We are thrilled to share with you excellent new endorsements and praises for LEADERSHIP AS MASTERY: The Finnish Way (orig. Johtajasta mestariksi) by Asko Känsälä! We have a full English manuscript for you!

This unique book on Finnish perspective of leadership combining art and craftsmanship, like the great Finnish master architect Alvar Aalto, has resonated with many entrepreneurs, researchers and business authors:

“’LEADERSHIP AS MASTERY: The Finnish Way’ by Asko Känsälä is a refreshing take on corporate culture and strategy. The text contains lessons from a lifelong pursuit of excellence in leadership. It sheds light on many dysfunctions that have been normalized in corporate life. The idea that companies undertaking major change efforts is in fact a sign of prior failure to adapt and learn in real time. The insight that busyness is a signal that one has failed to find their focus and prioritize what is important. The connection between art, beauty, and leadership and pursuit of a beautiful company. This book will make you pause and rethink everything you’re doing.“
– Giorgio Paizanis, Partner, BCG X, The tech build and design unit of Boston Consulting Group, Redondo Beach, CA, USA

“LEADERSHIP AS MASTERY by Asko Känsälä brings to life the pivotal role of leadership in motivating individuals to perform their best. Känsälä successfully draws an analogy between a leader and a carpenter, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship, precision, and vision in leadership roles. Like a carpenter who meticulously shapes wood into valuable creations, Känsälä argues that a leader must similarly shape their teams, inspiring every member to unlock their fullest potential. LEADERSHIP AS MASTERY convincingly demonstrates that effective leadership isn’t about giving orders but rather nurturing, mentoring, and enabling the individuals within the team to unleash their full potential. A must-read for anyone seeking to refine their leadership skills and inspire their teams to exceptional heights. And an important contribution to leadership in a time where responsible leadership is needed more than ever.“
– Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman, Siemens AG and Northvolt AB, Germany

“There is much to learn from the Finns (can you say “sisu”?), but this is the first book I’ve seen that nails the Finnish way of leadership. Through his vivid stories, personal reflections, and compelling thinking, let Asko Känsälä be your guide in understanding how to lead in today’s world. Apply the concepts in LEADERSHIP AS MASTERY and you will have the mark of a master.”
– B. Joseph Pine II, co-author of The Experience Economy: Competing for Customer Time, Attention, and Money

“Leadership is often thought of as a quality of the individual, but in this LEADERSHIP AS MASTERY we learn it is more of an art form to be mastered.  We develop to be an exceptional leader through cycles of practice and reflection, just like the mastery of any other complex skill.”
– Jeffrey K. Liker, PhD, author of international bestseller The Toyota Way

“This is an insightful and important book for leaders at all levels. The central theme is that leadership mastery is an intentional lifelong learning process that starts with leadership of self and then advances step-wise to the ultimate goal – helping others become their best selves. Asko uses the concept of “mental models” to describe this journey and offers compelling examples of how craftsmen in any field achieve mastery in the same way. The book is not only deeply thoughtful; it also offers a practical guide to translate these ideas into action.”
– William G. Pietersen, Professor, The Practice of Management, Columbia Business School, New York

Full English translation is available – join the success of the Finnish Way of Leadership!

Download the full English manuscript for LEADERSHIP AS MASTERY here!

Leadership as Mastery: The Finnish Way

Asko Känsälä

Lead like a Finn! The Finnish way of leadership combines art and craftsmanship, like the great Finnish master architect Alvar Aalto.

What does craftsmanship have to do with leadership? What makes a company beautiful? And what can the Japanese culture contribute to a good working life and good leadership?

Asko Känsälä spent his career building successful businesses and coaching new leaders. He has refined his leadership experience of more than 20 years into a vision of leadership as a craft. Growing up as a leader is like a craftsman’s lifelong path from apprentice to professional. Leadership is a way of thinking, and good leadership is good thinking. LEADERSHIP AS MASTERY: The Finnish Way presents the thinking patterns, tools of the leader-craftsman that good leadership requires.

Inspiring and humane, this book offers a new perspective on leadership, success in the business world, and a better working life.

“ [—] Six words about the book – “Beautiful is something that ages beautifully” (Alvar Aalto).” – Mikko Mattinen, Director of the Finnish Digital Agency