Rise & Lead: The Courage to Be Human

On October 7, the first edition of Rise & Lead – Under Pressure brought together professionals from tech, cybersecurity and leadership for a day dedicated to courage, communication and self-leadership.

Behind the event were Desirée Rova and Caroline Forssblad, two passionate forces who created a space where professional development met personal reflection, and where vulnerability was seen as a strength rather than a weakness.

The human factor in cybersecurity

One of the day’s central themes was the human side of security. Organisations invest heavily in technology and protective measures, but how people communicate, react and make decisions under pressure can be just as critical.

From discussions about stress and insider risks to practical tools for communicating under pressure, the programme highlighted how human behaviour shapes organisational resilience.

Courage, curiosity and the power of why

Our Managing Director Åsa Johansen, joined a panel on courage and self-leadership alongside Pernilla Rönn, Head of Cybersecurity at HiQ and Chair of Women4Cyber Sweden, and Peter Strömberg, CEO of CAG Group.

The conversation explored the experiences that shape us, the courage to step into unfamiliar situations and the importance of understanding what drives us.

For Åsa, curiosity and a willingness to challenge established ways of thinking have been recurring themes throughout her career. Asking “Why?” can help us find direction and purpose, while the occasional “How hard can it be?” can give us the push to try something new.

Behind every title is a human being

Perhaps one of the strongest messages of the day was how much we have in common, regardless of our professional roles.

Conversations about imposter syndrome, personal challenges and moments of self-doubt reminded participants that even experienced leaders face uncertainty.

For Women in Tech Sweden, this connects directly to the importance of creating inclusive environments where people feel safe to contribute, challenge assumptions and grow.

Because courage isn’t about never feeling uncertain. It’s about moving forward anyway, and helping others find the confidence to do the same.

Thank you, Desirée and Caroline, for creating a space for such honest conversations, meaningful connections and new perspectives.

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