent minorities, and in our conversation Mona addresses the complexities and challenges that specifically black and brown people meet in the creative world, rooted in her own experiences as a black model. We talk about the importance of community, and why representation in media and fashion starts with educating the team behind the scene to foster more inclusive practices. We also visit her experience as the first Condé Nast Diversity and Inclusion Editor with VOGUE Scandinavia, and how she perceives herself as a people collector - by acknowledging all the many talents of the people around her and lifting others up. Mona's lighthearted and warm aura shines through wonderfully in the conversation, and I hope you enjoy our conversation, and that it brings you just as much value as it did for me.xx Julie ----Mona passes on the goodwill to:- British-Jamaican entrepreneur and businesswoman Sharmadean Reid MBE founder of Beautystack- Emma Grede, entrepreneur and fashion designer behind denim company Good American and Skims.- Writer and spoken-words poet Charlotte Manning. A life hack you swear by: Have at least an hour of time just for yourself in the morningA life lesson that has been life-changing / A saying to live by: “Treat others the way you wanna be treated and lead by example” A book that has left a particular mark on you: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Cuelho Your Go-to Podcast: “The Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett & “Where should we begin?” by Esther Perell & “Modern Love Podcast” by The New York Times Keep up with Mona & FIIRI Agency:Instagram: @monamali_ & @fiiriagencyWebsite: www.fiiri.agency Keep up with The Female Effect:

I dette afsnit gæster kunstnere og barndomsvenner Apolonia Sokol og Zahna Siham Benamor, The Female Effect, og vi dykker ned i hver deres kunstneriske virkemidler, som henholdsvis gennem maleri, poesi og performance stiller sig kritisk overfor etablerede samfundsnormer, ulighed og magtstrukturer, og stiller spørgsmålstegn til, hvem det egentlig er, der bestemmer hvad og hvem som defineres som korrekt og falsk. Deres historie begyndte i København i 1996, da de mødtes som 8-årige. Nu genforenes de i udstillingen “The False Rose of Jericho” på Instituttet for Samtidskunst O-Overgaden i København, en udstilling, der med sine mange facetter berører vores samtid. Udstillingens symbol, Jeriko-rosen, også kendt som genopstandelsesrosen, symboliserer bl.a. genopblomstringen af deres venskab gennem årene og evnen til at overkomme svære oplevelser. Med sit nomadiske afsæt, er rosen også et symbol på udstillingens kritiske perspektiv på ejerklassen, magtforhold og kolonialisme, som udformer sig gennem kunst og performance.Samtalen berører også dét at føle sig fremmede, og vigtigheden i at finde nogen man kan spejle sig i. Apolonia og Siham deler, hvordan de konstant lærer af hinanden, finder inspiration i hinanden og hvordan deres kommunikation er forskellig, men samtidig deler samme budskaber og en fælles forståelse. Vi taler om hvordan man som kunstner kan omfavne det introverte i ens natur og den konstante udvikling vi som mennesker er i. Apolonia er blevet kaldt "en af tidens vigtigste samtidskunstnere", og med reference til 2022 dokumentaren "Apolonia Apolonia" af Lea Glob, der skildrer Apolonias eget liv over 13 år, fortæller Siham som førstehåndsvidne og Apolonia selv, omkring oplevelsen af den offentlige popularitet og anerkendelse, på godt og ondt. Det betyder meget for mig at Apolonia og Siham havde lyst til at træde ind i The Female Effect rummet og give os en unik indsigt i deres verden, som rummer både stærke og vigtige budskaber. Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie —-Apolonia & Siham vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til skulptur kunstner Julie Falk & kunstner Noah Umur Kanber (@noahks_ark) Life hack: Siham:“Hvis du har ADHD så er brown noice god til at hjælpe dig med at slappe af ” Life lesson / saying to live by: Apolonia: “Man skal ikke dyrke s3x for at få succes, men få succes for at dyrke bedre s3x”Siham: “Don't make someone a priority if they treat you like a choice” Bog: Apolonia: “Beloved” af Toni Morrison Siham: “I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl's Notes from the End of the World” af Kai Cheng Tom Podcast: Apolonia: “Venus S'épilait-elle la chatte?” (fransk) af Julie Beauzac & “Ana Mandietas liv, kunst og mystiske død” af Politikken PoptillægSiham: “Bobo and Flex” af Bobo and Flex Podcast & “Dream Big Podcast” af Zahna Siham Benamor & Sofia Cerqueira: https://soundcloud.com/zahna-siham-benamor/dream-big-afsnit-1 Hold dig opdateret med Apolonia & Siham: Instagram: @apolonia_painteresse & @beast_from_the_mseeHold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

