In Fail Smart - Lessons in Leadership and Life, our guests on the Nordic Leaders Podcast open up about themselves with the courage to talk about setbacks: the stuff that didn't quite work out how they intended, but how they came back stronger and wiser. We've got all the best elements of the Nordic leaders podcast still there, but there's a few extra questions about the ups and downs of life. Join us, David, Nick, and Stefano as we explore failing smart with our hyper successful guests - and hey, five star ratings are okay if you like what you hear!
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April 10, 2026Episode 6949 min
Why Finland Plays It Safe: Talent, Ambition, and the Nordic Leadership Gap with Terhi Klemetti
In this episode of the Nordic Leaders Podcast, Stefano Mosconi and Nick Vertigans sit down with executive search expert Terhi Klemetti to unpack what it really takes to build world-class companies in the Nordics.With decades of experience placing top executives in VC- and private equity-backed companies, Terhi offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how leadership talent is identified, assessed, and matched to high-growth environments. But this conversation goes far beyond recruitment.Together, they explore a deeper question: why do so many Nordic companies stop at “good enough” instead of aiming for global leadership?From cultural patterns of risk aversion and consensus-driven decision-making to the challenges of attracting international talent into Finland, this episode dives into the structural and mindset barriers that limit growth—and what needs to change.You’ll learn:How executive search really works (and why it’s not as “mysterious” as it seems)What separates top candidates from the rest in today’s marketWhy ambition—not talent—is often the limiting factor in Nordic companiesThe role of international experience in shaping stronger leadershipPractical advice on how to get noticed by headhuntersA candid, thought-provoking discussion on leadership, culture, and the future of work in Finland—and what it takes to move from local success to global impact.
May 15, 2025Episode 6858 min
68 - Satu Rämö - Where Discipline Meets Imagination
The Nordic Leaders meet Nordic Blue Crime!In this episode, we sit down with Satu Rämö — bestselling Finnish author, Icelandic resident, and creator of the hugely popular Hildur crime series.Satu is a master of paradox. She’s a crime writer who can’t stand the sight of blood. A daily runner who lives by strict routines, yet writes fiction filled with wild unpredictability. A storyteller who leads with trust — even when it has cost her dearly.We explore:How discipline can fuel creativityWhy her crime novels are fiction — but based entirely on real experiencesWhat she learned from trusting the wrong peopleThe role of Icelandic folklore in shaping her voiceHow she found product-market fit — and literary magicHer writing rituals, rejection themes, and the power of little daily habitsSatu also reflects on her upcoming TV adaptation, her journey to one million copies sold, and why she believes in demystifying the creative process.Whether you're a leader, writer, entrepreneur — or simply someone who loves a good story — this episode is for you.Some standout quotes from 🎤 “I don’t start writing a book. I start writing chapter one.” Progress begins with small, focused steps.🎤“I write fiction — but I haven’t made anything up.” Fictional crime novels built from real-life stories, observations, and interviews.🎤“Discipline is the way I create space for freedom.”A daily 3.3km run and structured writing routine allow creativity to flourish.🎤“My biggest failures have come from trusting the wrong people — but I still choose to trust.” A striking reflection on the emotional risk and reward of openness.🎤“If you wait too long to write the story, it goes stale. Like old fish.” On why speed matters — not just for productivity, but for staying connected to the soul of a story.🎤“I have to be my own boss, colleague, and assistant. So I give myself structure.” Life as a solo creator, and how she keeps herself moving forward.🎤“The stories are all true. The characters are not.” Her method of blending journalism, folklore, and imagination.🎤“I don’t want to mystify creativity. It’s not magic. It’s work — beautiful, hard work.” Satu on demystifying the writing process and encouraging aspiring authors.---Books Mentioned in the episodeSatu Rämö's Hildur seriesOn Writing by Stephen Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko WillinkAtomic Habits by James Clear
December 19, 2024Episode 6736 min
67 - Jarmo Suominen: Drop the Idea That Everyone Thinks Like You
