Nordic Leaders

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!

Nordic Leaders is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 69 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Nordic Leaders, a business show with 69 episodes published.

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  Episode #69

  Why Finland Plays It Safe: Talent, Ambition, and the Nordic Leadership Gap with Terhi Klemetti

  Apr 10, 202649 minS7

  <p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Together, they explore a deeper question: <b>why do so many Nordic companies stop at “good enough” instead of aiming for global leadership?</b><...

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  Episode #69

  Why Finland Plays It Safe: Talent, Ambition, and the Nordic Leadership Gap with Terhi Klemetti

  Apr 10, 202649 minS7

  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 market Why ambition—not talent—is often the limiting factor in Nordic companies The role of international experience in shaping stronger leadership Practical advice on how to get noticed by headhunters A 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.

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  Episode #68

  68 - Satu Rämö - Where Discipline Meets Imagination

  May 15, 202558 minS7

  <p>The Nordic Leaders meet Nordic Blue Crime!</p><p>In this episode, we sit down with Satu Rämö — bestselling Finnish author, Icelandic resident, and creator of the hugely popular Hildur crime series.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>We explore:</p>How discipline can fuel creativityWhy her crime novels are fiction — but based entirely on...

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  Episode #67

  67 - Jarmo Suominen: Drop the Idea That Everyone Thinks Like You

  Dec 19, 202437 minS7

  <p>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.</p><p><b>Key Takeaways:</b></p><p><b>1. Focus and Learning from Failure:</b></p><p>🎙️ Focus on the task at hand and avoid over-planning.<br/>🎙️ "When you’re somewhere, focus on what you’re doing. When you’ve had enough, start looking for something else."</p><p><b>2...

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  Episode #66

  66 - The Essence of Leadership: Lessons from Asko Känsälä

  Nov 18, 202436 minS7

  <p>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.</p><p><b>Key Takeaways from the Episode</b>:</p><b>Failures and Successes Don’t Define Us</b>:Asko discusses his belief that failures and successes, while part of business, don’t shape identity. Instead, it’s ab...

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