Clara Filippa identificerede sig ikke umiddelbart som en del af målgruppen for sexlegetøj, hvilket fik hende til at tænke “Hvorfor egentlig ikke det?” - Dette spørgsmål blev startskuddet for hende og hendes medstifteres rejse med at skabe Peech, et sex-positivt univers som deler viden og udvikler sexlegetøj. Med dén mission at udfordre de stereotyper der ligger til nydelse, sex og seksualitet, og skabe et inkluderende og trygt univers. I dette afsnit af The Female Effect taler jeg med Clara om at aftabuisere sexlegetøj, skabe kønsneutrale produkter og introducere et nyt perspektiv, der omfavner seksualitetens mange nuancer. Vi diskuterer også de udfordringer, der følger med utilstrækkelig seksualundervisning i uddannelsessystemet, og om at cater til mange forskellige seksualiteter og kønsidentiteter. Clara belyser kompleksiteten i at begå sig som et sex-tech brand både i den fysiske verden og på sociale medier, hvor de har skulle navigere i algoritmer og shadow-banning og omgået det med kreative løsninger som f.eks. at skabe et alternativt kommunikations alfabet. Vi taler om at hun håber at det i fremtiden bliver nemmere at tale åbent om sex og at folk får et bedre sexliv - uden stigmatisering. Hun ønsker at vi udvikler et sprog, der tillader folk at udforske og udtrykke deres lyst og grænser uden frygt eller unødvendige forbehold.Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie ---Clara vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til Tronhjem Rømer, @tronhjemromerLife hack: at bruge sin vibrator til at smøre sin ansigtscreme på ansigtetLife lesson / saying to live by: “tag den tid det tager” Bog: “Sex Magasinet” af Sofie Riise Nors Podcast: “Tiden” fra DR Hold dig opdateret med Clara og Peech: Instagram: @peech_dk & @cl4r4_f1l1pp4 Tiktok: @peech_dkWebsite: www.peech.dk Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

I generationer er kvinder blevet taget useriøst når det kommer til vores smerter, og selv i dag er det primære kriterium for en vellykket fødsel “blot” overlevelse. Min gæst, Ditte Marie Fog Ibsen, mener dog, at fokus bør udvides betydeligt for at inkludere kvindens livskvalitet efter fødslen, og at højere krav netop er muligt, hvis vi innoverer og sætter kvinders sundhed allerforrest på agendaen. Dette afsnit af The Female Effect tager derfor fat på den stigende innovation og teknologi, der skal understøtte kvinder og vores sundhed bedre.Ditte Marie har via virksomheden Oasi.Care, gjort det til en dagsorden at udvikle et produkt, der potentielt kan formidle og forbedre levevilkår samt følgevirkninger for de 93 millioner kvinder på verdensplan, der årligt oplever bristninger i underlivet i forbindelse med fødsler. I afsnittet taler vi om den løsning som Oasi.Care har udviklet, nogle af de fordomme der er omkring de smerter der kan ligges sig biologisk hos kvinder, og hvordan de gennem generationer er blevet tysset med udtryk som “hysteri” og “at bide smerten i sig”.Ditte Marie åbner også op for snakken om iværksætterkultur, stiller sig kritisk overfor definitionen af ambition, og om dét investerings gab der tilstadighed ses hos virksomheder, der er grundlagt af kvinder. Vi taler også om hvorfor Ditte Marie mener at udviklingen inden for kvinders sundhed forventes at blive en af de mest lukrative markeder i fremtiden. Især én oplevelse gjorde stort indtryk på Ditte Marie - og hun fortæller om da hun for første gang stod over for 100 kvindelige investorer, og indså, at hun ikke længere behøvede at bruge tid på at forklare, hvorfor bristninger og følgevirkninger er et problem. Hun kunne i stedet gå direkte til løsningen, da hun talte til investorer, der var velbevandrede i problemet, da de selv var en del af målgruppen. Som peger på hvor vigtigt repræsentation er i hele iværksætteri økosystemet - også blandt dem som skænker midlerne. Jeg lærte sindssygt meget af at dykke ned i det her felt med Ditte Marie - og jeg ved det også kan åbne andres perspektiv. Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie —-Ditte Marie vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til Viktoriya Vasilenko founder & CEO Knowledge Gate Group & Julia Sand Co-founder af Oasi.Care Life hack: spis grøntsager til morgenmad hver dag - evt. blend dem. Life lesson / saying to live by: “Hvis man skal ændre noget her i livet vil jeg bruge 99% af tiden på at forstå udfordringen og 1% på at skabe løsningen”Bog: “Kvinden ved havet” og “Senseis mappe” af Hiromi KawakamiPodcast: “My Dad Wrote a Porno” af Jamie Morton, James Cooper og Alice LevineHold dig opdateret med Ditte Marie & Oasi.Care: Linkedin: @Ditte Marie Fog Ibsen Website: www.oasi.care Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

Kolonialiseringens generationstraume, det matriarkalske værdisæt, og filmkunsten som et centralt greb til at nuancere historien om grønlands oprindelige befolkning, inuit, er nogle af de emner som kommer i fokus, når jeg taler med filmskaber, Inuit og aktivist Aka Hansen i dette afsnit af The Female Effect.I vores samtale deler Aka hendes oplevelse med at vokse op mellem Nuuk og Sisimiut i Grønland og Danmark, hendes oplevelser med den historiefortælling der er omkring grønland, og hvordan dybt indgroet fordomme om alkoholisme, passivitet og generel uvidenhed i generationer har tegnet et unuanceret og stereotypt narrativ som Aka idag, med film som hendes greb, har dedikeret sit arbejde til at gøre op med. Aka italesætter også den skade det gør når disse fortællinger bliver internaliseret, og samtidig hvilken heling det kan skabe at generobre sit folks' narrativ - både for Grønland og Danmark.Vi taler også om de skønhedsidealer vi læner os op af i Europa, og betydningen af at oprindelige folk i højere grad bliver repræsenteret i film og popkultur, og hvad det gør for at flere kan spejle sig og tro på de også kan opnå hvad de drømmer om. Aka blev i 2023 også tildelt Plan Børnefondens hæderspris “Pigeprisen” for at fremme ligestilling mellem kønnene gennem formidling af grønlandsk kultur og historie. Aka indtager en vigtig rolle i at nedbryde de fordomme, stereotyper og en tragisk kolonifortid i relation til Grønland og Inuit, og jeg er beæret over at vi kunne bringe en lille del, af en så vigtig agenda, med ind i The Female Effect rummet sammen med Aka. Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie —-Aka vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til Kâlánguak Absalonsen og hendes bog “Lille” Life hack: “Man skal ikke gøre sig mindre, man må fylde lige præcis det som man gør” Life lesson / saying to live by: “Universet har en plan med det her” Bog: “Imperiets Børn” Anne Kirstine Hermann Podcast: “Where Should We begin? With Esther Perel” af Esther Perel Global Media Hold dig opdateret med Aka: Instagram: @akahansenVimeo: @Uilu StoriesHold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

I min første solo episode nogensinde, dykker jeg ned i de vigtigste råd, indsigter og læringer, som jeg har taget med mig fra de kvinder som har delt deres historie og tanker med os i de 10 første episoder af The Female Effect.En klar rød tråd hos alle de gæster, som har besøgt The Female Effect rummet, er deres evne til, på hver deres måde, at transformere sårbarhed til styrke. Deres historier skaber spejlinger, der viser, at vi kan finde inspiration og støtte i hinandens fortællinger og at vi skal turde læne os op ad hinanden.Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for jeg hepper på dig!xx Julie —-Julie Lou vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til Grafisk Designer Birgit Käsper & Komponist og Producer Søren Haahr Featured episoder: #1: Pura Utz: Anna Andrés, Bernabela Sapalú & Elisa Sapalú#2: Christine Marie Smith #3: Dia Jovanovic#4: Manilla Ghafuri #5: Marlow: Nadia Ladak & Simone Godbout#6: Caroline Kjellberg #7: Alana Ocaño #8: Nanna Schultz #9: Luna Ersahin #10: Josefine Stork Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

Josefine Stork er journalist og vært på podcasten "TUNGDOM", hvor hun inviterer kendte personligheder ind i et samtalerum omkring de traumer og tunge tanker, de bærer med sig fra barn- og ungdommen. Gennem samtalen tager de på en helingsrejse, hvor man som lytter får mulighed for at overvære og spejle sig i.I denne episode af The Female Effect peger pilen den anden vej, og Josefine reflekterer over, hvordan oplevelser med ensomhed, eksklusion og lavt selvværd satte spor i hende som barn og ung og i dag har ført til en fascination af den menneskelige psykologi. Dette har inspireret hende til at skabe personlige formater, hvor hun med hende selv som sårbart fortegn, kan skabe spejlinger, inklusion og nedbryde tabuer. Hendes mål er at bidrage til at hele det indre barn, vi alle bærer i os og som ikke følte sig god nok.Josefine fortæller også hvordan hendes podcast "Tænd For Mig" med parterapeut og sexolog Ditte Winkel, føles som en terapisession for hende selv, og hvordan et nyt projekt hun har på vej skal hjælpe kvinder til at forstå deres biologi bedre og hvordan hun nogle gange oplever det, hun kalder "journalistiske tømmermænd", men at hun samtidig har lært, at det ikke er farligt at være 100% autentisk.Min samtale med Josefine inspirerede mig til også at dele ét af mine mere sårbare minder, som handler om mobning og at føle sig forkert og udstillet - og hvordan dén oplevelse og de følelser havde fulgt mig, og var tæt på at afholde mig fra at tage skridtet og søsætte The Female Effect. Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie —-Josefine vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” @leahellmann founder af Mind Care Collective og Podcastvært på “Vores Mentale Sundhed” Life hack: Meditation og breath work - anbefaling af Joe Dispenza's meditationer.Life lesson / saying to live by: “Det du fokuserer på får du mere af”Bog: “Derfor forelsker du dig aldrig i den forkerte” af Jytte VikkelsøePodcast: “Hjerteflimmer for voksne” af Sara Bro og DRHold dig opdateret med Josefine: Instagram: @josstorkLinkedin: @Josefine StorkPodcasts: “TUNGDOM”, “Tænd For Mig”, “Nøgne Sandheder” Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

Sanger, producer og sangskriver Luna Ersahin har med afsæt i hendes egne rødder og identitet skabt musik, der bevæger sig på tværs af sprog, kulturer, musikgenrer og dybe følelser. I dette afsnit gæster hun The Female Effect, og vi dykker ned i dualiteten ved at skulle promovere sig selv som kunstner for at skabe sit levebrød og udleve sine drømme, samtidig med at være et individ i et samfund præget af krig og umenneskelighed, og dét at jonglere mellem to så stærke yderpunkter.Vi taler om den kurdiske diaspora, om at være barn af flere kulturer, kunsten som et aktivistisk værktøj og at normalisere et helt folk i mainstream musik.Gennem bandet Aysay, er Luna, og hendes allierede Carl og Aske, med til at skabe et mere nuanceret udgangspunkt for kulturarv og identitet og deres musik formidler betydningen af, at identitet ikke er bundet på din genetik, men at tilhør og identitet er noget man selv definerer - 200%. Jeg er så stolt af at Luna havde lyst til at dele en bid af hendes verden med os i denne episode, og jeg er overbevist om, at den vil være lige så inspirerende for jer, der lytter, som den var for mig.Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie —-Luna vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til musiker @rezwan_tahaLife hack: “vær nysgerrig overfor få inputs” Life lesson / saying to live by: “Når vand flyder, finder det sin vej” at stole på at man nok skal ende der hvor man skal + “succes kommer ikke kun til dem der er heldige, men også til dem som ikke stopper” Bog: “Blå Øje” digtsamling af Deniz KiyPodcast: “Enhed” af Noell Elise og “Perkologi” af Fatimah Gabriella & HeartbeatsHold dig opdateret med Luna & Aysay: Instagram: @lunaersahin & @Aysaymusic Youtube: @AysayWebsite: www.aysay.dkHold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:

Min gæst, Nanna Schultz blev som førstegangs mor kastet direkte ind i moderskabet og efterfødslens omvæltning, og da hun i et opråb på facebook beskrev hendes følelser og oplevelse med både ærlighed og frustration, vandt det enorm genklang. Derfor blev den manglende dialog og behovet for at aftabuisere og skabe community, støbestenene til hendes virksomhed Momkind. Momkind er et samtalerum, en one-stop shop for efterfødselsprodukter, og vigtigst af alt, et fællesskab for alle kvinder, der står over for eller er midt i moderskabet. Gennem ærlighed, forståelse og åbenhed skaber Momkind et univers, hvor de sammen med deres community udfordrer tabuer der relaterer sig til graviditet, fødsel, efterfødsel og moderskab. Med det klare formål er at skabe og udvikle alt i tæt samarbejde med deres community.Momkind cementerer også disse værdier, i podcasten under samme navn. Her tager et panel af kvinder fra deres community, fagpersoner og eksperter emner op som vedrører mentale, fysiske, kulturelle og på anden vis samfundsrelaterede dilemmaer, som indsendes direkte fra deres online community. Igennem samtalerne, spiller de en afgørende rolle i at skabe et inkluderende fællesskab og en rummelig og relatérbar samtale i et forum af kvinder, som ikke blot kan spejle sig i Momkind, men også i hinanden indbyrdes. Nanna åbner også op omkring hendes nylige stress sygemelding, den psykologiske stress som ofte følger dét at være iværksætter og dét at implementere 30-timers arbejdsuge fordi frihed, arbejdskultur og trivsel var øverst på Nanna's prioritering da hun som nyudklækket arbejdsgiver begyndte at skulle forme en lille organisation. Jeg beundrer Nanna for at være fuldkommen hoved-på-sømmet når det kommer til at tale højt om sine egne personlige erfaringer, med temaer som også ligger mig nært. Heriblandt - trivsel, stress, tilhør og repræsentation. Håber du føler dig inspireret for vi hepper på dig, xx Julie ——Nanna vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til Clara Filippa Damgaard Andersen, co-founder af Peech (@peech_dk)Life hack: Isbade eller kolde bade. Life lesson / saying: “Fail, fail fast and fix it”Bog: alt fra Alex Schulman.Podcast: “momkind podcast” og “Genstart” fra DR Hold dig opdateret med Nanna og Momkind:Instagram: @momkind.dk Facebook: gruppen “Momkind Community” Website: www.momkind.dkLinkedIn: Nanna SchultzHold dig opdateret med The Female Effect: Instagram: @thefemaleeffect_TikTok: @thefemaleeffect Image: Cecilie Bach Artwork: Birgit Käsper Jingle // Sounddesign: Søren Haahr--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-lou/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ENGLISH EPISODE Choosing to walk the creative path and navigating a career as a fashion photographer, wasn't always in the cards for Alana Ocaño, this weeks guest on The Female Effect. Or at least, she thought so, until later in her young adulthood when she realised that this was her calling. As a first generation American, of Nicaraguan and Mexican decent, Alana was raised cross-culturally between Mexico and San Diego, California in the US, where she met her now husband Andreas, that eventually brought her to moving to Copenhagen and seek out her passion for photography. During our discussion, Alana provides insights into forging a career in fashion photography and uncovering one's artistic path. She emphasises the importance of navigating a creative trajectory even when opting for a less conventional path, which, in her case, wasn't initially supported in her community.From an outsiders perspective, many industries can feel closed off and information can feel hard to obtain, which can lead to discouragement and disillusion. Alana advocates that this shouldn't be the status-quo and that information gatekeeping isn't beneficial, but only promoting an unhealthy and excluding culture in many industries. To counteract this, Alana has made it her mission to share her knowledge, insight and skills though a course in editorial and fashion photography - taking the participants through not only industry and technical know-how, but also addressing the very universal, but often silenced, emotional barriers such as imposter syndrome, comparison and fear of failure, to ultimately showcase more nuance