From Executive Search to Author: Reinventing Success on Your Own Terms

What does it really take to leave a stable career and bet on your dream?

In this episode of Your Last Potato, Abda Rothman speaks with Katarina Ausenius, a global citizen, executive search veteran, and now debut children's book author, about one of the most courageous moves in a professional’s life: leaving behind success and stability to pursue a deeply personal passion. From building a bold career across continents to finally writing the story that lived in her heart for over a decade, Katarina shares how she navigated reinvention with intention—and joy.

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🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Emotional Truth Behind Career Change: Why fulfillment, not just title or paycheck, should guide your path.
• How to Prepare for a Leap of Faith: Financial and emotional strategies Katarina used to create a safety net for her dream.
• Recognizing When It’s Time to Move On: Signs that your career no longer aligns with your values or identity.
• Building Confidence Through Experience: How diverse, international roles shaped Katarina’s resilience and self-trust.
• Purpose Over Prestige: The difference between chasing status and creating impact.
• Writing a New Chapter—Literally: Behind the scenes of publishing “Nina & Aisha äter fredagsgodis", a children’s book inspired by cross-cultural friendship and belonging.
• Staying Grounded During Change: Insights on doubt, self-belief, and the power of knowing your “why.”
• The Role of Passion in Long-Term Success: Why excitement and belief are non-negotiable in any pursuit.

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💡 Coffee Confessions Segment:

Abda and Katarina discuss the emerging trend of micro-retirements among Gen Z and the powerful lesson in pausing before burnout. Katarina reflects on how she became the “pilot” of her own life after years of letting circumstances steer her—and how that mindset shift set her free.

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📌 Actionable Takeaways & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• SWOT Analysis for Career Transitions: A tool to evaluate your risks, resources, and readiness.
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: For understanding career-aligned personality traits.
• LinkedIn Learning & Coursera: Upskilling platforms for career switchers.
• Networking & Mentorship: The underestimated lifelines during reinvention.
• Financial Buffering: Why saving early can unlock freedom later.

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Katarina’s story is a reminder that life is too short to not do what lights you up. Whether you're contemplating a shift or actively in transition, this episode is your permission slip to trust yourself, start small, and dare to dream big.

👉 Her new book “Nina & Aisha äter fredagsgodis” is out now—celebrating cultural curiosity and childhood inclusion. Support her mission and buy it here.