We started Inner Group because we saw too many brilliant people burning out before they even got started.

— Linn & Maria. Founders

Maria Whittaker

Behavioral Scientist, Talent & Leadership Strategist & Co-Founder

Maria is a visionary leader operating at the intersection of psychological well-being, self-leadership, and social entrepreneurship. With over 15 years of experience designing and leading development programs—ranging from global giants like Intrum to agile startups—she has a unique gift for translating complex psychological insights into tangible business value and personal growth.

Her drive is rooted in a fundamental conviction: that a sustainable society begins from within. Maria’s commitment stretches far beyond the corporate boardroom. Her time spent leading social initiatives in Kenya profoundly shaped her perspective. By working closely with young adults and women on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and self-leadership in challenging environments, she witnessed firsthand how resilience and a sense of purpose can transform lives—regardless of external circumstances.

As a Behavioral Scientist, Professional Coach, and trained ACT group leader, Maria specializes in creating psychological safety and engaging learning experiences where people feel empowered to explore their "inner compass." For Maria, self-leadership isn't just a personal tool; it is the most critical key to building the inclusive workplaces of the future and a resilient, thriving society.

Core Expertise:

  • Learning Design & Strategy: Crafting transformative learning journeys that deliver measurable impact.

  • ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Training): Utilizing evidence-based methods to navigate stress and build psychological flexibility.

  • Cultural Transformation: Extensive experience leading strategic change and leadership shifts within global organizations.

  • Social Impact & Empowerment: A deep-seated passion for unlocking the potential of young adults through sustainable self-leadership.

Linn Caldas

Global Strategist, Change Maker & Co-Founder

Linn is a powerhouse of strategic vision and human-centered change. As the former Global Strategy Lead for Mental Health at Spotify, she has mastered the art of designing and scaling health strategies within some of the world’s most high-performing, fast-paced environments. Linn doesn’t just see people as a workforce; she views them as a company’s most vital strategic asset.

For Linn, mental health advocacy isn’t just a professional path—it is a deeply personal mission. This lived experience fuels her commitment to dismantling the stigma around mental health and replacing it with actionable, evidence-based systems. Her work has proven that when a culture prioritizes the human at the center, the entire organization transforms, moving from a state of "surviving" to "thriving."

Beyond the corporate world, Linn walks the talk. She is a trained ACT group leader, certified in Mental Health First Aid, and a dedicated volunteer for the non-profit organization Mind. This blend of high-level strategy and hands-on grassroots support allows her to navigate complex organizational shifts with empathy, precision, and a relentless focus on real-world impact.

Core Expertise:

  • Global Health Strategy: Expert in scaling mental health frameworks across high-growth, international organizations.

  • Large-Scale Change Management: A proven ability to lead complex projects that shift how companies value their people.

  • ACT & Psychological Flexibility: Specialist in using Acceptance & Commitment Training to build resilience within teams.

  • Human-Centered Design: Transforming workplace cultures through a lens of authenticity and psychological safety.

Spinneriet

Our Team of Advisors

Our Advisory Board, Spinneriet, is a dedicated think tank—a collective of wisdom that keeps our eyes on the horizon. Serving as a strategic sounding board, the advisors infuse our work with fresh perspectives and challenge our thinking. By bridging diverse expertise with a shared vision, they help us strengthen our ideas and navigate new paths forward for a more resilient society.

Pernilla Alexandersson

Pernilla has spent the past 17 years leading Add Gender AB as a specialist in gender equality. The driving force behind her commitment to this work comes straight from the heart: a desire to see young adults empowered to find their direction—all through the lens of inclusive equality. Drawing from her own experience of how fragile life can be without the right support, Pernilla is dedicated to using her expertise to ensure that more young people feel a sense of belonging and hope for the future.

Faduma
Aden

Faduma has extensive experience working with equity, inclusion, and innovation within business and product development as well as design, and has held leadership roles at several global companies, including Spotify. At Spotify, she was part of the global Equity & Impact team and was responsible for DEI work within the company's largest business area. Today, she works on how AI can contribute to increased inclusion by highlighting and challenging inequalities in technological development.

She became involved with Inner Group to help ensure that more young adults, regardless of background, gain access to knowledge and tools for mental health that strengthen a sustainable, lifelong relationship with themselves.

Anna
Erlingmark

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Management of Growth at the Gothenburg School of Business, Economics and Law, Anna combines strategic growth theory with a dedicated focus on future leadership. As a key representative of the target audience within Spinneriet, she provides firsthand insights and a student perspective essential for developing services that truly resonate with young adults.

With experience working closely with executive management on business development, Anna acts as a bridge between academic research, corporate strategy, and the actual needs of her generation. She is passionate about integrating sustainable well-being into the core of both professional and personal growth.

Core Values: More Than Just Words

  • Our values are the heartbeat of everything we do. By embracing diversity, we build safe spaces where everyone is seen and heard. We have the courage to challenge norms, the clarity to simplify the complex, and the mindfulness to create solutions that truly matter for a sustainable future.

  • We dare to think differently, take risks, and stand up for our beliefs. By leaning into uncomfortable conversations and showing vulnerability as a strength, we open doors to new possibilities and drive real change.

  • Differences are a strength and the key to positive change. Inner Group is a place where everyone can be themselves and where all experiences are valued. It’s our mix of perspectives that unites us and builds our community.

  • We stay mindful of the world around us and listen to its real needs. Our goal is to create value that makes a tangible difference—for the individual, the community, and society. Purpose is our North Star as we build a sustainable future.

  • We focus on clarity and the user experience. Through efficient, transparent, and accessible communication, tools and support, we turn the complex into something simple. We create the path forward, one clear step at a time.