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As I reflect on the last day of 2025, one theme has clearly defined our work at Takko Advisory: leadership with purpose . Our work has been and continues to be grounded in care; putting people first to create a positive impact on individuals, organizations, and societies. It has been driven by a growth mindset, strengthened through active collaboration, and guided by a solution-focused mindset that turns problems into solutions and enables meaningful change. 2025 was a very s

In the final and special ‘People & Purpose’ episode of 2025, Tarja Takko sat down with Dr. Jenny Seder for a reflective conversation on leadership, humanity, and what truly matters when organisations are under pressure. As the year came to a close, the discussion offered space to pause, not to search for quick answers, but to reconnect with the fundamentals of leadership. Dr. Seder brings decades of experience from global strategic HR, organisational transformation, and human

In December’s episode of the ‘ People & Purpose ’ podcast, Tarja Takko sat down with David Rigby, intercultural leadership expert, mentor, coach, and founding director of Smart Coaching & Training, to explore why the ability to connect across cultures has become a strategic superpower for modern leaders. With experience working in 22 countries and building teams across four continents, David brings decades of insight into how leaders can navigate cultural complexity with empa

In November’s episode of the ‘People & Purpose’ podcast, Tarja Takko sat down with Annika Sten Pärson to explore the intersection of mental health, purposeful leadership, and the systemic shifts needed to build a hopeful and thriving society. Annika is a social entrepreneur, investor, board member, and mental health advocate with over 25 years of senior leadership experience across global industries. After a successful corporate career, she dedicated herself to addressing the

In October’s ‘People & Purpose’ podcast episode, Tarja Takko sat down with Michael Johansson, an optimistic futurist and transformation leader, in order to explore practical lessons on leadership, community, and fostering a positive outlook for the future. The ability to navigate uncertainty and lead with purpose has never been more critical. Michael Johansson, founder of Change Pilots, has spent over 25 years guiding organizations through future-oriented challenges. His appr

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at the Stockholm School of Economics, as part of the Private Capital CFO Forum organised in collaboration with Dr. Patricio Ohle , Founder and Managing Director of FBXperts, Bo Becker, Professor of Finance, SSE and Director of the Swedish house of Finance and Diogo Mendez, Assistant Professor of Finance, SSE. The event brought together a room full of CFOs, business leaders, and advisors to explore two defining forces reshaping the bu

The ability to lead with emotional intelligence is no longer optional, it’s essential. As organizations navigate complexity, hybrid work, and shifting employee expectations, emotionally intelligent leadership has become a defining factor in building trust, fostering resilience, and inspiring purpose. In September’s episode of ‘People & Purpose’, Tarja Takko sat down with keynote speaker and emotional intelligence expert Ricardo Cabete, whose journey from engineering and banki

For decades, success in business has been measured primarily by numbers such as profit margins, market share, and quarterly growth. The past years have been fundamentally shifting the focus of leadership. Across industries and continents, there is a growing recognition that companies are not just economic engines, they are also communities, cultures, and catalysts for societal change. In Madrid in May 2025, I was privileged to join as a keynote speaker at the panel discussion

Gender equality and youth empowerment are the pivotal themes for societal progress but also for fostering innovation and growth within organizations, according to Zeycan Yildirim. In June, Zeycan was the guest on the ‘ People & Purpose ’ podcast hosted by Tarja Takko, CEO of Takko Advisory. Zeycan Yildirim is a champion for youth development, gender equality and women’s rights both in Turkey and globally. Through her leadership roles, community partnerships and creative advoc

In our latest episode of ‘People & Purpose’, host Tarja Takko engaged in a profound and inspiring dialogue with Maria Ahlström-Bondestam, a distinguished philanthropist and dedicated advocate for children’s rights who works closely with UNICEF. Their conversation explores the vital role of courage, values, and strategic corporate social responsibility in shaping a sustainable and equitable future, not only for businesses but for society at large. The foundational role of cour

In our latest episode of ‘ People & Purpose ’, host Tarja Takko engaged in an inspiring conversation with Laura Vargas, a purpose-driven leader whose work connects profit, sustainability, and human-centered values. Drawing from her roots in Costa Rica -a country globally recognized for its environmental stewardship- Laura offered a compelling vision for how leaders and organizations can integrate purpose into every decision they make. The intersection of profit and purpose La

In today’s business environment, the spotlight often falls on what’s broken: mistakes to correct, targets missed, or crises to manage. While problem-solving is essential, it often leaves organisations feeling reactive, drained, and stuck in survival mode. What if the real secret to thriving lies not in obsessing over problems but in analyzing what actually works? Welcome to the world of solution-focused work, where the lens shifts from what’s wrong to what’s strong. This powe

Tough times have a way of testing and teaching us. As organisations face constant change and pressure, the need for leaders who can not only endure but uplift the people around them has never been more important. In a recent episode of the ‘People and Purpose’ podcast, streamed in February 2025, Chris Moon gave an interview to CEO of Takko Advisory Tarja Takko and shared powerful insights on resilience, mindset, and leadership. Chris is no ordinary speaker. He is an amputee u

Over the years, my vision and driver has always been to make a positive impact in everything I do. I have been committed to helping people thrive by leading change, building inclusive cultures, and fostering leadership that allows individuals to be their authentic selves. I care deeply about making a positive impact on the people I work with, and mentoring talented professionals is a role I hold close to my heart. The past six months of running my own company, Takko Advisory,

Leadership isn’t just about managing people or pushing business goals. It’s about connecting with individuals, understanding their values, and nurturing growth within a shared vision. In the ‘ People and Purpose ’ podcast featuring Hervé Colleaux, a purpose-led leader and Partner at Borderless Executive Search , Hervé shared his thoughts on the evolving role of leadership, the importance of sustainability, and the values that guide his approach to both work and life. Borderle

The debut episode of ‘ People and Purpose: Insights Beyond Borders ’ set the tone for the series to come: outspoken, cross-cultural, and committed to redefining what good leadership looks like today. During our premiere episode of ‘People and Purpose’ podcast, hosted by Tarja Takko and featuring guest Reianna Vercoe from Australia, the conversation unfolded what leadership looks like in a world shaped by complexity, multiculturalism, and a deeper awareness of wellbeing and eq

In the August episode of ‘People & Purpose’, host Tarja Takko was joined by Stella Rapti as they explored the complex, often unspoken realities of modern leadership: burnout, the pursuit of balance, and the courage it takes to lead authentically. The conversation moved beyond frameworks and strategies, delving into the deeply human experiences that shape how leaders show up for themselves and their teams. Recognizing burnout Stella opened up about her own journey, recalling t