Forward Finland Forward: Exploring founders’ mindset for the future of Finnish leadership

Insights|February 26, 2026

Entrepreneurs have always shaped what comes next, driven by curiosity, courage, and a strong can-do attitude. 

At a time when renewed confidence and long-term ambition are needed in Finland, Forward Finland Forward opens a platform for discussion on entrepreneurship as a mindset and the leadership required to build, scale, and renew organizations.

Organized together with the University of Helsinki and Miltton, the series examines how organizations can sustain renewal as they grow and face increasing complexity.

The opening session centers on founders’ mentality. Peter Vesterbacka, founder of FinEst Bay Area, and Risto Siilasmaa, entrepreneur and founder of F-Secure, share perspectives drawn from building and renewing organizations at scale. The discussion is moderated by Johanna Vesikallio, CEO of Nuorten yrittäjyys ja talous NYT.

The second talk, Creative Destruction, focuses on innovation ecosystems and collaboration between established and emerging players. How do we create the best possible environment for new companies to flourish and innovate? What role do large organizations play in enabling growth, and how can we build ecosystems that support collaboration and shared progress?

The third and final conversation, Courage, grit, money & timing, examines what it takes for a company to move from idea to reality and from local to global. Is success driven only by courage, grit, capital, and timing, or does it also depend on a broader societal mindset? 

The discussion brings together insights from founders as well as perspectives from politics, media, and academia.

Follow our website and social media for updates and further information. If you would like to join the talks, please email events@roschier.com.