The FLT Podcast

Kristiina Mäkelä - Shaping the future

This week Finnish Leadership is... Shaping the future!
 
We sit down with Provost of Aalto University, Kristiina Mäkelä to discuss, leading in academia, finding strategic focus, fostering collaboration, the next generation of Finnish leaders, educating "gamechangers", shaping a sustainable future and much, much more!
 
Give it a listen and let us know, how you feel about the future of Finnish leadership!!!
 
Like the show? the support us here: Support the show – The FLT (the-flt.com), or contact us: contact@the-flt.com, or got an idea? let's collaborate: Work with us – The FLT (the-flt.com)
 
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With thanks to: https://www.bloomtogether.fi/, bridging nationals and locals together to make better business.
and if you don't already, get your beer from: https://www.fatlizard.beer/taproom-beershop use promo-code: FLT for discounts.

FLT Summer Break

In this episode, the team checks in remotely to reflect on the episodes so far, what we've enjoyed and learned the most over the past few months and also raise a glass to a summer of Finnish leadership.
 
Like the show? the support us here: Support the show – The FLT (the-flt.com), or contact us: contact@the-flt.com, or got an idea? let's collaborate: Work with us – The FLT (the-flt.com)
 
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Apple Pod Channel: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/the-flt-podcast/id1727605372
 
With thanks to: https://www.bloomtogether.fi/, bridging nationals and locals together to make better business.
and if you don't already, get your beer from: https://www.fatlizard.beer/taproom-beershop use promo-code: FLT for discounts.

Lena Grenat - Focusing on the opportunities

In this episode, we sit down with the CEO of SAM, (Suomi Amerikka Yhdistyksen Liitto) Lena Grenat to discuss the differences and similarities between Finns and Americans, building networks, vulnerability in leadership, playing chess, creating a learning culture and knowing the difference between winning/losing and succeeding/failing, among other things.
(00:00) Intro to Lena Grenat(02:38) Resilience is key to personal growth(08:00) Learning from mistakes and embracing vulnerability leads to improvement(10:25) Leaders should be open to learning from everyone(15:10) Adapting communication to diverse cultural backgrounds(17:24) Effective communication bridges cultural differences(21:38) Global networking and education(23:54) Utilizing personal network for learning and hiring(28:08) Challenges in fundraising due to tax structure differences(30:24) Leading volunteers requires motivation and inspiration rather than authority(35:17) Living in the present moment is key(37:36) Resilience encompasses optimism and adaptability(42:00) Valuing employee opinions fosters leadership aspirations(44:15) Feedback should be seen as information, not positive or negative(48:53) Acknowledge not knowing takes self-confidence(50:48) Reacting in uncertain times defines a leader(55:02) Embracing mistakes for personal growth(57:02) Understanding deep cultural similarities between American and Finnish working styles
 
Like the show? the support us here: Support the show – The FLT (the-flt.com), or contact us: contact@the-flt.com, or got an idea? let's collaborate: Work with us – The FLT (the-flt.com)
 
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Apple Pod Channel: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/the-flt-podcast/id1727605372
 
With thanks to: https://www.bloomtogether.fi/, bridging nationals and locals together to make better business.
and if you don't already, get your beer from: https://www.fatlizard.beer/taproom-beershop use promo-code: FLT for discounts.

Riina Hellström - agile, reliable and building clarity

In this episode, we sit down with author and agile pioneer Riina Hellström to discuss defining boundaries, learning to say no, learning to hear no, financial clarity, fitting working styles to the business and the reasons we all need to become agile.
(00:00) Intro to Riina Hellström, recognized Finnish leader in Agile transformation(06:16) Balancing developmental and operational focus in HR(09:30) Leadership qualities: Reliability, Transparency, Clarity(12:35) Importance of setting clear context and communication in corporate communications(15:59) Importance of dialogue for behavioral change(20:19) Systemic structures and continuous transformation are key in Agile leadership(22:14) Prioritizing foundational changes for organizational success(24:18) Cost of delay and leader fit are critical for organizational progress(28:03) Finnish culture traits align well with Agile leadership(32:27) Good leadership involves clear communication and trust(33:50) Dealing with egocentric and unpredictable bosses(39:04) Discussion on the gap between practitioners and academic recognition on Agile HR(42:55) Agile HR is shaping the future of HR and leadership processes(45:24) Finnish leaders are not seen abroad due to lack of self-promotion and branding(47:03) Building international relationships requires understanding cultural nuances and adapting communication strategies(52:06) Hosts' reflections. Transparency and data-driven decision making in HR. Leaders need to fit into the Agile transformation framework.
 
