Meet Viveka Jae Ok Hansson from Malmo, Sweden—a dedicated business administrator and creative force whose 15-year journey spans from navigating the complexities of tuition fee processes to expressing her artistic soul through poetry and community involvement. Passionate about making the world a bit more human, Viveka seamlessly blends her professional expertise with her creative endeavors, touching lives both in the corporate world and beyond.
A Lifelong Dedication to Learning and Service
Viveka Hansson’s story begins in the serene, small-town environment of Malmo, Sweden, where she found the perfect balance between introspection and purpose-driven action. This setting nurtured her curiosity and set the stage for her lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Viveka’s academic pursuits began at Växjö University, where she studied International Business and Economics with a focus on French. This early exposure to global markets ignited her passion for understanding the intricate dynamics of international commerce. Her love for languages and cultures was further deepened during her time at ESCE, Leonardo Da Vinci in Paris, where she specialized in Export, Finance, and Commerce. The vibrant Parisian environment left a lasting imprint on Viveka, helping her embrace her identity as a global citizen.
Her quest for knowledge continued at Lund University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Development Economics. As part of her studies, Viveka initiated a field study in Daegu, South Korea, which formed the foundation of her Master’s Thesis. This fieldwork allowed her to explore real-world applications of economic theory, deepening her understanding of global economics and cultural diversity. The rigorous academic environment at Lund, combined with her international research, prepared her for the complexities of economic policies and their impact on global communities, equipping her with the analytical skills necessary for her future roles.
A Transformative Experience: The Swedish Embassy Internship
During her studies, Viveka undertook an internship at the Swedish Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. This experience was a pivotal moment in her life, profoundly influencing her understanding of identity and belonging. While in Seoul, Viveka realized, “I am neither fully Korean nor fully Swedish. I am simply my own person.”
This internship exposed Viveka to the stark contrasts between Korean and Swedish societies, particularly in terms of gender equality and workplace culture. “I realized the privilege of living in a country like Sweden,” she reflects. The low female labor participation in Korea, especially after starting a family, highlighted the challenges women face in balancing career and personal life in a hierarchical society with demanding working hours. This experience deepened her appreciation for Sweden’s more egalitarian approach to gender roles and work-life balance, further shaping her worldview and commitment to advocating for equitable practices.
Embracing Her Purpose: The Transition to Nonprofits
In 2009, Viveka made a significant shift in her career by joining ABC Active Contributions for People and the Environment in Lund. This nonprofit organization allowed her to combine her business acumen with her passion for social causes.
“Working in a nonprofit was something I had always dreamt of,” Viveka shares. “It allowed me to apply my skills in a way that directly benefited communities and the environment.”
Her time at ABC was not just about work; it was about community. She connected with people from diverse backgrounds and even picked up a little Italian along the way. The resilient board members and the collaborative atmosphere of the organization left a lasting impression on her.
The Dream Job: Glokala Folkhögskolan
In 2012, Viveka joined Glokala Folkhögskolan in Malmo as an Economist, marking the beginning of an 11-year journey that would shape her both personally and professionally. At Glokala, Viveka immersed herself in every aspect of business administration, from budgeting to strategic planning, while embracing the school’s mission of adult education and community development. She had the privilege of being mentored by several seniors who became her role models, helping her grow both professionally and personally.
“Glokala was more than just a workplace—it was a learning ground where I grew both personally and professionally,” she reflects.
The school’s focus on adult education and community development resonated deeply with Viveka’s values. She was not just an employee; she was a mentor, a guide, and a lifelong learner. Her commitment to the organization was evident in the way she wrapped the business and administration books multiple times—each pass through adding to her deep well of knowledge.
But life at Glokala wasn’t without its challenges. The economic difficulties faced by the nonprofit sector were real, and Viveka had to navigate these waters with care. Despite the hardships, she thrived in an environment that required resilience and creativity.
“The ability to come together as a unit during tough times is what makes or breaks an organization,” Viveka notes.
