Allyship in action: Insights from a leadership panel

Insights|October 13, 2025

At a recent leadership panel hosted by Nokia as part of the OUTstanding Leaders program, leaders from across industries came together to discuss allyship, inclusion, and creating safe workplaces. The conversation offered both personal reflections and practical insights on how to lead with empathy and integrity.

The panel featured Christine Bejerasco from WithSecure, Esa Niinimäki from Nokia, Ilkka Hara from Kone, Päivyt Tallqvist from Finnair, and Johan Sidklev. Their discussion highlighted diverse leadership perspectives on what it means to be an ally in the workplace.

Walking the talk
Speakers emphasized that allyship is not a one-time gesture but a continuous journey of self-reflection, learning and courage. True leadership, they noted, goes beyond written policies and formal statements. It is about walking the halls, listening, and acting when it matters most. Creating a safe workplace means ensuring that everyone can show up as their authentic selves.

The strength of diversity
The discussion also highlighted how diversity and inclusion are not only ethical imperatives but also drivers of innovation and long-term success. Companies that embrace these values attract and retain talent, foster creativity, and perform better.

Shared responsibility
Panelists reflected on the importance of recognizing privilege and using it to create opportunities for others. Measuring progress through surveys, key indicators and open dialogue was seen as essential to building lasting change.

The OUTstanding Leaders program is designed to empower LGBTQ+ professionals and foster inclusive leadership across industries. Recognized by the World Economic Forum as an Inclusion Lighthouse highlight, the program brings together aspiring and current leaders from diverse backgrounds to build community, develop leadership skills, and drive change.

Roschier’s continued participation in the program reflects our belief that inclusion and allyship are key to meaningful leadership. Engaging in initiatives like this provides valuable opportunities to learn from others, exchange perspectives, and contribute to building workplaces where everyone can thrive and lead with empathy.