and empower individuals to follow their urge. In the episode Alana also opens up about her perspective on loneliness, being in a long-distance relationship, representation and community, finding purpose and learning to filter out opinions of others. Her photographic aesthetic is soft, feminine and mysterious and she has implemented this visual style in projects for clients such as REMAIN and The Garment, and her work has been published in international magazines like VOGUE, Elle and L'officiel.Alana recently made the move to Paris, and her and her husband are looking to settle down in New York as a next step. I'm truly grateful that I was able to catch her in Copenhagen for an exchange before she headed off.I hope you feel as inspired by Alana as I do,xx Julie-----Alana would like to “pass on the goodwill” to - I Wanna give a shoutout to all the women that are bold enough to go for their dreams. Life hack: “Follow your instincts and don't disregard your inner voice”Life lesson / saying to live by: “Leap and then the net will appear”: having the courage to take the leap, and then the next step will follow. Bog: “A little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara Podcast: “At Your Service” by Dua Lipa & Service 95 Keep up with Alana:Instagram: @alanaocanoWebste: www.alanaocano.com Alana's “A Course on Editorials” sign up link: https://www.11thedit.com/a-course-on-editorials Keep up with The Female Effect: Instagram: @thefemaleeffect_TikTok: @thefemaleeffectArtwork: Birgit Käsper Jingle // Sounddesign: Søren Haahr --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-lou/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At holde det indre barn i live, ligge under for sammenlignings- og perfekthedskultur og dét at blive diagnosticeret med ADD og mild Autisme som voksen, er nogle af de emner jeg vender sammen med Caroline Kjellberg, som er ugens gæst i The Female Effect.Caroline har siden begyndelsen af hendes karriere brugt sig selv i hendes kunst og arbejde som animator og som et værktøj til at nå ud til kunder og følgere på hendes online platforme. Men efter hendes hjemkomst fra flere års ophold på Bali, stod hun head-first overfor nedtrykte traumer og måtte kigge indad for at genetablere hendes mentale sundhed og trivsel, og genopfinde nye mentale og fysiske rammer. Samtidig indså hun, at hun havde indordnet sig under samfundets forventninger til, hvem hun skulle være, i stedet for at være tro mod sin egen autentiske selv. Caroline er 2D animator, illustrator, motion designer og vigtigst af alt storyteller. Hun har skabt hendes eget visuelle univers, et univers som jeg ville beskrive som farverigt, quirky og fængende, et som man bliver grebet af og drages imod. På mange måder så føles det som om hun har fundet hendes egen kommunikationsform og sætter sit eget helt særlige præg på verden omkring hende.Formelt blev hun uddannet som Interaktiv designer fra Danmarks Medie og Journalist Højskole i 2018, og har siden drevet hendes eget personlige brand som freelancer og sat sit animations præg på projekter for brands som fx. Calvin Klein, Beats by Dre, UNIQLO og ADOBE. Sidste år udgav hun også sin egen masterclass som ambassadør for Domestika, hvor hun underviser i mixed media animation. Caroline viser helt utrolig sårbarhed i vores samtale og tilbyder med ømhed og autencitet hendes egne personlige oplevelser og perspektiver på neurodiversitet, at læne sig ind i feminin vs. maskulin energi, at være introvært i en ekstrovert branche, at skabe en base lige præcis dér hvor man føler sig mest hjemme, og at redefinere sig selv og sin måde at bruge sit håndværk på senere i livet. Jeg lærte så meget af at tale med Caroline, og det har jeg på fornemmelsen at du også vil. Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig. x Julie —— Caroline nævner Nasi Goreng som er Indonesisk fried rice.Julie nævner “Cringe Mountain” - link til TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGe1wEhDa/Caroline vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til Dr. Gabor Maté - skriver bøger om ADD, autisme, traumer, afhængighed etc.Life hack: “Lav breathwork og tænk over din vejrtrækning” + “TRE nervereguleringsmetoder og traume-terapi”*Disclaimer: Denne information udgør ikke ekspert rådgivning omkring mental sundhed eller anbefaling og bør ikke betragtes som sådan.Life lesson / saying to live by: “Hurt People, Hurt People” og “Du er ikke en dråbe I havet, du er hele havet I én dråbe” Bog: “Elsk Alt” af Matt Kahn og “Du er en badass” af Jen Sincero. Podcast: “Deja Blu Podcast” af Blu Hold dig opdateret med Caroline: Instagram: @Caroline.kjellberg TikTok: @Caroline.kjellberg Webste: ⁠www.carolinekjellberg.com⁠ LinkedIn: Caroline KjellbergHold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:Instagram: @thefemaleeffect_TikTok: @thefemaleeffectArtwork: Birgit Käsper Jingle // Sounddesign: Søren Haahr --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-lou/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ENGLISH EPISODE My guests today have created the oldersister figure they needed themselves when navigating their own experience with menstrual health as young people. Simone Godbout and Nadia Ladak are two of the four co-founders, who