In this episode of Nordic Leaders: Fail Smart, we welcome back Jarmo Suominen, CEO of Rejlers Abu Dhabi, marking his second appearance on the podcast—our first returning guest! We explore leadership lessons from one of the UAE's fastest-growing professional services firms, diving into resilience, growth, and adapting to an ever-changing business landscape.Key Takeaways:1. Focus and Learning from Failure:🎙️ Focus on the task at hand and avoid over-planning.🎙️ "When you’re somewhere, focus on what you’re doing. When you’ve had enough, start looking for something else."2. Leading Through Crisis:🎙️ COVID-19 Strategy: Despite the market shutdown, Jarmo kept his team intact by cutting salaries across the board instead of laying off staff. This decision helped preserve the company’s core talent. 🎙️ Rejlers Abu Dhabi emerged stronger post-pandemic, growing from 45 employees to 300 and becoming the most profitable unit in the global Rejlers group.3. Building Trust in a Diverse Organization:🎙️ "What we’re selling in consulting is trust."🎙️ How to Build Trust:Be genuinely interested in people. Lead by example—be present, listen, and engage. Avoid imposing personal ideologies or assumptions on others.4. Leadership Evolution:🎙️ From Manager to Coach: Jarmo’s leadership style evolved from directive management to coaching through listening and asking the right questions.🎙️ "If the house is on fire, it’s not time to discuss what’s for dinner." Coaching works best in non-emergency scenarios.5. Cultural Intelligence:🎙️ Leading a team of 24 nationalities requires cultural sensitivity, curiosity, and genuine interest.🎙️ Advice for Leaders Moving Abroad: "Drop the idea that everyone thinks like you."Memorable Quotes:"Don’t plan too far ahead—you’ll be disappointed.""Be honest, but remember that most people say they want the truth—until they hear it.""Let people discover solutions themselves; nothing works better than a self-made realization."Podcast Team Reflections:David: "The best time to leave a party is when you’re enjoying yourself the most."Nick: "Focus and adaptability stood out as essential leadership traits."Stefano: "Selling trust defines good consulting—a guiding principle for any leader."Closing Thought:Jarmo’s enduring lesson resonates beyond business: Success isn’t about imposing one way of thinking but about fostering trust, enabling growth, and embracing diverse perspectives. His journey through challenge and transformation exemplifies leadership resilience and the power of learning minds.Thank you for tuning in to Nordic Leaders: Fail Smart. Stay curious, keep learning, and see you next time!
November 18, 2024Episode 6635 min
66 - The Essence of Leadership: Lessons from Asko Känsälä
In this insightful episode of Fail Smart, we sit down with Asko Känsälä, former Deputy CEO of Elisa, a leading telecommunications company in Finland. Known for his sharp thinking and profound insights, Asko shares the experiences, philosophies, and failures that have shaped his leadership journey. Together with Asko we explore what it means to lead with empathy, balance, and impactful simplicity.Key Takeaways from the Episode:Failures and Successes Don’t Define Us:Asko discusses his belief that failures and successes, while part of business, don’t shape identity. Instead, it’s about experimenting, learning, and not clinging to events.“Whatever the mistake, you can always fix it. Whatever the success, don’t be too proud—it’s often a collective achievement.”Leadership as Lifelong Learning:Self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership. It requires constant reflection and an openness to feedback from peers, subordinates, and even customers.Asko highlights the importance of developing impactful, "dense" leadership—focusing on what truly matters.Impact Through Simplicity:Inspired by art, Asko emphasizes the power of distillation: finding the essential and stripping away the unnecessary.Memorable example: Introducing Elisa’s customer-first strategy with the phrase “Frontline First.”Empathy in Leadership:Asko advocates for understanding people as whole individuals, not just roles within an organization. This means noticing the small things, engaging in “small encounters,” and creating a culture of trust and care.His empathetic leadership was deeply influenced by personal experiences, including caring for his daughter during a difficult illness.Challenging Urgency:A key leadership “superpower” Asko discusses is “stopping the time” to challenge assumptions and find clarity. This approach often reveals that urgency is an illusion, allowing teams to focus on essential actions.Cultural Insights and Creative Thinking:Asko shares how his experiences in Japan and at Columbia Business School shaped his approach to leadership, creativity, and problem-solving.Key lesson: Understand the assumptions and meanings behind people’s words and actions to gain a new perspective.Memorable Quotes:“Leadership is not about perfection; it’s about impact.”“Stop the time, challenge assumptions, and focus on the behaviors and actions that truly matter.”“Good leadership makes itself unnecessary—it’s about empowering others to lead.”About the Guest:Asko Känsälä is a seasoned leader and former Deputy CEO of Elisa. With a career spanning decades, Asko is known for his empathetic yet results-driven approach to leadership. He has authored a book "Johtajasta mestariksi" ("From Leader to Master") on his leadership philosophy, focusing on self-leadership, team dynamics, and the art of impactful simplicity.Resources & Mentions:Asko Känsälä’s Book: (Currently available in Finnish) English edition coming soon!Inspirations Discussed: Artworks by Eva Ryynänen, Japanese cultural insights, and Olli Jokinen’s coaching philosophy.Host Team:David Goddard - Chief Quote OfficerNick Vertigans - Chief Summarizer OfficerStefano Mosconi - Insights Facilitator
August 19, 2024Episode 6545 min
65 - Upgrade your thinking and make better decisions. Agile HR with Natal Dank.
