Charting a Course for Success: Annika’s Journey to the America’s Cup for Women

Not every organization is lucky to have elite athletes as part of their team. But at EDRMedeso, we have a sailing legend in our midst.

We are proud to be supporting Annika Carlunger, a seasoned sailor from Sweden and EDRMedeso Key Account Manager, who is about to embark on a remarkable journey as she prepares to compete in the first-ever America’s Cup for Women.

We caught up with Annika between an intense schedule of training and competition where she shared her insights into her professional background, her passion for sailing, and the significance of the upcoming historic event.

Annika has worked for EDRMedeso, based in Gothenburg, for five years and holds a Master of Science in Physics, graduating from Chalmers University of Technology. Driven by her passion for solving problems and helping customers succeed, Annika has always excelled at sales and account management. With responsibility for managing several significant accounts, including Alfa Laval and Epiroc. Annika’s approach to business relationships involves deeply understanding her clients’ needs and customizing software solutions to optimize their performance. Her engagement with these companies, built on trust and loyalty, highlights her commitment to customer success.

Annika explained, “I try to develop our clients’ usage of our software and make them get the best results they can. Understanding what they do helps me provide exactly what they need. With companies committed to multi-year contracts, I am driven to deliver maximum return on investment – and enriching my relationship with them is crucial.”

Sailing Away!

Sailing has been an integral part of Annika’s life for over 25 years. As a dedicated sailor, she has accumulated an impressive collection of medals, including ten World Championship medals (eight silver and two gold). Annika is a key member of the sailing team ‘Wings’ known for its high-level performance in match racing. This form of sailing requires adaptability and quick decision-making, as teams race in provided boats with minimal training time.

Picture of Annika courtesy of Swedish Challenge powered by Artemis Technologies

“Sports provide an incredible background for everything you do in life. In sport, if you work together poorly, you lose. It provides a great platform for fostering success, building teams, and working within an organization.”

The Pinnacle of Sport: The America’s Cup for Women

The upcoming America’s Cup for Women marks a significant milestone in sailing history, being the first edition exclusively for women crews. (Annika and her skipper successfully lobbied for the inclusion of non-cup teams, allowing more participants to compete). The competition consists of 12 teams divided into two groups, with the top three from each group advancing to the final round. The grand finale, weather permitting, is scheduled for October 13, 2024, in Barcelona.

Annika highlighted the unique challenges of this competition: “We need to quickly adapt to different boats and varying weather conditions. The high-speed foiling boats we use in the America’s Cup require precise and rapid decision-making, making teamwork and communication crucial.”

Preparation for the America’s Cup has been extensive. Annika’s team has been training in smaller foiling boats and simulators to develop the necessary skills for the competition. Despite receiving their competition boat later than expected, the team has been diligently practicing and honing their techniques.

Annika elaborated on their training regimen: “We’ve been training in smaller foiling boats, Moths and Wasps, to get used to the unique dynamics of foiling. Additionally, we’ve spent a lot of time in simulators provided by the New Zealand team who won the last cup. This helps us build muscle memory and timing, even though it can’t replicate the wind or speed.”

Youth Engagement and Inspiration

Annika is also deeply involved in youth sailing programs, aiming to inspire and encourage young girls to pursue sports. She believes that sports play a vital role in personal development and leadership. “We’re doing something for women in sports because we believe that sports is a crucial platform for women to advance,” she said. “Interestingly, a report found that 94% of women in C-level positions have a background in sports. We want to help young girls see that they can excel in both sports and their careers.”

Annika’s journey to the America’s Cup for Women is testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for sailing. Her story exemplifies the powerful intersection of professional excellence and athletic achievement.

As Annika prepares to compete on the world stage, she continues to inspire others to pursue their passions and strive for greatness. The sailing community and all of us here at EDRMedeso eagerly await the results of this historic competition, cheering on Annika and her team as they aim for victory in Barcelona.

“I think sports have given me the courage to tackle difficult negotiations and stand my ground,” Annika reflected. “Whether it’s managing big clients or competing in high-stakes races, the skills I’ve learned from sailing are invaluable.”