On World Men’s Day and World Toilet Day, I found myself standing on stage in front of 400 CIOs and decision-makers from Finland’s Top 500 companies, and somehow, the symbolism felt fitting.
Because leadership, real leadership, rarely looks polished. It is human, imperfect, and deeply shaped by how we show up for each other, especially during turbulent times.
This year, I had the privilege of hosting Executive Day Finland, organized by Aurora Live Business Network, at Hybridiarena Hype in Espoo, a full-day gathering dedicated to the people steering Finland’s digital, security, and organizational transformation.
A Room Full of Pressure, Possibility & Quiet Hope
From the stage, I saw something that doesn’t make it into annual reports or strategy decks:
- the weight leaders carry
- the urgency behind their decisions
- and the quiet hope that we can build workplaces, and societies, that are resilient, equal, safe, and fair
The themes of the day echoed that responsibility:
🔥 Navigating constant business transformation
🔥 Leading through the accelerating AI storm
🔥 Responding to cyber and geopolitical threats
🔥 Redefining the evolving role of the CIO
🔥 Staying resilient, rebounding fast, and keeping perspective amid uncertainty
Speakers Jorma Eloranta, Kirke Saar, Jari Huilla, Jarno Limnell, and Saku Tuominen brought clarity, provocation, and depth, offering guidance leaders needed, not just insights they expected.
The Art of Hosting a High-Stakes Event
Hosting a gathering of this scale is its own kind of marathon:
- balancing energy for 8+ hours
- keeping discussions time-relevant
- reading the room in real time
- making complex topics clear and engaging
- creating a space where leaders feel safe to reflect and connect
- weaving in moments of cultural relevance, yes, including Darude – Sandstorm
The feedback I received meant more than I can describe:
🧡 “Excellent moderator.”
🧡 “You really own the stage.”
🧡 “Your energy carried the room.”
🧡 “Darude Sandstorm as an opening was legendary.”
These moments reflect the intention behind my work:
to make events not only insightful, but meaningful, energizing, and human.
Gratitude
Thank you to the incredible behind-the-scenes team: Sohvi Lindroos, Mark Shupjatskij, Tasmin Hossain (for the wonderful photos), Lauri Kyöstilä, Philip Caserta, and everyone who shaped the day with care and ambition.
And thank you to the leaders who came ready to listen, challenge themselves, and connect with intention.
This day will stay with me, for reasons I’ll continue to understand over time.
I look forward to next year’s collaboration and to shaping events that truly matter.
Together is still how we move forward.