have made it their mission to revolutionise menstrual health - from the way we talk about it (or don't), the stigma and taboo surrounding it, to the information we have access to, to the products we use.They have founded Marlow, a universe that serves us both as an educational platform, and as a designer and retailer of their own organic, convenient and innovative menstrual products - including their first product, the lubricated tampon. Their focus on changing the conversation and experience around menstrual health, is in many ways closing a gab on reliable, accessible and inclusive source of information. ….And they have created what 14-year-old Julie would have loved to have had as her sidekick. In our conversation, Canadian-based Nadia and Simone opens up about how Marlow started as a University course where the four of them shared a passion for solving the issues related to menstrual health and the innovation, stigma and disinformation on the area. We also talk about how they have made it their mission to build-in-public and co-create with their community, to always put their community in the very forefront of their business. We touch on company-culture as a gen-Z founded company, how working remote and being in nature is pivotal to all of the four co-founders and their well-being and how this is cemented into Marlow aswell. And finally we of course discuss their Dragon's Den Canada experience, which aired on the 19th of October 2023. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and that it brings you just as much value as it did for me, xx Julie —— Nadia mentions Moontime Sisters, a volunteer-led organisation providing free menstrual products to remote communities in Northern America.Simone passes on the goodwill to: Sororal - A company giving trips/travels for women abroad, all the business you visit are women-owned/led. Nadia passes on the goodwill to: Arthi Sharma - Angel-investor who works to democratise access to capital. A life hack you swear by: Simone: “Spending time without your screen, especially in nature.” Nadia: “Moving your body and getting outside”A life lesson that has been life-changing / A saying to live by: Simone: “Mindset is everything” Nadia: “A Rising tide, lifts all boats” - the idea that if you're achieving success you need to give back and lift other people too. A book that has left a particular mark on you: Simone + Nadia: “Let my people go surfing” by Yvon Chouinard Your Go-to Podcast: Simone: “Startup by Gimlet” The host talks about building a company as he is building it, not in hindsight. Nadia: “The startup Cananda Podcast” - Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs on a diverse range of industries. Keep up with Marlow & Simone & Nadia: Instagram: @marlow, @simonegodbout, @nadia_ladak (Co-founder Harit: @haritsohal, Co-founder Kiara: @kiarabotha) TikTok: @wearemarlowKeep up with The Female Effect:Instagram: @thefemaleeffect_TikTok: @thefemaleeffect Artwork: Birgit Käsper Image: Lizzie O'Donnell Jingle // Sounddesign: Søren Haahr *Disclaimer: The episode was recorded before the episode of Dragon's Den with the Marlow founders was Aired. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-lou/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nogle møder og historier griber fat om os på helt utrolige måder. Samtalen med Manilla Ghafuri er ét af dem for mig. Med sårbarhed og enormt mod fortæller Manilla om hende og hendes families flugthistorie fra det nordlige Afghanistan til Danmark, for omkring 20 år siden. Hendes fortælling er både hjertegribende og vigtig, og sætter et ærligt billede på en virkelighed som desværre kun bliver mere udbredt på verdensplan. Manilla åbner også op omkring hendes opvækst og ungdom som flygtning og etnisk minoritet i Danmark, kompleksiteten i både dét at gennemleve flugt som barn, eftertiden i Danmark og nogle af de mest potente oplevelser hende og hendes familie har haft og hvordan det har påvirket deres historie. Manilla deler sine førstehåndsoplevelser om dét at møde diskrimination og racisme, betydningen af den historiefortælling samfundet og vi selv iklædes og dét at finde sin egen stemme og den selvtillid, der er nødvendig for at tage styringen over sin egen fortælling og sætte sin egen dagsordenen. Igennem Manillas virke som talskvinde, forperson og aktivist, er hun med til at sætte dagsordner og tegne et samhør og solidaritet mellem kvinder op. Med dette udgangspunkt, har hun stiftet non-profit foreningen ANaR - Afghan Network and Resources, som arbejder for og sætter fokus på kvinder og børns rettigheder og levevilkår i Afghanistan idag - det vil sige, ét af de lande hvor kvinder har de dårligste levevilkår og rettigheder på verdensplan, lige nu. Bl.a. fordi kvinder og piger bliver nægtet adgang til uddannelse. Manilla blev hædret for hendes indsats imod diskrimination af etniske minoriteter i Danmark med Menneskerettighedsprisen i 2022 - og med afsæt i sig selv er hun med til at sætte fokus på flygtninge i Danmarks rettigheder, vilkår og trivsel. Senest holdte hun en dybtfølt tale ved folketingets åbningsceremoni d. 3 oktober 2023 - om menneskerettigheder og racisme.Det er en ære at Manilla havde lyst til at bruge The Female Effect som et rum til at