Current Role: Shaping the Future at Malmö University
In August 2023, Viveka embarked on what she describes as her dream job—joining Malmö University’s Economic Department. This role, which she had long aspired to, allows her to work closely with international students, helping them navigate the complex tuition fee processes. For Viveka, this is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of students from around the world.
“My sole and soul wish is to make this world a little less wretched and a whole lot more human,” Viveka declares, summing up her approach to work and life.
At Malmö University, she is not just an economist; she is a confidante, a problem-solver, and an advocate for students. The joy she derives from her work is palpable, and her colleagues have noted her exceptional dedication and the positive energy she brings to the team.
A Creative Soul: Viveka’s Artistic Pursuits
Beyond her professional achievements, Viveka is also deeply involved in creative endeavors. Her artistic journey is an integral part of who she is, as she expresses her thoughts and emotions through various creative outlets. As the artist behind ODD JADE and the poet for The House, Viveka channels her creativity into projects that reflect her innermost thoughts and values.
Her poetry and artistic work is not just a hobby; it’s a vital part of her identity. Since Viveka’s core values resonate deeply with She Told Me A Story, she has become one of the voices of the whole community. They also refer to her as the SOUL of the community. These communities are more than just creative outlets—they are the cornerstones of her life, providing her with joy, belonging, and fulfillment.
Viveka’s online presence further amplifies her creative work. Through her Instagram accounts odd jade, the word whisperer, soul breather, and her Swedish account oslipad, she shares glimpses of her creative journey with a broader audience. Her websites, oddjade.com, thewordwhisperer.org, and gongjaeok.org, serve as platforms where her art, poetry, and reflections come to life, offering a deeper connection to those who resonate with her work.
To give you a deeper glimpse into her creative soul, here is one of Viveka’s poignant poems:
She has found her way through the creative landscape through associative writing. She highlights it as visual poetry, concrete poetry but in a modern style. Her poem “Pearly Pearls” describes the transformation of grief into strength, with tears turning into pearls that adorn the soul. Her writings like “Never Gained” reflect on the futility of chasing societal expectations and the realization of finding true contentment by embracing one’s authentic self.
Reflecting on Adoption and Identity
Viveka’s personal journey is also marked by her reflections on adoption and identity. As an adoptee from South Korea, she has explored these themes in her writings, offering profound insights into her experiences. In her article “Dear Adoption, Don’t Cry for Me Korea,” Viveka delves into the complexities of adoption and identity, sharing her journey with raw honesty and emotion. Another piece, “By Viveka Gong Jae Ok Hansson” on Me & Korea, reflects on her cultural heritage and the ongoing process of self-discovery.
In addition to these personal reflections, Viveka’s career journey has also been documented in Swedish media. An article on TRS highlights her experience of being laid off and finding her dream job at Malmö University. This story is a testament to her resilience and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
5 Leadership Lessons
- Lead with Purpose: “Align your work with your core values to find true fulfillment.” Viveka’s journey shows that when your work resonates with your personal mission, it leads to both professional success and personal satisfaction.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: “Never stop growing, both personally and professionally.” Viveka’s commitment to education and self-improvement has been a constant throughout her career, driving her forward.
- Value Community: “The strength of a team lies in its unity, especially during challenging times.” Viveka’s experiences in both nonprofit and educational sectors underscore the importance of collaboration and collective effort.
- Stay Resilient: “Challenges are opportunities in disguise.” Viveka’s ability to navigate economic difficulties and job transitions with grace is a testament to the power of resilience.
- Integrate Creativity into Work: “Your creative passions can enrich your professional life.” Viveka’s blend of business acumen and artistic expression demonstrates how creativity can enhance problem-solving and bring joy to work.
Editorial Note
Viveka Hansson’s journey is a shining example of how purpose-driven work and creative passion can shape a fulfilling life. Her story inspires us all to pursue our dreams with authenticity and resilience. If you’re an executive with a unique story to tell, we invite you to share your journey at executivesdiary.com/blog/submit-biography—It’s completely free, and your journey could inspire the next generation of leaders.
