The FLT Podcast

Janne Kilpeläinen, CEO of Uskalla Team Performance and former Nokia veteran, shares insights on transforming workplace dynamics. He addresses misconceptions about teams, emphasizing the importance of trust and emotional connections. Janne delves into intelligent routinization for skill development and draws parallels between sports strategies and corporate leadership. He also explores the critical role of empathy and communication in building strong interpersonal relationships within teams, ensuring better collaboration and performance.

Celine Pasula, Managing Director of Ubisoft RedLynx, shares her insights on leadership in the gaming industry. She discusses the importance of psychological safety and transparency for fostering creativity. Celine also emphasizes how diverse perspectives enhance team dynamics and reflects on the evolving motivations of both players and developers. The conversation touches on breaking traditional norms and the impact of personal experiences on leadership styles, all while highlighting the enriching journey of personal growth in a collaborative environment.

Satu Samir Hamed, founder of Planet Diplomats and a fresh voice in sustainability, joins the conversation to explore #WhyNotism. They dive into the concept of 'climate quitting,' emphasizing the need to align personal values with professional activities for authenticity. Hamed shares insights on the post-COVID work landscape and the blurred lines between life and career. The discussion encourages leaders to embrace creativity and intuition, highlighting the importance of taking risks for meaningful, sustainable impact.

Kristiina Mäkelä, provost at Aalto University, dives into the evolving landscape of Finnish leadership and education. She discusses the importance of strategic thinking and collaboration in academia, as well as the impact of digitalization on HR management. Kristiina emphasizes cultivating future leaders committed to sustainability, contrasting motivations between top university students and locals. With insights on Finnish leadership styles and the significance of interdisciplinary education, she paints a hopeful picture of a diverse and innovative future.

Join the team as they reflect on summer adventures from Australia to Finland, sharing cultural shocks and memorable moments. Explore contrasting leadership styles between the U.S. and Finland, highlighting trust, resilience, and community. A whimsical discussion on summer beverages, including butterbeer and French pinot, adds a light touch. The celebration of Finnish values, perseverance, and integrity in leadership invites listeners to embrace meaningful qualities while enjoying a refreshing lager. Cheers to insights and summer relaxation!

Lena Grenat, CEO of SAM, explores the intriguing cultural contrasts and similarities between Finns and Americans. She highlights the importance of resilience and vulnerability in leadership, drawing parallels to chess as a metaphor for learning and strategy. The conversation dives into effective communication across diverse backgrounds, fostering global networks, and the challenges of non-profit leadership. Lena emphasizes the need for personal growth through embracing mistakes, showing how inspiration and adaptability shape effective leaders in uncertain times.

Riina Hellström, an author and agile pioneer, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of modern organizational dynamics. She emphasizes the need for clarity and transparency in leadership, drawing parallels between sports communication and workplace collaboration. Riina discusses the challenges of adopting agile HR methods, highlights the importance of emotional maturity in managing difficult dynamics, and underscores the role of dialogue in overcoming resistance to change. Her perspectives on financial clarity and the necessity of saying no add depth to the conversation.

Mervi Airaksinen, Managing Director of Microsoft Finland, shares her journey through corporate leadership and personal growth. She discusses the challenge of ambitious dreaming in a culture of humility and the importance of strategic transformation in overcoming leadership hurdles. Mervi highlights how diverse leadership teams enhance decision-making and fosters collaboration. She also delves into balancing family and career, emphasizing the need for self-promotion in Finland's tech sector, and the ongoing evolution of corporate values towards inclusivity and innovation.

Valtteri Raekallio, a prominent Finnish dancer and artistic director of the Helsinki Dance Company, shares intriguing insights about the power of non-verbal communication in artistic expression. He discusses the crucial balance between productivity and emotional connection in teamwork, especially within virtual settings. Valtteri emphasizes the importance of trust and shared experiences in creating impactful performances and explores how artistic success can be assessed through team well-being. His reflections on leadership transformation in Finnish arts shed light on nurturing creativity beyond traditional models.

A lively discussion unfolds over coffee as hosts celebrate a team member's new journey. They tackle the challenges of performance management, stressing the importance of supportive work environments. The conversation delves into personal growth, especially for foreign employees navigating new cultures, and the balance leaders must strike between authenticity and adaptability. The intricate dynamics of leadership are examined, highlighting the potential impact of authenticity on team morale and employee well-being.