In this episode we sit down with Microsoft Finland’s Managing Director, Mervi Airaksinen to discuss chopping the elephant, dealing with owners, leading a transformation, dreaming big, the importance of a good leadership “team” and the balance between tech and expertise.
(00:00) Dream big and speak out loud. Intro to Mervi Airaksinen.
(08:08) Transitioning into a Great Place to Work
(08:55) Maintaining work-life balance during tough personal challenges
(10:21) Executing one step at a time is key for a leader in a transformation process
(14:58) Building trust and teamwork within leadership
(17:19) Dream big and execute towards it
(21:42) Setting ambitious crazy goals and inspiring others as key strengths
(23:59) Finnish leaders excel in humility and need to promote achievements vocally
(27:56) Promoting diversity in leadership for global expansion
(30:30) Promoting diversity and gender equality in the Finnish tech industry
(34:00) Lowering barriers of entry of external perspectives to fix clients' problems simply with tech
(35:12) Leverage Finland's strengths in security, sustainability, and skilling for success
(40:34) Microsoft's cultural shift to a 'learn it all' attitude and remarkable cloud transformation
(43:22) Advice to young leaders: pursue your dreams and build networks for success
(45:05) Hosts' reflections. Dreaming big. Corporate entrepreneurship. Learning from tough times leads to profound commitment.
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