 
Like the show? the support us here: Support the show – The FLT (the-flt.com), or contact us: contact@the-flt.com, or got an idea? let's collaborate: Work with us – The FLT (the-flt.com)
 
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Apple Pod Channel: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/the-flt-podcast/id1727605372
 
With thanks to: https://www.bloomtogether.fi/, bridging nationals and locals together to make better business.
and if you don't already, get your beer from: https://www.fatlizard.beer/taproom-beershop use promo-code: FLT for discounts.

Mervi Airaksinen - Dreaming big enough, so that everyone laughs at you

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.
 
Like the show? the support us here: Support the show – The FLT (the-flt.com), or contact us: contact@the-flt.com, or got an idea? let's collaborate: Work with us – The FLT (the-flt.com)
 
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Apple Pod Channel: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/the-flt-podcast/id1727605372
 
With thanks to: https://www.bloomtogether.fi/, bridging nationals and locals together to make better business.
and if you don't already, get your beer from: https://www.fatlizard.beer/taproom-beershop use promo-code: FLT for discounts.

Valtteri Raekallio - Protecting the team, so they can go crazy

In this episode we sit down with dancer, director and leader of the Helsinki Dance Company Valtteri Raekallio and discuss, communication beyond language, the roll of physicality in teams, connectedness, feedback, tripping, trust and protecting your team to set them free.
(00:00) Intro to Valtteri Raekallio. Exploring Finnish leadership in the artistic world. Funding challenges for independent art companies in Finland. Exploring societal issues and the effects of authority and power. School Bullying. Mental health.(07:26) Thinking is not just language-based and includes feeling and physical presence(09:26) Balance between productivity and human connection.(10:34) Challenges in building trust and teamwork in virtual or disconnected environments(14:03) Creating common understanding in a diverse group is key to success. Leadership supporting people's emotional state.(16:09) Importance of physical communication in dance(21:00) Emotional connection impacts work safety(22:20) Achieving Flow State in group work challenges(25:53) Ideas progress through different stages of development(28:22) Evaluating project success based on surveys and well-being of staff(31:20) Creating a special, shared experience through performance art(34:31) Creating a meaningful working environment through shared vision. Success is not always about achieving perfection, but about collective satisfaction.(38:34) Failures in creating art should be challenging and impactful(40:20) Licensing and building clarity is becoming more important in the arts field(44:52) Physical interaction affects cognition and thinking(46:24) Cultural leadership is evolving towards more open communication and addressing long-standing issues like power misuse and emotional sustainability(50:50) Feeling safe is essential for courage and creativity(53:35) Dream production topic(55:55) Hosts' reflections. Getting emotional & wellbeing feedback from the team. Psychological safety. Emphasis on pride, traditional techniques, and leadership in the creative process.  Exploring the impact of leadership on international processes. Focus on physical sensations during work.
 
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Apple Pod Channel: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/the-flt-podcast/id1727605372
 
With thanks to: https://www.bloomtogether.fi/, bridging nationals and locals.
if you don't already, get your beer from: https://www.fatlizard.beer/taproom-beershop use promo-code: FLT for discounts.

FLT Coffee Break - who drives performance?

Today we join the FLT team during a coffee break discussion. Top of mind this week is finalizing performance reviews, the pressure it puts on managers and finding the right balance to move forward.
 
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RE0uPHnuqCZLp7uI2m8t
Thanks to FatLizard, Aalto University and those of you spending your time with us. 
 
 

Outi Sivonen - Being Present for Others

In this episode we sit down with Outi Sivonen, CHRO at Solita to talk about getting permission, the role of sensing in leadership, self-reflection, honesty, getting the best out of technical talent, clarity and much, much, more.
 
Get in touch with us at contact@the-flt.com
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FLT Afterwork - DEI is dead?

DEI is dead?🤔
✨The buzz around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion might be fading, but the urgency for genuine change remains. In a recent episode of the FLT podcast, we experimented with a fresh format, inviting all team members, including those behind the scenes, for a cozy chat at the Fat Lizard bar & restaurant.🎙️🍻
 
📧 Contact:contact@the-flt.comCollaborate, Support and Find all episodes at:The FLT (the-flt.com)#DEI #finnishleadership #FLTpodcast nobullshitpodcast

Teivo Teivainen - Hedging and smiling like Stubb

Support the show here: https://the-flt.com/support-the-show/ 
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In this episode we discuss, Finland's "boring" elections, the role of optimism in elections, the impact of identity on this election, handling existential threats, becoming a "front-line" state and what we can expect from Alexander Stub as a leader.
 
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