Inside the Boardroom: What Makes Great Leaders?

In this episode, I speak with Jo Egil Tobiassen, founder of Northern Playground, a Norwegian outdoor clothing company challenging conventional ideas about how businesses should operate.Our conversation explores Northern Playground's unconventional approach to business: encouraging customers to buy less and repair more, moving away from paid advertising on Meta, building a community of 1,200 co-owners, and even giving Nature a formal voice in corporate decision-making.Jo Egil shares the thinking behind these decisions, the challenges of balancing profitability with environmental and social responsibility, and the role that businesses can play in driving broader societal change.An inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, business activism, and the courage to challenge established assumptions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to lead people and encourage new ideas in an organization as complex as NATO?In this episode of Creativity Matters, I talk with Harri Paananen, Deputy Chief at the NATO Communications and Information Agency, about leadership, innovation, and the importance of people in making complex organizations work.Harri shares his unexpected career journey, from business school and academic research to public sector leadership and eventually NATO. We discuss what it means to lead without having all the answers, why curiosity and collaboration matter more than ever, and how leaders can create space for creativity even in highly regulated environments.We also explore the importance of trust, shared purpose, and personal motivation, and why meaningful progress often comes through small steps rather than big changes.Finally, Harri reflects on the lessons he's learned throughout his career and shares advice for the next generation, including why independent thinking matters in an age of artificial intelligence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to lead people, build successful organizations, and navigate constant change?In this episode of Creativity Matters, I talk with Marianne Heiß, Supervisory Board Member at Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, and Porsche SE, about leadership, organizational culture, and the experiences that have shaped her career.Drawing on her extensive experience in executive leadership and corporate governance, Marianne shares her perspectives on what makes organizations successful and how leaders can help people adapt to a rapidly changing world.We discuss why organizational culture matters as much as strategy, how reducing bureaucracy and simplifying routines can make organizations more agile, and why trust, empathy, and collaboration are essential to effective leadership.We also explore diversity in corporate boardrooms, the role of women in leadership, and Marianne's personal reflections on ambition, success, authenticity, and finding purpose in what we do.Throughout the conversation, Marianne shares practical insights from her professional journey and advice for young professionals finding their own path. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to live well in a world obsessed with speed, productivity, and constant activity?In this inspiring episode, I speak with philosopher and writer Joke Hermsen about creativity, hope, time, identity, and the importance of making space for reflection in our lives. Drawing on philosophy, literature, art, and lived experience, Hermsen offers a powerful alternative to the culture of busyness, inviting us to rediscover the value of wonder, imagination, and meaningful pauses. Together, we explore how new ideas emerge when we slow down, the difference between Χρόνος (clock time) and Καιρός (lived time), the role of art in expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world, and why the human capacity for new beginnings may be one of our greatest sources of creativity, freedom, and hope. This conversation is an invitation to embrace uncertainty, cultivate hope, and create space for the moments that truly transform us.A rich and uplifting episode for anyone interested in creativity, philosophy, personal growth, and the art of living. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I speak with businessman and art collector Christian Ringnes about what happens when a deeply personal passion becomes part of a shared urban environment. We reflect on the role of private initiative in shaping public space, and on how individual vision can contribute to collective identity. Moving beyond questions of art or development alone, this conversation explores the social value of beauty - and the responsibility that comes with transforming something personal into something that belongs to everyone. From generosity and risk to atmosphere and belonging, we discuss how privately initiated cultural projects can add meaning, character, and a new layer of experience to the cities we inhabit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into Deep Ocean's internal culture and processes for innovation, exploring how they generate and select ideas, as well as their approach to overcoming challenges. Andries shares insights into the importance of cross-functional collaboration and engagement with external stakeholders in driving innovation forward. We also explore Deep Ocean's commitment to sustainability, uncovering specific initiatives at the intersection of innovation and environmental responsibility. Lastly, Andries discusses the rapidly evolving technology landscape in the ocean solutions sector and how Deep Ocean is positioning itself to meet future challenges and seize opportunities for innovation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Abby Litchfield, Community Manager at Network for Business Sustainability (NBS), takes us on a journey through NBS's dedicated efforts in shaping business sustainability over the last 15 years. Gain insights into innovative projects where NBS seamlessly integrates arts and music, in particular, to not only raise awareness but also drive meaningful action in the realm of sustainability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the dynamic world of museums, their evolving roles, and the transformative impact of emerging technologies. Our guest today is Patricia Buffa, Director of Digital Strategy at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. In this captivating conversation, Patricia unveils how museums have transcended their traditional role of preserving art. We explore how they are now at the forefront of education, community engagement, and social justice. Moreover, our guest shares her insights on the influence of emerging technologies on the museum industry: from augmented reality to AI, we explore how these innovations are reshaping the way we interact with art and culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Polestar with Kristin Fjeld, Head of Communications at this groundbreaking electric vehicle manufacturer. Polestar, known for its seamless fusion of Swedish design elegance and cutting-edge technology, is setting the standard for sustainable, high-performance electric vehicles.In this interview, Kristin takes us on a journey through Polestar's commitment to reshaping the future of mobility, focusing on minimalist and elegant designs that have captured the automotive world's attention. Discover how Polestar aims to propel us toward a more efficient, and environmentally friendly future, paving the way for a revolution in how we approach transportation and sustainability.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Harri Paananen, the Director in charge of leading the Economic Development and Employment Unit of second largest city of Finland, Espoo.If you're curious about how one of the most influential innovation ecosystems in the Scandinavian countries operates, then this interview is a must-listen. Harri is at the forefront of Espoo's dynamic economic landscape, and in this conversation, we dive deep into the intricacies of Finland's innovation ecosystem, the evolution of smart cities, and the thriving innovation-based businesses that call this region home.Innovation-based businesses are the backbone of any thriving economy, and Finland has perfected the art of nurturing such enterprises. Harri sheds light on the support systems and partnerships that have propelled innovation-driven businesses in Finland to global recognition. From the vibrant startup scene to established tech giants, you'll gain valuable insights into the factors that have contributed to their success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.