Name: Sara Rywe
Age: 32 years old
Current occupation: Partner at the early-stage venture capital fund byFounders
What key experience (a moment that mattered) impacted you to move in the direction you are moving today?
When I was 17 years old and won an entrepreneurship competition with my friend. We had started a dancing school for kids with low self-esteem and I absolutely loved the feeling of doing what I love while simultaneously calling it my job. For the first time in my life, I realized the power of entrepreneurship.
What choice you’ve made in your life are you most proud of, and why?
The choice of leaving Sweden to live with my then-boyfriend (now husband) in Denmark seven years ago. I live a crazy life where I work around the clock, travel constantly, and give my everything to founders, investors, and colleagues. And if there’s one thing that I’m certain about then it’s the fact that I would never be able to do all of this if it wasn’t for the fact that I have the most supportive and loving husband who encourages me and cheers me on through all of these endeavors.
What choice has been the easiest, and why?
To take several years off, in between studies and jobs, to explore the world. No matter if it’s been backpacking around the globe, volunteering with social businesses in Bangladesh, studying anthropology and psychology in Georgia (US), or working at a competition for young entrepreneurs in Buenos Aires, it’s all been very obvious decisions for me. Seeing new places, meeting new people, and getting to know new cultures are one of the biggest gifts we can receive as humans.
What has been the hardest choice you’ve taken, and why?
To take a couple of months off from work back in 2016 to focus on myself and my health. I considered it a huge failure. A realization that I wasn’t the superwoman I once thought I was. I was burned out and had been too naive to do something about it in time. I had completely neglected my own health. So stupid.
"I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by bold entrepreneurs, uniquely competent colleagues, and extraordinary friends and family (I’m not biased at all). People who always question me when I need to be questioned comfort me when I crash and cheer me on when I’m heading off for new adventures."
How do you find inspiration and confidence to pursue your personal journey (step out of your comfort zone)?
From people around me. I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by bold entrepreneurs, uniquely competent colleagues, and extraordinary friends and family (I’m not biased at all). People who always question me when I need to be questioned comfort me when I crash and cheer me on when I’m heading off for new adventures.
What personal characteristics do people most often use to describe you?
Happy and Fearless. I tend to see the glass half full and I’m not particularly afraid of failing. I’ve failed so much in my life and maybe I’m just used to it by now. And you know what, the few successes you have are the ones people will remember anyway.
How do you feel these unique characteristics have impacted your way in life?
I’ve lived a full life without any regrets (so far!). A life of both joy and sadness. Success and failures. Love and heartbreaks. McKinsey and McDonald’s. A life that I look forward to telling my grandchildren about one day.
”Don’t be afraid of taking risks. Remind yourself: what’s the worst that can happen? No one remembers a coward.”
What is your best advice to others who would like to feel more comfortable about making personal choices?
Don’t be afraid of taking risks. Remind yourself: what’s the worst that can happen? No one remembers a coward.
