During my teenage years, I eagerly sought opportunities that challenged me and allowed me to take responsibility. Summer jobs, for instance, presented early experiences where I had the chance to manage responsibilities at a young age.

This exposure taught me valuable lessons in leadership and accountability. I naturally gravitated towards informal leadership roles, thriving in environments where I could take initiative and inspire others. These foundational experiences helped me develop a strong work ethic and a proactive mindset, qualities that have been instrumental in shaping my professional journey.

Moreover, I’ve always sought opportunities to lead and make a positive impact, whether in formal positions or through informal contributions. This early foundation of accountability and leadership not only helped me navigate challenges but also equipped me to motivate and guide teams effectively. Even today, that sense of responsibility and ambition continues to be a driving force in my career.

"Mindpark is about delivering experiences that add value, not just offering a workspace"

Your professional journey spans various roles across industries, please briefly overview this journey and highlight key turning points or defining moments that shaped your career.

My professional journey began in the service industry, particularly within the hospitality and restaurant sectors, where I discovered my passion for creating meaningful service interactions. I truly enjoy every aspect of service, from connecting with people and understanding their needs to adapting to various situations. Over time, this experience helped me refine my interpersonal skills, which I consider one of my strongest assets.

In addition to my people-centric approach, I’ve always been driven by an innate aptitude for numbers and project management. I enjoy bringing order to complex systems and finding ways to organize processes efficiently. This combination of interpersonal insights, analytical abilities, and organizational skills allowed me to take a holistic approach to my work.

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on aligning operational efficiency with the well-being of my team. This balanced approach has shaped my work ethic and enabled me to achieve sustainable outcomes. These experiences laid a strong foundation for my current role and contributed significantly to my leadership growth.

Introduce Mindpark and explain the vision behind its inception. What unique aspects set it apart in the industry?

Mindpark was born from a shared vision to cultivate a thriving business ecosystem in Helsingborg, southern Sweden. Co-founded by my colleague and me, the initiative began as a response to the growing need for flexible workspaces that could foster collaboration, creativity, and growth within the local community. Today, we proudly operate multiple co-working spaces across southern Sweden.

At its core, Mindpark is much more than a co-working space, it is a vibrant community. Our philosophy revolves around creating environments where businesses and individuals can flourish by fostering connections and enabling innovation.

Our services are intentionally diverse to accommodate a wide spectrum of professional needs. While our primary revenue stream is from leasing private offices to small and medium-sized teams, we also provide dedicated desks, day passes, full-floor offices, and purpose-designed event and meeting spaces. Our team also offers expert on-site planning services, ensuring that our members and clients receive personalized support tailored to their unique requirements.

Could you share some of the most pressing difficulties you’ve faced and the strategies you’ve implemented to overcome them?

The past few years have undoubtedly been challenging, not just for Mindpark but for businesses worldwide. The pandemic, high inflation, rising costs, and geopolitical tensions have created a highly volatile environment. Navigating these external pressures has required us to be adaptable, innovative, and resilient.

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing our growth plans with the necessity of sustainable expansion. Operating in a competitive and rapidly evolving market demands constant market analysis and the ability to quickly seize new opportunities while mitigating risks.

To overcome these challenges, we’ve adopted a dynamic approach to business strategy. By continuously re-evaluating our goals and processes, we’ve managed to stay agile and responsive to market demands. This adaptability has not only helped us overcome uncertainties but has also allowed us to grow in a complex and ever-changing business landscape.

Reflecting on your journey, is there a particular milestone or achievement that stands out as especially significant?

While I want to point to tangible milestones, such as securing key contracts or achieving ambitious growth targets, I believe the most meaningful achievement has been my personal evolution as a leader.

Over the years, the challenges, successes, and even the occasional setbacks have served as invaluable learning experiences. They have equipped me with the composure and confidence to navigate crises, inspire teams, and lead with clarity, even in the face of uncertainty.

Another deeply rewarding aspect has been witnessing the growth of my team. Investing in their development and watching them achieve their potential has been profoundly gratifying. Their success is proof of the collective spirit that drives Mindpark forward.

How do you see the coworking industry evolving, particularly in Sweden, over the next few years? Are there any trends you think will have a significant impact in 2025?

The coworking industry is evolving, and Sweden is no exception. Like many others, the coworking industry has faced immense challenges over the past few years due to the pandemic, inflation, and other global factors. In Sweden, we’ve seen some coworking operators struggle, and competition has intensified. However, despite the challenges, the coworking market continues to show growth potential, albeit at a slower pace this year.

We’ve already seen some consolidation within the market, and I believe this trend will continue as the industry emerges from the downturn we’ve been experiencing. As it matures, I anticipate a stronger focus on flexibility and hybrid work models tailored to post-pandemic work environments.

For 2025, I believe the emphasis will shift toward building community and fostering collaboration within coworking spaces. There’s an increasing demand for spaces that offer more than just a desk but a thriving ecosystem where members can collaborate, innovate, and grow together. The focus will likely be on creating value through the experience, rather than just the physical workspace. As coworking continues to evolve, Mindpark will remain committed to adapting and innovating to meet the changing needs of today’s workforce.

Sanna Ekstrom, Co-Founder & CEO, Mindpark

With a background in Service Management from Lund University and specialized studies in Business Development in the Experience Economy and Creative Industries at Copenhagen Business School, Sanna combines academic insight with practical leadership. She has also gained certifications in Real Estate Economics from Teknologisk Institut.

Since 2009, her visionary approach has driven Mindpark’s success as a hub for innovation and collaboration. By tailoring coworking spaces to reflect each client’s ethos, she transforms offices into inclusive, vibrant environments where teams thrive and connect.