Good Life Designed was born out of the idea that we all have unlimited potential but questions like ‘what do I want?’ and ‘how do I get there?’ are often easier left unanswered. 

Mother and daughter co-founders Pernille and Sine Maria Lopez found themselves asking the same questions at very different life stages. Pernille was formulating her corporate exit strategy after a very successful career while Sine was taking the first steps to figure out hers.

The two decided to employ all of the self development tools Pernille had been given during her years climbing the corporate ladder at IKEA and double down on designing their next phases, together. The two designed an annual weekend of reflection, self-development and meaningful connection and invited friends to join.

Less than a year later, Pernille was approached by a book publisher in Denmark to share her story of success and subsequently introduced to journalist Karin Graabaek Helledie, who she would go on to write and publish ‘Design Your Life’ with in 2014. Writing the book, the two formalized Pernille’s story and put the process down on paper which became the foundation for our workshops, online course and mentorship program resulting in a clear and simple process that makes living a happy and aligned life possible for people at any stage, with any background / education level / career aspirations or life plan. 

Cut to 15 years later - Sine (34), Karin (55) and Pernille (65) have a collective 42 years of using these tools to chart their own paths toward their dream lives and using each tool to navigate rock bottoms, curve balls and as a foundation for any big decisions.

Pernille is currently living out her wildest dream of exploring the world full time in retirement, with her husband, Jason.

Sine has just celebrated her first year married and is in year four of her dream job, acting as Head of Experiences for a women-centered travel company.

Karin is creating a beautiful, creative and mindful life in London with her husband and two daughters all while spearheading growing Good Life Designed in the UK.

The three still use the GLD program every step of the way. While they landed in places that sound exciting now - the road to get there wasn’t always pretty. One vital part of the GLD process is getting comfortable with the unknown and becoming so clear about who you are that, in any situation—especially the challenging ones—you can navigate the issue while staying true to yourself.

Good Life Designed celebrates the potential of every person and supports growth-minded individuals on their path to their fullest lives, all in good company.

Throughout her career she has been dedicated to advancing Gender Intelligence, Cultural Inclusiveness, and empowering individuals to achieve their highest aspirations while remaining true to themselves. 

As a thought- and business leader, coach, and mentor Pernille brings a unique perspective on personal and professional development. She believes all people have unlimited potential and her purpose has throughout her life been helping people see and unlock their fullest potential.

In addition to her work with Good Life Designed she also serves on several corporate and non-profit boards, both national and international, with a focus on strategy, leadership, culture, organizational development, and diversity.

Accolades and Recognition

  • Forbes: Featured in Forbes magazine for her extraordinary leadership and business insights.

  • Harvard Business Review: Recognized for her innovative approaches to human resources and organizational development.

  • The Wall Street Journal: Profiled for her strategic vision and the transformation of IKEA's North American operations.

  • Fortune: Acknowledged as one of the most influential women in business, a testament to her lasting impact on the corporate world.

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN HER IN

Meet Pernille

Following a long corporate career, Pernille Spiers-Lopez left IKEA after 21 years with no plan B. She took a year off, wrote her book “Design Your Life” and then decided she would spend the next chapter of her life sharing her personal leadership tools, continue her love for mentoring and facilitating meaningful conversations, while focusing on her own growth as well. It was with this in mind Good Life Designed was created.


Pernille is the former President of IKEA North America and Global Chief HR Officer. Over the span of her tenure, she elevated the company to new heights and set new standards for success, both for the business and its employees. Her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to people, and exceptional business acumen have garnered international acclaim. 

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MEET THE TEAM

  • Karin Graabaek

    Co-Founder of GLD UK + Lead Facilitator

    Karin is a shining example of always designing and redesigning a life that fits her, husband and two daughters’ lives in London. Karin and Pernille were meant to meet and create great things together. The two were born in the same Danish town and both have a journalist degree from the same school of journalism in Denmark. They met in 2010 when Karin was asked to write the Danish book about Pernille’s career and life – “Hvis Dit Liv Var et Køkken” (If Your Life Was a Kitchen). That was the beginning of a great friendship and collaboration, which they decided to continue for the American version “Design Your Life” and expand with the involvement in Good Life Designed.

    Karin has also published several design books, two personal travel guides “London My Love” and “I love New York” further showcasing her passion for exploration and storytelling.

    Since 2011, Karin has been an integral part of GLD, and her role has grown to encompass mentoring and facilitation. In her yoga classes, mindful journaling workshops, and mentoring sessions, Karin marries her 30 years as a journalist, listening to diverse life narratives, with her experience at the heart of the Good Life Designed community and her insights as a yoga teacher.

    She personifies the principles of yoga and Good Life Designed, always aiming to meet people where they are. Her passion is clear: inspiring people to discover who they are and what truly resonates with them and challenge and guide them to find what works best for them.

    With her own intention to explore and live life with curiosity and presence - through ups and downs - she is always modeling how the Good Life Designed process is never done – it’s a way of living.

  • Sine Maria Lopez

    Co-Founder + Creative Director

    Sine co-founded Good Life Designed 10 years ago with Pernille. Sine is the Creative Director of the brand and creates engaging experiences that connect growth minded individuals. She is creative with a deep appreciation of personal and professional development, meaningful connection and creating space for this work to take place. Sine has used the elements of Good Life Designed to design her personal and professional life and build her career as a Los Angeles based designer and producer over the last decade. Sine currently is the Head of Experiences for a female focused travel company with a mission to redirect tourism dollars to women owned businesses operating 30+ trips a year across 7 countries