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From Strength to Strength – A Summer Reflection

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Reading Arthur C. Brooks under a quiet Swedish sky… There’s something about summer that invites deeper reflection. Maybe it’s the slower pace, the stillness between responsibilities, or simply the luxury of time to think without interruption. This summer, I’ve found myself immersed in a book that speaks directly to that quiet inner space: From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. It’s a rare kind of book – one that doesn’t offer quick fixes or flashy slogans, but rather presents a profound and uncomfortable truth: that the strength which brought us success in the first half of life is not the same strength that will sustain us in the second. Drawing on research in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, Brooks makes a compelling case for why we should not fear decline, but embrace transition. His central idea is this: our cognitive strengths change over time. The analytical, innovative energy that drives early-career success gives way – gradually, and then suddenly – to othe...
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The best possible way to start the day ☀️

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The best possible way to start the day ☀️ A morning run in glorious summer weather – with the best company I could ask for, my wonderful wife Diana. 💛 We ran through our beautiful hometown Västerås and finished the workout with a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of Lake Mälaren. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️💦 Grateful for life, love, and summer. #västerås #morningrun #mälaren #together #bestcompany #swedishsummer Mathias Knutsson 
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💔🎶🌌👑🔥🇦🇹🌍✨ Wasted Love – but definitely not a wasted listen 💔🎶🌌👑🔥🇦🇹🌍✨

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Just listened to Austria’s Eurovision entry “Wasted Love” by JJ – and I can’t stop thinking about it. His ethereal countertenor voice, blending pop with opera in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary, is simply breathtaking. Having lived in Vienna, I feel an even deeper connection – and honestly, this is the best Eurovision entry I’ve heard in many, many years . It’s rare that I want to hear a Eurovision song again and again – but this one? It lingers. It elevates. It’s something truly special. A heartbreak wrapped in velvet. 💔🎶 Vote for Austria 🇦🇹 on May 17th! “The kind of song that makes you believe in opera-pop heartbreak all over again.” Ich habe mir gerade Österreichs ESC-Beitrag „Wasted Love“ von JJ angehört – und ich komme nicht mehr davon los. Diese ätherische Kontertenor-Stimme, die Pop und Oper zu etwas Zeitlosem und gleichzeitig Modernem verbindet, ist einfach atemberaubend. Da ich einige Jahre in Wien gelebt habe, fühle ich mich dem Ganzen noch stä...
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InVästmanland – Together for Regional Growth and Development

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Last Friday, I had the privilege of presenting InVästmanland at an inspiring event for the county’s business and tourism directors. It was incredibly rewarding to meet all the dedicated stakeholders and discuss how we can work together to strengthen Västmanland. InVästmanland is an initiative aimed at coordinating and enhancing our collective ability to create even better conditions for entrepreneurship, investments, and business establishments in the region. A big thank you to everyone who participated and contributed with valuable insights and thoughtful input! I look forward to continued collaboration and the next steps in the project. Mathias Knutsson
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Exciting News: New Role as Project Manager for InVästmanland!

I’m thrilled to share that on March 1st, I will be starting a new and exciting role as Project Manager for InVästmanland at Region Västmanland! Working with regional development, investment promotion, and business growth has always been a passion of mine. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in business development, sustainability, and strategic collaborations across the private and public sectors, as well as in academia and politics. Now, I am excited to apply that expertise to strengthen Västmanland’s attractiveness and competitiveness as a prime location for business establishments and investments. InVästmanland is an initiative designed to enhance the conditions for business expansion and investments in the region through collaboration between municipalities, the regional government, the private sector, and other stakeholders. My role will be to lead the project, develop strategies and tools, and establish long-term partnerships to make Västmanland an even stronger hu...
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Time to come together in support, compassion, and unity.

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic school shooting in Örebro today. No student, teacher, or family should ever have to endure such a horrific event. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence. At a time like this, it is more important than ever that we come together in support, compassion, and unity. Jag är djupt chockad och bedrövad över den tragiska skolskjutningen i Örebro idag. Ingen elev, lärare eller familj ska någonsin behöva uppleva en sådan fruktansvärd händelse. Mina djupaste kondoleanser går till familjerna och vännerna som har förlorat sina nära och kära, och mina tankar är hos alla som drabbats av denna meningslösa våldshandling. I en tid som denna är det viktigare än någonsin att vi sluter oss samman i stöd, medkänsla och enighet. Mathias Knutsson
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A Lost Resource - Age Discrimination in the Swedish Labor Market

Swedish Aged 50+ among the best in the world – but still marginalized Swedes over 50 years of age rank among the best globally in education and lifelong learning. According to OECD’s adult skills survey ( Piaac ), Sweden ranks third worldwide, and for the 55+ age group, Sweden leads the pack . These individuals thrive in environments that value lifelong learning and skill-based workplaces. Yet, despite this, older workers face significant challenges in the labor market, with age discrimination on the rise. A labor market that excludes experience In Sweden, the likelihood of being called for a job interview decreases as early as age 40. Research from Linnaeus University shows that older job seekers receive fewer responses to applications, with almost no callbacks for those over 60. This trend starkly contrasts with countries like Denmark, where older workers are twice as likely to land jobs. Globally, Sweden is among the nations with the least respect for older people. A tale of t...
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En förlorad resurs - tankar om åldersdiskriminering på den svenska arbetsmarknaden

Svenskar 50+ i världstopp – men ändå bortvalda Svenskar över 50 år presterar i världsklass när det gäller kunskap och utbildning. Enligt OECD:s vuxenstudie, Piaac , rankas S verige som tredje bäst i världen – och för åldersgruppen 55+ är Sverige till och med bäst. Dessa individer utmärker sig genom livslångt lärande och en stark kompetensorientering på arbetsplatser. Trots detta möter erfarna arbetstagare stora hinder på arbetsmarknaden, där åldersdiskriminering är ett stort och växande problem. En arbetsmarknad som exkluderar erfarenhet I Sverige börjar chansen att bli kallad till anställningsintervju sjunka redan i 40-årsåldern. Enligt forskning från Linnéuniversitetet blir sannolikheten att få svar på en ansökan allt mindre med stigande ålder , och för arbetssökande över 60 år är det nästan obefintligt. Detta står i skarp kontrast till exempelvis Danmark, där äldre har dubbelt så stor chans att få jobb. Sverige utmärker sig negativt som ett av de länder i världen där respekten för ...
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