Universitas 21 launches new podcast series celebrating global leadership diversity

As a global network of research-intensive universities, Universitas 21 brings together diverse cultures, values and leadership traditions. This diversity is at the heart of our new series, The Leadership Atlas, a global journey into the philosophies that shape how university leaders navigate complexity, inspire their communities and imagine the future.

Episode 1 – Sisu: leading and learning through uncertainty

In our first episode, we travel to Finland, a country renowned for its world-class education system and often recognised as the happiest nation in the world. Beneath that reputation lies sisu, a uniquely Finnish philosophy that blends perseverance, integrity and quiet strength in the face of adversity. 

We are joined by Professor Sari Lindblom, Rector of the University of Helsinki and a psychologist whose research explores student learning, motivation, procrastination and well-being. Drawing on both her academic background and leadership experience, Sari offers a compelling perspective on how sisu shapes decision-making across Finnish society, from supporting students under academic pressure, providing balance between ambition and well-being, to guiding institutional leadership when faced with global uncertainty.