Ep. 6 — Why the best things happen before you're ready with Sarita Runeberg

In this episode of Founder Frequency, Caitie sits down with Sarita Runeberg, CEO of Maria 01, to explore what happens when curiosity becomes your compass, and why some of the most meaningful opportunities arrive long before you feel ready for them. And spoiler: there was never a master plan. Just a willingness to stay open, keep learning, and trust where each next step might lead.     From studying political science and building an international career across multiple industries to leading one of Europe's largest startup ecosystems, Sarita shares the experiences, decisions, and unexpected opportunities that shaped her path and how staying true to herself became one of her greatest strengths along the way. Together, they explore what authentic leadership looks like in practice, why visibility and representation matter when shaping the future of an ecosystem, and how communities and role models help expand what feels possible for others. They also discuss the evolving role of Maria 01 in Finland's startup ecosystem, the responsibility that comes with influence, and why some of the best opportunities in life emerge before we feel fully ready for them.   Resources from the episode Learn more about Maria01: website | LinkedIn Maria01's The Launchpad Program 2025 Impact Report Instagram: @mariazeroone Connect with Sarita Runeberg on LinkedIn   Where to find us! Learn more about wednesday: website | LinkedIn Instagram: @wednesday.community Connect with Caitie on LinkedIn     📢 Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review!   About Founder Frequency   Founder Frequency is the official podcast of wednesday. Hosted by Caitie Santo, we explore the real stories and perspectives shaping the founder ecosystem. In each episode, we talk about what it’s actually like to be part of this space—the decisions, lessons, and identity shifts that come with it, and how we can shape a more inclusive future for women and non-binary founders.