Leadership in the Winds of Change

Let’s set aside the popular topic of change management for a moment and focus on the current challenges of leadership and supervisory work amidst ongoing changes. How can leaders navigate rapidly evolving work environments? Leadership has always been a cornerstone of success in businesses and organizations. However, the significance and methods of leadership and supervisory … Read more

Ownership or Activity – Where Should the Discussion About Iso-Pappila Be Focused?

Pieksämäki’s Iso-Pappila is undeniably a significant historical site. It is a building that deserves appreciation and care, and it should continue to thrive as a cultural hub and tourist attraction in the future. There seems to be broad consensus on this. However, the discussion has stalled on one single question: Who owns the walls? In … Read more

Always Available, Constantly Overloaded

We live in a world where the pace of life has accelerated, and constant busyness has become the new standard. We are expected to be always accessible, respond instantly, and juggle multiple tasks at once. In the workplace—and often in our personal lives as well—there is an expectation that we reply messages and answer all … Read more

Making Pieksämäki’s Brand Shine Brighter – Now Is the Time!

Kuivituskuva. 1940-luvun tyylinen kaupunkimaisema.

Pieksämäki is thriving. New projects are emerging, businesses are investing, and the sense of community is strong. There are many positive signs that highlight the town’s appeal and the progress happening on multiple fronts. As the newly elected town council begins shaping a new municipal strategy and vitality program following the April elections, this is … Read more

Homegrown Trumpists Following in Dallas’ Footsteps

It’s surprising how many Finns have embraced Trumpism in recent years. Even though the MAGA movement’s “America First” policies do nothing to benefit Finland, some seem to adopt them as if they were part of the American political landscape themselves. Finns have consumed American entertainment, media, and culture for decades, making U.S. political phenomena feel … Read more

The Good, the Bad, or a Hidden Opportunity? The Potential of Local Facebook Groups

Kuvituskuva. Ruutupaitainen tyttö selaa sosiaalista mediaa.

Over the past decade, locally-run Facebook discussion groups—often referred to as puskaradio (literally, “bush radio”) — have gained significant popularity in Finland. These virtual town squares can be found in every corner of the country, often with multiple groups per municipality. In many cases, they have gathered more followers than the official municipal social media … Read more

Green Electricity!

An Open Letter to You, Esteemed Power Companies – Savon Voima, Fortum, Helen, and Whoever Else is Out There There’s been something nagging at me lately, and I figured I’d bring it up with you fine folks over at the power companies. You see, you offer this so-called green eco-electricity, and anyone can apparently buy … Read more