fortælle hendes virkelighed i sin rene form, og jeg er ikke et sekund i tvivl om at hendes livshistorie, hendes livsmod og hendes gennemgribende målrettethed og lederskab, vil gribe jer lyttere, på samme måde som det gjorde med mig, og service som et utrolig vigtigt og nuancerende perspektiv.jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig!xx Julie *Disclaimer: Episoden blev optaget d. 22 August 2023 - spørgsmål, svar og udmeldinger tager derfor udgangspunkt i verdenssituationen på det pågældende tidspunkt. —— Manilla nævner animations dokumentarfilmen “Flugt” / “Flee” af Jonas Poher Rasmussen Julie nævner podcast “Perkologi” af Fatimah Gabriella & HeartbeatsManilla vil gerne “pass on the goodwill” til @atelier_sardin, Sadaf Hayat, designer og aktivistLife hack: Stå op til noget musik og følelsen af “Feel Good”Life lesson / saying to live by: “Sæt fokus på målet, vær tro mod dig selv og lyt til din stemme og mavefornemmelse”Bog: “Under en strålende sol” af Khaled Houssini Podcast: “Adfærd” af Morten Münster + “Genstart” fra DRHold dig opdateret med Manilla og ANaR: Instagram: @manillasen, @afghan_network_and_ressourcesLinkedIn: Manilla Ghafuri Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:Instagram: @thefemaleeffect_TikTok: @thefemaleeffectPhoto: Kasper Hellesøe Artwork: Birgit Käsper Jingle // Sounddesign: Søren Haahr --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-lou/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Følelser som Fear of failure, modet til at satse på sig selv og følge sin intuition, og at lære at finde balance i det ukonventionelle og det til tider ustabile og usikre, for på sigt at skabe et liv centreret omkring dét som gør én ægte glad, er nogle af de emner som leder samtalen i denne episode af The Female Effect. Dén samtale åbner jeg op for sammen med Dia Jovanovic, skuespiller og co-founder af cocktail og lifestyle brandet Aeris. Dia er med hendes personlige rejse, på mange måder et vidnesbyrd på at man kan hvad man vil, og at til trods for alle de tvivl og stærke følelser der ligger i at træde ud af boksen, så skal man fortsætte med at satse på og tro på sig selv, og ikke give op. Den filosofi har hun også genfødt i hendes karriere som skuespiller og som medejer af Aeris. Sammen med hendes partner in life and business, har hun bygget en virksomhed og et univers som summer af liv, fællesskab og følelsen af evig sommer. Et brand som hylder community og som jeg synes gir lidt følelsen af at møde en long lost friend. Dia og jeg dykker sammen ned i hendes rejse fra den mere traditionelle corporate karrierevej, til at hoppe ud som iværksætter og skuespiller i samme tag. Vi taler også om dét at vokse op i en lille by i Sverige, til at finde ind til sin kreative kerne og hvordan livet nogen gange skal gå helt skævt før det kan gå helt rigtigt igen, men at det sommetider er en “blessing in disguise”. Vi taler også om vigtigheden af et stærkt (kvindeligt) netværk omkring sig, og hvordan kvinderne omkring hende har spillet en afgørende rolle for dén hun er idag. Det er tydeligt på Dia at hun gør alt med sjæl og hjerte og at hun har sig selv med hele vejen. Det var et privilegie at få lov at tale med Dia om hendes baggrund og de følelser og hardships der har været med til at forme hende undervejs. Jeg beundrer hende for alt hvad hun har opnået, og for den vedholdenhed og indre tro hun selv har og er med til at advokere for. Jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig! xx Julie ----Julie læser quote op fra @denkreativeforretning på Instagram. Julie nævner “The Millenial Mind” Podcast af Shivani Pau med gæst Jo Malone Julie nævner citat fra bogen “Papmaché Reglen” af Hella Joof Dia vil gerne ‘Pass on the goodwill' til: Meryl Streep Life hack: “Pas på dig selv og din krop - når du har det godt fysisk så har du det godt mentalt” og “Når du er træt i hovedet, husk at det er en muskel - sluk computeren og gør noget helt andet, tag en pause, gør noget du nyder”Life lesson / saying to live by: “Gi ikke op” + “This too shall pass” Bog: Julie anbefaling: “Tribes” af Seth GodinPodcast: “En timme med…” af Sanja Tegeltija (Svensk) Hold dig opdateret med Dia & Aeris Cocktails:Instagram: @diajovanovic + @aeriscocktailsHold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:Instagram: @thefemaleeffect_TikTok: @thefemaleeffect Artwork: Birgit Käsper Image: David Kossi Jingle // Sounddesign: Søren Haahr --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-lou/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeg bliver sindssygt inspireret af kvinder som offentligt viser sårbarhed, viser andre modet til at gå forrest og tør at sætte dem selv on the spot, for at lave en ændring i verden. Ét af de områder der ligger mig tæt til hjertet er samtalen om den mentale sundhed og psykologisk tryghed og den plads det har i vores samfund. Dén agenda har min gæst i #TheFemaleEffect, Christine Marie Smith, med sin egen personlige historie, gjort til sin mærkesag at cementere fra toppen af det kreative felt i Danmark - Idag er hun Creative Director på Butter Agency i København. Christine har været med til at udfordre normerne når det kommer til at løfte samtalen omkring mental sundhed, body positivity og det jeg vælger