Natal Dank is the Co-founder of PXO Culture, Chief Trendwatcher at the HR Trend Institute and named one of the Most Influential HR Thinkers of 2022 by HR Magazine. Recognized as a pioneer of Agile in the people profession, Natal hosted the first London-based Agile HR Meetup in 2016, which has since grown into a global movement reshaping the L&D and people profession. Helping to make workplaces the kind of places people want to be a part of.She is co-author of; Agile HR: Deliver Value in a Changing World of Work & author of recently released; Agile L&D: A Toolkit to Improve Organizational Learning and Drive Performance. In this energetic, insightful episode, the discussion delves into the core elements of Agile HR, the importance of experimentation in a complex, modern business environment, and the challenges of integrating agility into HR and business practices. Natal shares examples and insights, emphasizing the value of continuous learning, evidence-based approaches, and human-centric solutions. A valuable listen for anyone interested in performance and continuous improvement, in modernising business and HR practices and in fostering a more adaptable, collaborative and inclusive work environment.Learning and Failure – Natal recalls the importance of testing and avoiding going too big, too fast at times in her career. She offers a practical question for all of us, "How could I have tested or experimented first?" By establishing guardrails and gathering sufficient data, organisations can mitigate risks and make more informed decisions.Agile HR Explained in 3 steps - In brief, understand your customer; add value incrementally; manage risk and test understand of the business environmentThe best way to talk about Agile to the business, ‘for me, it's never about going Agile’.Experimentation and Prototyping in HR and a valuable example of building a leadership development programme applying Agile principles. Asking the question, what are ‘the reasons why you might want to work differently?’What politicians could learn from taking an Agile approach!Learning and adapting together. Natal touches on the concept of the "squiggly career" and the implications of living longer, referring to "The 100-Year Life." Managing transitions through different careers is becoming increasingly important. In order to adapt and evolve skill sets, Agile methodologies can play a pivotal role in facilitating these transitions by promoting a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability.Enjoy this excellent episode!
May 21, 2024Episode 6439 min
64 - Samstag: The Intersection of Psychology and Leadership
Dr. Nicholas Samstag is a psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist based in New York City. With a diverse background spanning theater to ancient Greek and Latin studies, his journey into psychology and psychoanalysis has been influenced by a range of experiences. In this episode, Nicholas discusses how his varied path shaped his approach to psychoanalysis and leadership, and offers elegant insights into human nature and leadership, reflecting on:🎙️parallels between theater and therapy, emphasizing the importance of feeling secure and playful in both settings, as well as in the work environment;🎙️the intersection of psychology and leadership, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's humanity in a professional setting;🎙️how leaders should prioritize understanding their own psychology and their own stories and experiences, and how they can impact the dynamics within their teams; 🎙️how fostering a culture of curiosity and psychological awareness can create environments where people feel valued and secure, ultimately leading to better collaboration and innovation;🎙️how leaders can develop the power to notice more, be present, and be aware of their own and others' dynamics in the workplace.Overall, a great conversation packed with valuable insights into the connection between psychology, leadership, and creating supportive work environments.
January 25, 2024Episode 6343 min
63 - Paradoxical Leadership with Ivo Brughmans
Immerse yourself on a journey of discovery in this conversation about Paradoxical Thinking and Leadership with author and philosopher, Ivo Brughmans. Get ready to challenge your own assumptions and self-perception.Ivo delivers an insightful message about embracing the ‘power of both sides’ of our personalities. Reaching out for the side of our personality that we don’t see or use, or even like that much is truly challenging.As a ‘very serious person at work’, Ivo describes how he managed to combine both professional and playful, in order to reach more people and be more effective. He also focuses on the paradoxical challenge for organisations who struggle to live up to their values and how to be more authentic and effective in that regard. For example, how can a company ‘double the profit and halve the footprint’ at the same time?Ivo introduces his 8 step approach to understanding our paradoxes more deeply and offers personal examples from his own life and career, including;🎙️The Courage to trust our intuition in difficult times. Using our fundamental beliefs and our mission as a ‘compass’.🎙️The Paradoxical Challenge. Using the power of both sides to reach more people with our message and our work.🎙️Accepting our shadow sides.For every characteristic, we also have the opposite in us. Despite their negative appearance, what is their positive intention?🎙️Reshaping corporate values in terms of polaritiesHow to innovate and create stability? Double the profit, halve the footprint? Ivo identifies how companies can do both at the same time.🎙️AW & AI How to AW (Ancient Wisdom) to manage and master one of our current big question marks, AI ?Discover more about Paradoxical Leadership and about Ivo, here:https://paradoxical-leadership.com Enjoy the episode!
