Catarina Malmrot Has Mastered the Formula That’s Redefining Leadership
Catarina Malmrot is on a mission to transform the way we lead, live, and connect. As Regional Director for Global Woman Club Stockholm, bestselling author of Secrets of Sustainable Leadership, and a certified supervisor of leadership programs, she brings a rare blend of expertise from healthcare, education, and the military. Her approach is rooted in balance—helping women build self-esteem, supporting leaders to prevent burnout, and showing organizations why wellbeing must be at the heart of success. Passionate, curious, and committed to growth, Catarina has dedicated more than three decades to guiding others to thrive—proving that true leadership is not about doing everything yourself, but about creating the space for others to shine.
“True leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself—it’s about creating space for others to shine, thrive, and grow.”
What inspired you to take on the role of Regional Director for Global Woman Club Stockholm?
I wanted to help women build their self-esteem, grow personally and professionally, and create a strong network where we can learn, support each other, and have fun together. Coaching has always been a natural part of my life—whether with students, colleagues, or friends—in areas such as health, work, and leadership. This role gives me the opportunity to bring that passion to a wider community of women.
How do you see your work helping women in your region connect, grow, and thrive?
My approach is to first ask women what support they truly need, then help them gain clarity and confidence to speak out—essentially giving them the microphone. I want to create a space where women not only connect but also genuinely support and uplift each other.
What inspired you to write Secrets of Sustainable Leadership?
The idea came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I saw so many leaders and professionals burning out. I asked myself: how can we prevent this? With my background in healthcare, leadership, and quality management, I realized I could provide tools for self-help. I even share my own experience of exhaustion in the book, and how I quickly recovered and returned to work. Writing the book was my way of offering practical solutions to help others avoid the same pitfalls.
What does sustainable leadership mean to you in everyday life?
It’s about taking a holistic approach that integrates leadership, quality, and health. It means seeing the bigger picture while giving people the tools to help themselves, so they can grow without sacrificing their wellbeing.
How has your background in education, healthcare, and the military shaped your approach to leadership?
My curiosity to keep learning and to help others develop has always been my driving force. Over the past 30 years, I’ve explored different teaching methods across healthcare, the military, and education. At 23, I took part in UGL (Development of Groups and Leaders) as a “guinea pig,” which sparked my lifelong interest in leadership. Since then, I’ve completed advanced courses, supervisor training, and guided cadets through the same program. I also earned a master’s degree in quality management and leadership development and became a certified supervisor in UL (Developing Leadership). Both UGL and UL use experiential learning, which I believe is the most powerful way to grow as a leader.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone stepping into their first leadership role?
Take care of yourself and learn to delegate. You don’t need to do everything alone, nor do you need to be the expert in the room. Great leadership is about teamwork and creating flow within a group. When a team is aligned, the energy is extraordinary—making even the toughest challenges easier to overcome.
What daily habits help you stay balanced and healthy while managing so many roles?
The most important habit is ensuring I sleep well and wake up rested. Without proper rest, health inevitably suffers. In Sweden, nearly 50% of people struggle with sleep, and while medication is common, it also comes with side effects. I’m 58 and no longer take any medications, because I’ve learned to support my body naturally. I share in my book how I healed from long-term pain after years of strong painkillers. Now, I rely on simple but powerful rituals: an evening drink that supports recovery and a morning drink that boosts my energy, focus, and immunity. These natural, holistic habits keep me resilient and prepared for the day ahead.
What’s a success story that makes you proud, personally or professionally?
What makes me proud is seeing others succeed. That moment when someone has an “aha” experience—when they finally understand their own potential—is deeply rewarding. I’m flexible in my approach, whether someone thrives with structure or prefers a blank page. What matters most is helping people feel secure and confident in their growth.
What changes do you see coming in leadership over the next few years?
I believe workforce wellbeing will become the most critical factor for organizational success. Human capital is every company’s greatest resource, and organizations cannot thrive if too many employees are on long-term sick leave. Mental health, in particular, is an urgent issue. According to the WHO, by 2030, mental illness is projected to be the world’s leading disease burden. The economic impact is staggering—lost productivity, absenteeism, and billions in costs each year across the US, UK, and globally. More leaders must recognize that supporting employee health is not optional; it’s essential for sustainability, competitiveness, and the wellbeing of society as a whole. To help the workforce to understand how importance it is with good food made from scratch instead of junk food and energy drinks. But also encourage them to move. Sitting still and eating processed food is not good for us.
What’s the best leadership lesson you’ve ever learned?
To learn from my mistakes and lead without prestige. True leadership is not about ego, but about growth, humility, and empowering others.
