29 | How to Regulate Your Nervous System at Work for Better Focus & Productivity w/ Emma Smedslund

We're excited to bring you a Tobii Dynavox special Equal Inspired episode. Tobii Dynavox is a global, full-service provider of groundbreaking communication solutions for people with disabilities. Tobii Dynavox's Nora Winkler & Riley Hesbacher take you inside the AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) technology, giving a voice to people with cerebral palsy, ALS, autism and spinal cord injuries and the unexpected career journeys that led them here.They share with us:- What "Power to Be You" really means when communication is how you learn, work, connect and express who you are- How your eyes alone can control an entire computer, and speak for you- The path from a single tap or glance to a voice coming out of a device- What it takes to design for users who each have different needs- Deeply moving user stories that show the real impact of this work- The "8 hours, then I switch off" rule for balance when your work feels like a calling- What it's really like to start over in a new country, from the Swedish winter to building friendships from scratch- What connects the people who thrive at Tobii DynavoxRiley Hesbacher is a computational linguist and Software Engineer for Language Systems at Tobii Dynavox: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-hesbacher-b7a88a253/Nora Winkler is a Product Area Lead at Tobii Dynavox, working with speech-generating devices that empower people to communicate in their own way: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-laura-winkler-86126333/Follow Tobii Dynavox's Important work: https://www.tobiidynavox.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tobiidynavox/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tobiidynavox

We are joined by the fabulous "Queen of Workshops", Engineering Manager, Luisa Escalona.Luisa is a Software Engineer and certified Encouragement Consultant, Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and Empowering People in the Workplace facilitator. She works as an Engineering Manager for a SaaS company based in Malmö, Sweden, where she blends technical expertise with a passion for empowering people. Since 2019, Luisa has delivered engaging talks and hands-on workshops that inspire teams and individuals to reach their full potential. In this chat, gain powerful insights into:• How a Positive Discipline Educator Training transformed Luisa's approach to facilitation• The secrets to creating meaningful “aha” moments that stick in workshops• How to protect focus time and set boundaries without conflict• The 3 non-negotiables for truly effective retrospectives• Tips for settling into a new country and building communityFollow Luisa's Important Work:Learn more about Luisa’s work: https://www.luisaescalona.com/Connect on LinkedIn for workshops, retrospectives, and facilitation insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisaescalona/

The incredible Anne Gretland joins us.Anne's tech journey started at Microsoft in 1998. Fuelled by a passion for people-focused and inclusive leadership. Rooted in empathy and a belief in technology as a tool of empowerment.Today, she is the CEO at Fotoware and under her leadership, Fotoware has:- Achieved close to 40% gender balance. - Built a multinational workforce- Quadrupled annual revenue. All while being recognised multiple times as one of Norway’s and Europe’s Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work!In this episode, learn Anne's pearls of wisdom on:- The real hiring bias most companies overlook- Practical ways to make job ads more inclusive- Hiring for potential vs. experience- How to create idea-safe cultures without ego or fear- Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt- Turning mistakes into powerful learning experiences- Learning to say “NO” without guilt or over-explainingGain a deep insight into Anne’s personal journey. The highs, the lows, co-founding ODA Nettverk 20 years ago, when only 16% of IT professionals in Norway were women, and so much more.This is one you do not want to miss, a masterclass in inclusive leadership 💜

The fabulous Deekshita Amaravadi joins us for a heartfelt discussion exploring the intersection of leadership, healing, and human connection. Bridging lessons from Buddhism with the realities of modern leadershipWe dive into:- Why asking for help is a superpower, not a weakness- How to balance trust and accountability in leadership- The role of intention and intuition in decision-making- How to give radical candor feedback without losing empathy- The key to overcoming people-pleasing and setting healthy boundaries- How to build psychological safety and high-performing teamsIf you want to let go of overthinking, trust your intuition, and create spaces where authenticity and empathy drive performance, this is the episode for you!