at kalde “at leve sin egen sandhed”. Hun advokerer for at sårbarhed, dit mentale helbred, at tale højt og selv sætte sine egne grænser og behov, ikke skal have en påvirkning på hverken dit ambitionsniveau, dit talent eller hvor du kan tage din karriere hen. I vores samtale deler Christine sin personlige historie med angst og PTSD, hendes oplevelse med at italesætte dette fra et ledelsesperspektiv, hendes bekymring for modtagelsen af hendes diagnose, og hvordan hun har tilrettelagt sit liv herefter. Hun understreger vigtigheden af at fremme åbenhed om mental sundhed på arbejdspladsen, især fra ledelses-niveau, for at skabe et støttende og fordomsfrit miljø, hvor flere tør tale om deres mentale sundhed indenfor og udenfor arbejdspladsen.Vi taler også om hendes tid i London, projektet BackUp Ukraine fra hendes VICE tid, som blev den mest prisvindende danske reklamecase nogensinde og hvordan hun nu inkorporerer både personlig branding og trivsel som en del af hendes undervisning til andre kreative. Jeg håber den her episode kan være med til at fremme endnu flere samtaler og en kollektiv modtagelighed overfor mental sundhed i vores samfund.Tak fordi du lytter med, jeg håber du føler dig inspireret, for vi hepper på dig! xx Julie —Julie nævner “People like us do things like this” fra bogen “this is Marketing” af Seth Godin. Christine vil gerne ‘Pass on the goodwill' til: Marina Abramović, Performance ArtistLife hack: Søvn & Træning Life lesson / saying to live by: “Ting kommer og går, man skal ikke altid være alt for fornuftig” + “Alting er en mulighed, snarere end en forhindring”Bog anbefaling: “Små sorte bogstaver” af Sophie Gevind Podcast anbefaling: “112 For Knuste Hjerter”, af Maria Jencel Hold dig opdateret med Christine: Instagram: @christine.msLinkedIn: Christine M. Smith Hold dig opdateret med The Female Effect:Instagram: @thefemaleeffect_TikTok: @thefemaleeffectArtwork: Birgit Käsper Jingle // Sounddesign: Søren Haahr --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-lou/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ENGLISH/SPANISH EPISODEIn my very first interview I had the pleasure of inviting the 3 co-founders of Pura Utz - Bernabela Sapalú, Elisa Sapalú and Anna Waller Andrés, into the studio for a talk about their Jewellery and Accessory brand, Pura Utz, and the impact that they are making for their employees in Guatemala - the majority of them being Mayan Women.We talk about Bernabela's story and how her and Anna came to found Pura Utz together and later how Bernabela's daughter, Elisa now also plays a key role in their business. We also address the keywords Amor, Corazon & Familia (Love, Heart and Family) and how these words works as an integrated ethos in the everyday life in both their offices, in Santiago Atitlán in Guatemala and in Copenhagen in Denmark.They also share how they work with transparency by educating not only their customer, but most importantly their team in Guatemala on everything around business and value-chain. This way they are proactively engaging with their employees to foster greater self-confidence, education, access and courage, with the aim of enabling more women in Guatemala to attain greater autonomy and independence.This was a deeply humbling and inspiring conversation, and I am beyond grateful for the three ladies coming on The Female Effect and opening their world up to us. I hope you love this episode as much as I did!Love, Julie xPass on the goodwill: Elisa: Luisito Comunica, Mexican YoutuberA life hack you swear by:Anna: Swearing by my morning-routine. Like, getting up early and making my bed, it's the best head-start of my day. Pave your own way for a good day everyday, inside your control-sphere.Bernabela: Put god first. The first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do before I go to bed. I practise gratitude and appreciate what has happened in life and for my family.Elisa: If I am going through something difficult and hard, I remind myself that there is someone who is going through something harder. They have gone through that, so that measures me that I can also overcome the difficulty ahead of me.A life lesson that has been life-changing / A saying to live by:Anna: "Just remember that you get a thousand do-overs, it doesn't have to be perfect." + "Always treat people well"Bernabela: "If you treat people well, it will come back around"Elisa: "It's not a bad life, just a bad day." + "Always be grateful"A book that has left a particular mark on you:Anna: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, helped me to have the courage to start Pura Utz. + "The power of the now" by Eckhart Tolle.Elisa: "Rich dad, Poor dad" by Robert Kiyosakis & Sharon Lechters.Bernabela: The bible, here I find everything I need for spirituality and advice.Your Go-to Podcast:Elisa: "En Cortinas con Luisito" by Luisito ComunicaKeep up with Pura Utz & Bernabela, Elisa & Anna:Instagram: @purautzTikTok: @purautzWebsite: www.purautz.comKeep up with The Female Effect:Instagram: @thefemaleeffect_TikTok: @thefemaleeffectArtwork: Birgit Käsper Jingle / Sounddesign: Søren Haahr --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-lou/message Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.