Let's get acquainted
Through my experience as a C-level headhunter I’ve I have been reviewed thousands of Linkedin profiles, resumes and motivational letters and screened and consulted hundreds of candidates, and one thing has become clear: most people find it difficult to effectively promote themselves.
This insight sparked my passion for helping You to elevate your personal brand that makes you shine and succeed in a competitive market.
I help you to communicate your unique value proposition and build the true and inspirational SIGNATURE YOU!
Mai Peksén
My Story. My Vision. My WHY
I had just graduated from university and landed my first “big job” as the manager of a small interior design studio, leading a lovely small team of designers and assembly specialists. I had met a wonderful man, my head was full of plans and the future seemed bright. Then came 2008. The global economy crashed, recession struck, and many lost their jobs. My family relocated to another country in search of new opportunities. Little did I know at the time that this move would be the beginning of an expat journey that would last at least 15 years, involving multiple relocations and career changes along the way.
I have had the opportunity to work in many international teams and experience life in completely different cultural environments, where people and their temperament are completely different from my own. I have lived and worked in the USA, China, Estonia and Sweden, and Turkish culture also holds a special connection to my family. These experiences have broadened my worldview, deepened my cultural awareness, as well as the ability to achieve results outside of my comfort zone. They also taught me the value of cross-cultural understanding and adaptability, both essential qualities for effective personal branding in a global marketplace.
Back in my home country, I decided to start building up my professional career from scratch. At the age of 40 and mother of three, I applied to an MBA program and graduated with honors just 1.5 years later - the achievement that still gives me goosebumps when I think of it. My passion for people, communication and interest for organisations, and business processes naturally led me to join the global executive search firm Amrop as a headhunter - a role that changed my mindset in many ways. I came across professionals from a wide range of industries. I have been reviewing thousands of Linkedin profiles, resumes and motivational letters and screened and consulted hundreds of candidates on the search for the C-suite and top specialist roles across the whole Europe.
In 2023 our family moved to Sweden. I decided to transition from executive search to focusing on the candidate and employee perspective - the "other side of the table". This shift was inspired by having seen so many people struggle to effectively present themselves during the recruitment process and in the market in general. I realized that my expertise can have an impact enabling me to guide and empower people to make a positive difference in their careers.
I am a co-founder of Entrepreneurial Estonian Women's Club in Sweden where I am dedicated to creating a platform where women can empower, inspire, and support each other, both personally and professionally. Our activities stand on four pillars: entrepreneurship, wise career planning, financial wisdom and healthy lifestyle. We share knowledge, organize events with exciting speakers, support each other and simply have fun!
Some fun Facts About Me
Music
I love music and I can play guitar and ukulele. I have played both electric guitar and a base guitar in a rock band.
Movement
I am keen fan of active lifestyle and gymnastics and I have a group fitness (jympa) certificate from a Swedish spots organisation Friskis&Svettis..
Make Up
I believe in the power of make up! I love the extra boost of self confidence it brings since we are whole: our inner and outer selves are both equally important. I have an EU EQF Certified Make Up Artist qualification and I have made pridal, photo and stage makeup.
China
I have spent three years of my life in China, during which I learned to speak Mandarin well enough to hold daily conversations (although I never mastered reading or writing). Chinese cuisine and tea remains favourites in my kitchen to this day.
My Clifton Strengths
Throughout my life I have been taking several personality and cognitive ability assessment tests. The one I resonate with the most and apply in my daily life is Gallup's CliftonStrengths, which emphasizes an individual’s greatest opportunities for growth and success rather than focusing on weaknesses.
According to the CliftonStrengths assessment, my top five strengths are Includer, Activator, Woo, Significance and Futuristic - qualities that are particularly valuable when collaborating with others and supporting their career growth and success.