The incredible Viveka Rydell-Anderson joins us. A visionary leader with over two decades of experience in healthcare, law, and business. Who thrives at the intersection of strategy, technology, and innovation. Viveka is on a mission:To serve the underserved.To close the healthcare access gap.To reimagine what’s possible and who gets to benefit from it.In this deeply honest and powerful episode, she shares the mindset, moments, and mission driving her work to transform care for the communities who need it most.We dive into:- Biggest Challenges Shaking Up Healthcare- The Role Of AI In Accelerating Medical Breakthroughs- The Art Of Saying No & Managing Time As A Leader- Championing Mental Health As A Leadership Priority- Lessons In Career Reinvention And Gaining Tech Skills Later In Life- Building Resilient Teams Through Psychological Safety- Real Talk on Funding Gaps in FemTech- The 3 Must-Know Essentials Before Female Founders Scale Their Business- Crucial Questions To Ask Investors Before Signing Any Funding DealA must-listen episode if you are passionate about equity, innovation, and what it really takes to drive meaningful change in healthcare.

The incredible Emma Smedslund, Engineering Manager, Spiritual Wellbeing Coach, Certified Agile Leader joins us!For a heartfelt chat packed with transformative insights to help you reconnect with your purpose, manage burnout, and take your career and life to the next level.Gain practical strategies for:- Leading with authenticity and intention- Combating your inner critic to grow confidence- Managing stress and burnout in high-pressure roles- Building self-awareness through mindfulness and rest- Navigating career transitions with clarity and self-compassionThis conversation offers the guidance you need to reclaim your power, regulate your nervous system, and lead with intention.

The amazing Ruchi Yadav, Integration Consultant at Avella AS joins us. Ruchi is recognised as Top 50 Women in Tech Norway 2024 | Board Member DevOpsDays Oslo | IBM Champion 2025 | 2024 | Microsoft MVP 2025 | IBM & Azure Certified Solutions Architect.In this inspiring interview, we explore how to overcome rejection and find success in the tech industry. Along with:- How to Personalize Networking - Building a Nonprofit from the Ground Up- The Power of Kindness and Empathy in Tech - Navigating Relocation & Finding Your Communities - The Journey to Become an IBM Champion and Microsoft MVPFrom facing countless job rejections to landing her dream tech career in a new country, Ruchi's journey is a must-watch for anyone breaking into tech.

The amazing Director of Technology & Innovation, Christopher Klint joins us! Christopher's on a mission to build inclusive, high-performing teams that create innovation. With a deep commitment to amplifying diverse perspectives, he’s passionate about fostering a culture of belonging, collaboration, and growth. In this episode, we dive into: - How To Ask For, Receive, And Give Feedback That Actually Drives Growth - Why Skills-Based Hiring Beats "Gut Feeling" Every Time - How To Create A Culture Of Psychological Safety & Belonging -Allyship: Attending Women In Tech Events - The Power Of Vulnerability In Leadership - Game-Changing Questions To Ask In An Interview To Help You Stand Out "It’s easy to fall into the trap of hiring people who 'feel' right—people who mirror your own experiences and perspectives. But great teams aren’t built on gut feelings; they’re built on process and intention."

We’re wrapping up the 2024 season of our Equal Inspired Podcast, with a very special guest. An HR expert with two decades of experience in hiring, training, development and retention-promoting relationship building. The incredible Yosra Söderberg. Yosra's proven track record in scaling high-performing organizations and fostering meaningful relationships is just the beginning of what she brings to the table. In this episode, we dive into: - Design Thinking Recruitment - Building Synergy Between Tech & Hiring Managers - Culture Add Interviews over Culture Fit - Creative Writing in HR: Elevate Your Job Descriptions - Reducing Bias in Decision Making - How to Stand Out in Job Applications With unemployment in Sweden at 8.5%, it’s never been more important to create personal rejections and feedback, no matter the outcome. Your applicants deserve to be seen! If you’re ready to rethink your hiring processes, empower your team, and foster a culture that’s truly inclusive, this episode is for you.

Senior Engineer, Mentor & DEIAB Advocate Scott Josephson joins us. Scott's passion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging. Drives his mission to empower women from underrepresented communities. Through mentorship, he is helping others build confidence. Overcome challenges, and stand out in today’s competitive job market. In this episode, we delve into: - Unlocking Confidence - Turning Failure into Fuel - Networking with Impact: Building Authentic, Human Connections - Crafting a Standout Resume - Building Your Authentic Personal Brand: Showcasing the Unique YOU - Job Application Hacks: The 80/20 Rule - Gamifying Your Personal Growth - Mentorship: Building Trusted Relationships