In this series, we are interviewing members of our club, so that you can get to know each other a bit better. Today we talk with Linda Sonnichsen about her life and work in the region.
What brought you to the French Riviera? How long have you been here?
I lived here when I was a teenager. And always loved the nature, history, and general feel of the area. My vision was to come back one day and stay!
After having lived abroad, in different countries, on and off for years it felt like the right moment to move back here. And see if I could make life here as I had imagined it could be.
So, I moved to the French Riviera from Malta in Jan 2021. A tough time to move but one day at a time, and slowly settling here.
Honestly it has been more challenging and hard than ever imagined. But I haven’t lost hope that this place has so much to offer. And that now paperwork and basics are about done, then it is time to open up for the fun part of networking and getting out and exploring!
Could you tell us about your professional career? What do or did you do for work?
I am the owner of an international Recruitment and staffing company based in Denmark called Job Squad. Also, I own Sonnichsen Group. The idea there is to offer development courses in Etiquette, basic life skills as well as critical and creative thinking, for schools and Companies.
When not working on my own companies, I also work with Junior Achievement World Wide, an NGO teaching entrepreneurship and life skills in over 152 countries around the world.
What does the company that you work for do?
Job Squad works across borders and helps companies find qualified staff for both long-term and seasonal employees.
We support our candidates by offering help from forming a resume and making sure the interview process runs smoothly. We will be following them into their first months in their new position to ensure we manage to place them in the right job.
Job Squad is soon turning 5 years, has about 30 employees, and is working in more than 15 different European languages, our employees are working remotely.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I started Job Squad after finishing my master’s degree and working shortly in another recruitment company and saw many things I believed could be done successfully differently.
After working in various fields I felt that this industry managed to combine a lot of the skills and interests I had built up through time.
I am not focusing just on one area and I like that, the challenge and multitasking are keeping me on my toes.
What would be your best advice to others thinking about living or working on the French Riviera?
My biggest struggle is paperwork, so my best advice is to ensure you have all set up from the beginning and rather pay to get the help needed than try yourself and fail.
The French system is slow and if you are registered wrong once, it can take years to get that sorted.
Fun facts about Linda!
Since when do you live on the French Riviera?
2021
Where are you originally from?
Denmark
What is your favourite wine?
Anyone above 3 euros -But open to be challenged
What is your favourite spot on the French Riviera?
The tiny little riverlate in the forest around Valbonne
What French word, expression or sentence do you find very difficult to pronounce?
I find the gramma much harder than the pronunciation.
I look forward to meeting people in this network, I bet there are interesting profiles and stories out there, and most likely people to learn from and get inspired by.
In my spare time I like to go hiking/trekking with my little adopted dog,. I love watersports, cliff jumping and wine nights.
I am open to new friendships and business connections!
Would you like to be introduced on our website and social channels as well? Sign up for the Business Membership or contact us for more information.
