The FLT Podcast

In this insightful discussion, Tim Sparv, Assistant coach at Sparta Prague and a former Finnish national team captain, shares his journey from player to coach. He emphasizes the vital role of empathy in leadership and high-performance sports. Tim reflects on the delicate balance between personal ambition and team cohesion, and the unique Finnish traits that shape leadership styles. He also discusses the importance of social responsibility and the emotional challenges athletes face, revealing how these elements contribute to successful coaching.

This week Finnish leadership is... ... ... coaching elite performance. We discuss with Finland and Sparta Prague coach Tim Sparv about the lessons he took from competing at the elite level in football, about the role of a captain, the differences between playing and coaching, the role of empathy in sports, the sacrifices of high performance and the unique traits Finns bring to leadership, competitive roles, taking a stance on social issues and much, much more.   You can follow Tim's inspiring journey on twitter and instagram: https://x.com/timsparv?lang=en, https://www.instagram.com/timsparv/?hl=en Like the show? the support us here: https://the-flt.com/support-the-show/  or contact us: contact@the-flt.com, or got an idea? let's collaborate: https://the-flt.com/services/  Follow us here: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@The-FLT  Spotify Channel: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Sj5YAyZ8AJGooVYLC8RA6  Apple Pod Channel: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/the-flt-podcast/id1727605372  PodBean channel: https://the-flt.podbean.com/  With thanks to: https://www.bloomtogether.fi/ bridging nationals and locals together to make better business. and if you're looking to engage your team and boost their performance, then reach out to https://populum.io/ to book a demo, mention the FLT to earn discounts.

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.