Mastering Finland

This week's episode introduces Pukhraj Ranjan, an educator and entrepreneur establishing a new ethical fashion brand Moi namaste - that is creating eclectic, timeless pieces combining Indian craftsmanship and Nordic functionality. Pukhraj shares her story of life in Finland that started by pursuing a masters degree in education, finding her first job (listen for the tips), and finally establishing her own business. What led Pukhraj to leave her life-long passion for education to pursue entrepreneurship? And what does a person need to do to establish such a business? Tune in and get some helpful entrepreneurial tips and learn more about why Pukhraj decided to stay in Finland despite her original plan of returning to India after her studies 🇮🇳🇫🇮 Additionally, we would like to invite you on behalf of Pukhraj and Moi Namaste to a pop-up shop full of relaxing programs that will take place next week from November 15th - 19th in Helsinki. More information can be found here: https://fb.me/e/5ThUSlBRb

This week we wanted to join the Halloween madness and record a special spooky episode for you 🎃 This time, Matt talks to Bella de Graves, a Finnish artist, that is fascinated by everything creepy or scary. They discuss horror movies, costume shops, spooky places in Finland, and experiences related to the Halloween celebration in Finland. As the holiday is dedicated to remembering the ones departed, creepy stories associated with ghosts are quite a common element of Halloween. Join us for this episode and listen to some of the scary Finnish stories and more in our newest Halloween special.

In this episode we introduce Kamilla Sultanova, a Nordic and Uzbek citizen, speaker, entrepreneur, event host, mentor, and consultant in diversity inclusion who enjoys bringing people together and helping them belong. Kamilla talks about how to sustain your own cultural identity whilst living in a new place and especially how to embrace it. Additionally, she underlines the importance of community building in Finland and how long it takes for a person to adapt to life in a country like Finland. Listen to this episode and learn also more about Kamilla's public employment and business services projects and her new role as a mother-to-be. LINKS: FB: https://www.facebook.com/KamillaSultanovaWorld LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamillasultanova/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/kamillasultanovaworld/ TW: https://twitter.com/KamillaUbuntu

In this week’s episode, Matt speaks with Olivia Kumpula, a Nigerian Youtuber, social media blogger, and entrepreneur who lives in Pori with her husband and her children. Listen to this episode and learn about Olivia's endeavours and their contribution to the international community in Finland.

In this episode, Petra talks to Ronny Eriksson, a 25-year-old serial entrepreneur and storyteller based in Helsinki, co-founder of the "Norders", a creative agency and community, host of the "New Nordic Wave of Change" podcast, as well as part of the "ReformMigri" team. Ronny focuses on helping companies and individuals, like international students, find their pathways, expand their network, and experience happiness within themselves. Listen to this episode and learn more about Ronny's projects like Ambition Africa, co-created with Peter Vesterbacka or Norders' academy and community, the importance of immigration, and hear some great tips on travelling in Finland. Links: Ronny's LinkedIn Norders

Reform Migri petition’s goal is to improve Migri's system and service procedures, which has caused a lot of difficulties, stress, and pain. In this episode, Petra talks to Julia, the initiator of the petition and Anuka, a nurse in Finland facing a deportation decision despite fully following the law. We talked about why Julia started this petition and what sort of co-signers support them. You will also hear about the panel conversation they held with their co-signers and Migri’s Director General in June 2021. Additionally, we talked about the future of the initiative, and finally Anuka shared with us her emotional story. LINKS: Petition: http://bit.ly/ReformMigri Website: ReformMigri.com For more links go to www.masteringfinland.com/episodes/2021-08-30

In this week’s episode, Matt hosts Kätälyst, a multinational rock band based in Espoo. Each of the band’s five members came to Finland independently for education. Although they met online and at Aalto University during their studies in 2010, they did not form the band until 2017. The band gets its name from an earlier group that its founding member started in Pakistan in 2004. Because they met and began playing together in Finland, they decided to go with the Finnish spelling of the name. They say that, although their name is Finnish, they are not usually mistaken for a Finnish band. Listen to their music on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGbXn1hm84rvpZu4AcQX-mA

In this episode you will get to meet Early Artis, a teacher and a father living in Finland. He has been all over the world teaching and helping others to learn and integrate into new cultures. He is a member of the Expat Dads in Finland Facebook community and the Fathers in Finland community of Familia ry. Early and Matt discuss the challenges of raising multicultural children and how fathers in Finland can come together to support one another.

In this episode Petra talks to Folashade, who shares the story of her family and her daughter with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Finland. Folashade shares all about the complicated process of getting a diagnosis in Finland, about social services available for children and families with ASD, the process of accepting your child's disability, and more. What is ASD? ASD is a complex developmental condition that involves challenges in social interaction, speech, nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviours. The severity of symptoms and additional issues are specific to each individual. 

In this episode, Jean and Petra meet for the last time to talk about their mastering Finland journey. They reflect on their podcast, their personal lives, Finnish bureaucracy, and towards the end, Jean also shares her secret identity with you. Come and join us in this episode full of laughter and great atmosphere.