Welcome to the first blog article where I focus on women - and provide a snapshot of their lives and perspective and the world.
I asked Vibeke if she wanted to be the first woman and at the same time test the concept. A concept that I have thought about for a long time, but where I felt that the time was absolutely right in relation to where Hymness is now. I have followed Vibeke on LinkedIn, and am a huge fan of her work and what she puts on the agenda. Something that should be so natural, but which is perhaps the biggest challenge we humans face – namely knowing ourselves. I fell for her beautiful smile, which resonated deeply with me and today I am very grateful that she was fresh for an impulsive interview, which you can read below.
Briefly describe your everyday life and your work in my own company Mindmove, where you connect people's strengths with the needs of companies.
Leadership development, team development and emotional intelligence play a central role in your work – can you share how you work with this in practice?
At Mindmove, we bridge the gap between the needs of businesses and the enormous potential that lies within employees. We believe that every employee has something unique to contribute, and we are passionate about helping businesses identify these strengths and create a work environment where employees can truly flourish.
Our vision is to create the perfect match between people's unique talents and the needs of companies. We work not only to highlight employees' talents, but also to ensure that they are actively used in everyday life - for the benefit of both the individual and the company as a whole. When employees are given the opportunity to utilize their full potential, a workplace is created that is both productive, motivating and characterized by community.
In practice, I work with companies through individual or team tests with the TT38 talent test. This test provides an overview of the company's Human Capital landscape, and from there we work together either to strengthen the team or develop the individual leader or employee.
Emotional intelligence & leadership
What advice would you give to leaders who want to strengthen their emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is crucial. We can have many strategies and goals, but if we don't understand people – ourselves and others – we won't get anywhere. I help leaders navigate emotions, build relationships, and lead with both their brains and their hearts, so they bring their teams with them instead of dragging them down.
Start with yourself – because you are your most important management tool
Emotional intelligence is not about smart strategies, but about understanding yourself: who you are, how you react, and how you influence others. Your energy and behavior set the tone for your organization.
I know it from myself: days when I reacted spontaneously, regretted something I said, or felt overwhelmed. I have experienced how my own stress or insecurity rubbed off on people around me – often without me being aware of it at the time. The more we dare to reflect on our reactions, the better we become at controlling them, instead of letting them control us.
It's not about suppressing emotions, but understanding them. When we consciously choose our response, true leadership begins.
How do you influence others – and how do they influence you?
Your employees mirror you. If you are stressed and impatient, they will feel pressured too. If you are calm and listening, they will feel more secure. It is equally important to be aware of how other people's energy affects you and how you can turn it into something constructive.
Leadership is not about being perfect – it's about being human.
Challenges & development points
What do you want to get better at? And what is your next step towards it?
I love creating, developing and putting new visions into play. My engine is running at the highest level, and I thrive on momentum. It is a strength, but also a balancing act.
Because with high speed comes the risk of losing presence. Of forgetting silence. That's why I actively work to create space for breaks and calm in the midst of the pace. Silence is not inactivity – it's fuel.
Gender equality in career & working life
Have you experienced any challenges or special opportunities as a woman in your industry?
I've felt it firsthand – that constant feeling that my ambitions and society's expectations of me as a mother don't always go hand in hand. I love my job. Building something, thinking big and acting fast.
The expectation that as a woman I should naturally take the greatest responsibility for the family. That my career is important – but not that important.
I think there are countless conversations around dinner tables where the man's job takes priority. Not necessarily because someone has consciously decided that, but because that's the norm for generations. The solution, I believe, is not for women to work twice as hard or prove that they can do it all. Nor do I believe it's a battle of the sexes.
Instead, it's about awareness and choice. That we dare to talk about it, challenge it – and insist that both careers count.
For me, it's not about a feminist struggle – it's about freedom. Real freedom.
Hymness's favorite
Which bag from Hymness would you most like to own and why?
Vibeke's first choice was the Tara L in black . However, during the photoshoot she also got excited about the green variant. She ended up treating herself to an Aoura in black , as she didn't have a classic black bag in her wardrobe.
Here is what Vibeke herself says about Tara L:
"I love the unisex look, which gives a stylish and cool look, while also containing everything I need. It's spacious enough for a laptop, notebook, a quick snack (or three), some makeup for a touch-up on the go – and all the little things that would otherwise float around at the bottom of a smaller bag. The organization is brilliant, so I don't have to fumble around for my keys or headphones."
Recommendation
Do you have a book or podcast you would recommend and why?
Right now I am very interested in "Mentalization in leadership and collaboration" . Good leadership starts with self-insight and the ability to understand and navigate relationships.
Personal giveaway
What is a small habit or simple everyday ritual that you swear by that makes your day better?
The way I start my day is crucial. I start my day in peace and darkness, sitting in my big armchair with candles lit and a cup of fresh coffee. Here I give myself time to feel my energy, observe my thoughts and use positive affirmations if I need to balance myself. It is my mindful method to create awareness and a good starting point for the day.
Curious to know more about Vibeke and her work as a Mindmover:
Before the interview, I asked Vibeke if she was keen to support other upcoming brands that Hymness collaborates with by being photographed in a suit from La.Suit and a shirt from A Working Theory . Both brands were started by female entrepreneurs, just like Hymness. A collaboration where we, with our own companies, use each other for sparring and to lift each other on the journey.
