#11 - Choosing an Unusual Career Path Across Three Countries

In this episode, I sit down with Peter Volquards Ekstrøm - a seasoned managing director with a finance background and a career built inside owner-managed companies across Scandinavia and Europe. Peter recently made a bold life decision: leaving behind a long-established network in Aarhus to relocate to Malmö and take on a role in Germany, all in pursuit of something more meaningful - both personally and professionally. What struck me most in our conversation was how clearly Peter understands his own motivations. We dig into what it really takes to make a courageous career move - not just the logistics, but the mindset behind it. Peter draws a sharp distinction I think every leader should sit with: *working hard for something you don't care about is stress; working hard for something you care about is passion.* We also explore decision-making in lean organizations, the value of clear accountability structures, navigating cross-cultural leadership, and why "just try it" might be the most underrated coaching reframe there is. If you're a leader weighing a big transition - in role, geography, or identity - this conversation will give you both a framework and permission to move forward. \- Curious about coaching? Book a 15 minute introductory conversation with Michael: https://calendly.com/scaleyou/mgpod Explore THE #1 source for professional and peer coaching - and become one yourself at PeerPlaza: https://peerplaza.com Want to step away from the noise and rethink leadership? Join one of our Coaching and Walking Retreats: https://scaleyouretreats.com Learn more about coaching, mentoring, and human–AI collaboration in Michael Hoffman’s book: *The Power of Coaching and Mentoring*: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C28S43G5?ref\=cm\sw\r\cp\ud\dp\_FJSXJ63FPQA26258WQJC Get in touch: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhoffmanexecutivecoach/ Email: [info@scaleyou.org](mailto:info@scaleyou.org)