Erin Elise Eriksson is a globally minded leader, lifelong learner, and Chief Operating Officer of Hedgehog Dryer. She works at the intersection of business, philanthropy, and innovation while raising five young kids and navigating life across continents. A self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist and people pleaser, she brings honesty and humor to the messy reality of trying to do it all. Her story is about leadership, resilience, and redefining what balance and impact look like for modern women.
In this episode, Erin discusses
- the background and launch of a family business, Hedgehog Dryer with her husband, Bjørn Holte.
- the product line, a series of award-winning, high-power dryers that dry boots, shoes, gloves, outdoor gear, and sports gear.
- yhe company’s launch in Scandinavia and expansion into the U.S., Canada, and Europe…
- the people on their team.
- as a mom of five children, balancing personal and professional responsibilities and priorities…
- saying “no” to perfectionism.
- her evolving definition of balance in different stages of life.
- the importance of alone time and of listening to your intuition.
- how having a friend as an accountability partner has helped her honor her boundaries.
- the responsibility leaders have to be aware of existing power structures and privileges, and to ensure that people have the space to voice their opinions.
- and that, “There are extraordinary women and girls out there, and the support that we can give one another is invaluable. We are not alone, even though sometimes we feel like life is overwhelming, but the support that we can give each other as friends, as acquaintances in the community, as mentors, as colleagues, is all really, really important and can help people not feel so alone.”
The Power of Stories Podcast by SayItForward.org is a podcast BY women, ABOUT women, and FOR women!
Listen to previous episodes with women from around the world here. SayItForward.org is the storytelling platform for women and girls to share their experiences, and to read about the experiences of others. The site is full of inspiring stories submitted by people from around the world.
