Future by Design: From UN Leader to Sustainable Agency Founder with Mirjana Arlaud

What makes a woman leave a prestigious global career to build something on her own terms?

In this episode, Mirjana Arlaud, Founder and CEO of Future by Design, shares how motherhood, burnout, and creative renewal led her from the UN to launching a purpose-led creative agency in 2018. We explore the rise of women entrepreneurs, why many stop asking for a seat at the table and build their own, and how women are redesigning the way we work and lead.

Mirjana also offers candid lessons from her own journey—on scaling sustainably, leading with empathy, and designing a business that aligns with your life instead of competing with it.

About Mirjana Arlaud
Mirjana Arlaud is the Founder and CEO of Future by Design, a purpose-led creative agency helping mission-driven organizations tell clearer, more human stories through design, storytelling, and strategic communication.
Her career spans both public and private sectors—from nearly a decade within the United Nations system to leading a global creative team that partners with organizations such as the Green Climate Fund, FSC, UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS, and UNHCR.

Connect with Mirjana
Website: https://futurebydesign.studio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirjana-arlaud/
Podcast: Creative Women Leading Change

Exposing the Hidden Reality is a weekly gathering for women who are ready to get real, ask better questions, and push back against the biases and barriers that shape our lives, work, and leadership.

Here, we:
✨ Dive into bold conversations with brilliant women
✨ Spotlight untold stories and truths
✨ Challenge hidden systems and social norms
✨ Share practical insights—with a side of sass and sisterhood

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a platform for our collective voice.

Have you lived through something that exposed hidden biases, reshaped how you lead, or changed the way you see yourself and the world?

Women and allies who are ready to speak truth, to name what's been silenced, and to spark change through authentic conversation are always invited to join us so we can hear your story. This is a platform for our collective and individual voices; where your voice matters and your experience can light the way for others navigating similar terrain.

Apply Here: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/Apply


Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality:
https://exposingthehiddenreality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality

Connect with Annette Garsteck:
https://www.annettegarsteck.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck

Connect with Sandra Wint:
https://www.me-her-us.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc

Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.