21. From Austria to Morocco: How Martina Thurnher Rewrote Her Life for Purpose and Freedom

What does it take to walk away from a life that looks perfect on paper… to build one that feels truly aligned? In this episode, Sylvana is joined by Martina Thurnher: a purpose-driven entrepreneur who left behind a stable career, a marriage, and a beautiful garden apartment in Austria to start over in Morocco. Guided by a deep sense of inner knowing (and a surprising love for surfing), Martina shares the real story behind her radical life shift, and how it led her to create a life rooted in intention, community, and impact. Together, we explore: ✨ How to trust your gut when it's telling you to leap—even if it doesn't make logical sense 🌊 The unexpected role surfing played in revealing Martina's desired life 🌍 What it's like to build a values-led business in a new cultural landscape 🌱 The unlearning required when bringing sustainability and systems thinking to a VERY different local context 💛 The beauty of cross-cultural community, and how "flipping thoughts" has become her superpower Martina now lives and works in coastal Morocco, where she helps small and mid-sized businesses grow sustainably, hosts the Impact Lab podcast, and leads grassroots initiatives like composting circles and beach cleanups. This conversation is for anyone who's felt the quiet nudge to change direction—and is ready to finally listen.   How to connect with Martina: Website: https://martinathurnher.com/ Impact Lab podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-impact-lab/id1765866442 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-thurnher/