November 27, 2023Episode 6242 min
62 - Transforming leadership with Taneli Rantala
🗨️"Create habits that create a good life." In this episode we catch up with Taneli Rantala, CEO of Lifted, and dip in to highlights of Taneli's journey from a strategy consultant to a visionary entrepreneur. Taneli´s philosophy emphasizes the importance of leadership style, organizational culture, personal development, and taking hard decisions to create successful, resilient leaders. Listen in to get insights into 🎧Enhancing organizational culture and productivity.🎧Creating a consistent, coherent leadership approach.🎧Developing team "coffee and success" practices for a positive growth culture.🎧Facing business challenges and adapting strategies.🎧Learning from failures🎧Balancing professional identity with personal life.🎧Being the architect of one's life and the power of habits in shaping a fulfilling life.🗨️"We have this habit in our company... We write two positive things about my actions and two feedbacks about how I could improve... It's so great. People share things that they don't necessarily have time or space to share in normal working life." 🗨️"I go through this practice [thinking about something I'm excited about today] and I become more excited about the day... I create habits that create a good life for me because those are pretty easy."🗨️"I realise that my life is in a good place. And I don't have to identify myself through this company... I have other things in my life as good cornerstones... understanding that yes I also have to keep them strong."
September 12, 2023Episode 6143 min
61 - Connecting Opposites; a blueprint for a world of dilemmas, with Fons Trompenaars.
A warm and polished performance from Dutch organizational theorist Fons Trompenaars, recognized around the world for his work as a motivational speaker, consultant, and author of several books on culture and business.He spent over 30 years helping Fortune 500 leaders build meaningful connections to manage and solve business and cultural dilemmas to increase global effectiveness and performance.Recognized by Thinkers 50 as one of the most influential management thinkers in the world, Fons was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 alongside Peter Drucker. Don’t miss this action, learning and wisdom -packed episode, we discuss; •Connecting opposite perspectives to understand and master cultural and political difference - ‘Integrity is creating wholeness through the integration of opposites.’•The four ‘R’ s of culture; a model for navigating the world of diversity gracefully. But how do you, 'Recognize, Respect, Reconcile, and Realize'?•‘Killed by our own values’, how companies can be their own worst enemies, and what they can do about it•'human beings all have the same dilemmas, but it's our culture that guides us one side or the other’. Fons describes exactly how this plays out in the ‘pedestrian dilemma’He talks candidly about humour, failure, learning moments and much more!
June 14, 2023Episode 6038 min
60 - Environments in which Everyone Can Thrive with Celine Pasula
Celine Pasula has over a decade of leadership experience in top mobile gaming companies including startups and bigger companies. Today, as the Managing Director of Ubisoft RedLynx, she's working with experiences on all platforms, mobile, PC, and console. Celine is not only an expert in leadership, finance, legal and business development but also in building a great company culture. She is a fast-thinking leader with a big heart for game development. When it comes to gaming itself, she is one of the most competitive players you are ever going to meet!This episode revolves around the need for organizations and individuals to be adaptable and forward-thinking in order to achieve and sustain high performance. Celine speaks about how Ubisoft RedLynx, as an organization, thrives through creating a supportive, flexible, and innovative work environment where individuals feel psychologically safe and motivated to perform at their best.Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where employees feel secure and unthreatened is crucial. This allows them to share ideas, question norms, and suggest improvements without fear of retribution. It cultivates a culture of innovation and performance.Time Management and Thoughtful Planning: Celine emphasizes the importance of deliberate time management, such as setting aside slots for thinking and having clear goals for meetings. These strategies ensure that employees are not overwhelmed and can focus on tasks effectively.Role Modelling and Leadership: Leaders play a vital role in high performance environments. They not only guide and inspire employees, but they also model the behaviours and values that lead to success.Alignment of Personal and Organizational Values: High performance is achieved when there is alignment between an individual's values and those of the organization. When employees believe in the mission of the organization and feel that their work contributes to that mission, their performance levels rise.Work-Life Balance: Finally, maintaining a balance between work and personal life is crucial for sustained high performance. By integrating games and other personal interests into their routines, individuals can stay motivated and avoid burnout.
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