Nordic Business Forum exploring ‘The human edge’

Insights|September 15, 2026

Nordic Business Forum returns to Helsinki on September 16, this year focusing on the theme “The Human Edge.” The theme closely aligns with the ideas we aim to place at the heart of our own events: the value of human connection, diverse perspectives, and meaningful dialogue.

As we look forward to our ninth year as an NBF partner, here are some of the things we are most excited about:

Oprah Winfrey on the heart of connection

One of the program’s most anticipated moments will be Oprah’s closing session on authenticity, intuition, and genuine human connection. Her perspective brings the theme “The Human Edge” back to something deeply personal: how understanding ourselves can help us connect with others.

Kjell A. Nordström on “wild knowledge”

As AI becomes available to everyone, Kjell argues that it will no longer offer a lasting competitive advantage on its own. His focus on the unconventional insights that algorithms may overlook offers a fresh perspective on where human value will lie.

Alison Wood Brooks on conversations under pressure

Some of the most consequential leadership moments happen in difficult conversations. Alison will offer practical ideas for remaining calm, choosing words carefully, and moving from trying to win an argument toward genuinely understanding the other person.

Angela Duckworth on the environments that shape performance

Rather than focusing solely on grit or willpower, Angela will consider how our surroundings influence behavior. Her session offers a useful challenge to the idea that individual motivation alone determines performance.

Patty McCord on why a workplace is a team, not a family

Patty questions one of the most familiar metaphors in workplace culture. Her session will look at what honesty, responsibility, and trust require when organizations treat people as members of a high-performing team rather than a family.

Read more: 
NBF 2026

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