Monika Nars – Optimism as a superpower

Impossible challenges make me excited.

I am not a morning person, but the thought of working on something completely new with a great team gets me out of bed. I love tackling challenges that others think are impossible. I’m very entrepreneurial at heart. Anything that involves building something from scratch excites me. I need that sense of adventure and the opportunity to push boundaries.

Great leadership isn’t about always being the top expert—it’s about inspiring others.

We see a shift from extreme self-optimization to something more meaningful. Going back to the roots and the core. Sometimes, real happiness comes from a simple conversation over coffee and pastries. That sense of belonging and shared purpose is what leadership should foster. People want to be part of a story, a movement, something bigger than themselves. That sense of community is essential for well-being—it’s not just about personal optimization and self-improvement.

Both business leadership and people leadership should be valued. I think that we often rely on the same person handling both, but that seldom turns out well. They should walk hand-in-hand, and when combined, that’s when interesting things happen. Great teams emerge when they are encouraged and supported. That’s how we push boundaries and create real change.

Companies that ignore sustainability today will be left behind.

Companies that overlook sustainability today risk falling behind. This is not a passing trend; it’s a fundamental shift in business practices, much like other major changes in the past. Those who failed to adapt to previous shifts have faced challenges in maintaining relevance. The same is applying to sustainability at large.

I think there’s a key distinction between “doing good” and “being good.” Many businesses treat sustainability as a marketing strategy rather than integrating it into their core operations. The true value of sustainability comes when it is embedded in the company’s culture, strategies, and long-term goals, impacting everything from supply chain decisions to product design and operations. And the true power comes when impacting people in their everyday lives. I believe that inspiration is contagious and can be a force pushing things forward. 

You don’t need to make drastic changes all at once—experiment with new approaches, track results, and build on them step by step. I think it is important to understand that delaying action can mean being left behind as the market moves forward. The key is to act now. 

Finland has all the ingredients for global success.

I have often reflected on the fact that, in Finland, our biggest challenge is our own humility. We consistently produce world-class innovations, yet when it comes to branding, we lack a massive global portfolio. We are simply too modest. Rather than proudly showcasing our expertise and new ideas, we often spend too much time perfecting products behind the scenes. 

There is untapped potential waiting to be realized, and to truly lead, I think we need to adopt a bolder mindset—one that embraces experimentation and is willing to test ideas in real-world markets. We should cultivate a culture of visionary thinking, where design, creativity, and innovation are seen as critical drivers of progress. By stepping out, believing in what we do, and showcasing our strengths to the world, we can push boundaries and unlock opportunities for growth and impact. 

We should stop hesitating due to lack of confidence. What we value most—our high standards, sustainability, and craftsmanship—are also values appreciated on the global stage. I would like to see us internationalize more while preserving the qualities that make us unique. It’s a delicate balance, but a key to success.

This era calls for innovation.

In challenging times, the solution isn’t to merely tighten the reins—it’s to cultivate our minds and apply common sense. By deepening our understanding of history and culture we can better grasp the shift we’re experiencing. Now is the moment to forge something new, rethink our approach, and build a future that’s not just resilient but sustainable. I firmly believe this is our opportunity to transform and create something groundbreaking—something that redefines what’s possible.

I’m optimistic by heart.

I have a deep belief that, at our core, people are good. I have trust in people and in our collective ability to make a difference. Life is unfolding in the present, and we have the power to build a life that reflects our values. Hopefully, that includes making thoughtful choices and creating something new. This belief is what drives me—it gives my journey purpose. After all, what’s the alternative? Succumbing to despair leads nowhere.