Mosaic Minds - Leadership Insights Podcast | SS1 – EP8 | My Holland – Denise Sandquist

Join host My Holland as she chats with Denise Sandquist, a true global citizen and the visionary behind Fika, Asia’s biggest female-focused AI social and dating app. Born in Vietnam and adopted to Sweden as a baby, Denise reconnected with her biological mother through a viral Facebook post after years of searching. Fluent in six languages and having lived in eight countries, she’s a polyglot with a remarkable story – from Thai boxing to military service as a Russian interpreter, and now, entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Denise shares how her multicultural journey – spanning Vietnam, Sweden, the US, and beyond – fuels her adaptability and resilience, shaping her leadership and the relaunch of Fika in 2025. Say goodbye to swipes and likes; Fika’s new approach matches users via a compatibility algorithm and sets up real-life dates, prioritizing safety and meaningful connections. From navigating Vietnam’s unique work culture to building a startup with over 2 million downloads in under two years, Denise offers wisdom on embracing challenges, believing in yourself, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Key Takeaways

- Resilience & Adaptability: Pushing beyond comfort zones to grow

- Cultural Intelligence: How embracing different perspectives strengthens leadership

- Redefining Relationships: Creating deeper, more meaningful connections in a digital world

- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Turning challenges into opportunities for innovation

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about blending cultures, creating impact, and living a life without limits. Ready to rethink belonging and innovation? Hit play now!

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe to Mosaic Minds for more leadership stories!

If you know a woman leader in Vietnam who would like to join this podcast, please contact My at:

📧 Email: my@equestasia.com.au | 🔗 LinkedIn: My Holland (MBA,MA) ⁠

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𝗠𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆

Leadership isn't a one-size-fits-all canvas. It's a mosaic! Join My Holland, your French Aussie Vietnamese host, on Mosaics Mind.

🌐 Website: https://www.equestasia.com.au

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equestasia

▶️Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@equestasia

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/42rgfiUBtVe7Gdun0oWcHA

🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3O1mn6E

If you want to join our VK Nữ community of overseas Vietnamese 🇻🇳 women, check out all our VK Nữ chapters around the world here: https://www.equestasia.com.au/viet-kieu-nu

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Mosaic Minds Podcast - Initiative for Women by EQuest Asia

✨Music: Anthony Holland | Researcher: My-Lan Holland | Editor: Cam Tuong

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🔗 Connect with Denise Sandquist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/denisesandquist