productivity

I explore the pros and cons of my current devices, comparing the Kindle Oasis’s superior battery life for text against the Surface Go’s struggles with lag and heavy PDFs. As I weigh the cost and utility of upgrading to either an iPad Pro or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, I aim to identify the lowest-friction tool for handling both standard ebooks and complex technical documents.

I reflect on completing my two-year Executive MBA journey at Hanken and Stockholm School of Economics, sharing insights for those considering a similar path while balancing full-time work. I discuss why I chose the EMBA over other advanced degrees like a Ph.D. and evaluate whether the significant time and financial investment was truly worth it.

Drawing from my experience as a business owner since 2009, I examine how the shift toward English in the Finnish IT sector has changed communication norms for both locals and expats. While I acknowledge that English is increasingly the lingua franca for professional interactions, I clarify that the answer to whether you need Finnish for an IT career is nuanced rather than a simple yes or no.

If you are a technical professional looking to improve your sales interactions, I share how my background as a techie has helped me succeed by focusing on empathy and emotional intelligence rather than just technical specs. I discuss the importance of acting as a trusted advisor who aligns with the customer’s needs, even if it means recommending alternative solutions, and explain why physically closing your laptop is crucial for building genuine connections.

Drawing from my experience managing Microsoft’s event portfolio in Finland during the pandemic, I share how the forced shift to digital-only formats revealed both logistical challenges and unexpected benefits. While standard Teams meetings are straightforward, I highlight the complex planning required for larger-scale Teams Live Events, arguing that this transition has ultimately proven to be a positive development for community engagement.