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.

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