A warm welcome in -29c

Well, a new adventure has begun with a new year. While the weather is something you see north of the wall in a particular HBO series, the people have been the total opposite: warm, welcoming and accommodating even with my lack of Finnish language.

Learning about a new country with its processes and procedures is eye-opening, it can become painful when you have to learn the way of integration through osmosis. Finland has nailed how to introduce new people into its society. The majority of governmental functions are available in English. The economy is genuinely digital regarding identity, government services, banking, and health care. All through your mobile device and straightforward once you have registered in the country. The environment is engineered to guide you through being integrated into Finnish culture.

Once beyond the initial administrative setup of being in a new country, the next big hurdle is learning the cultural differences. In my journey in North America, I learned the US and Canadian cultures vary widely. I had to adapt my style to deal with the cultural differences necessary to have an impact and make progress.

Now, we pivot into my new adventure. The first step was learning that the Nordics ???????????????????? are a collection of countries that share a common love for the outdoors, diversity and flat hierarchies yet still maintain their own unique cultures. Learning and adapting my style to embrace cultural differences will be fun, and I'm sure I will make mistakes. I will keep smiling through my mistakes and learning those key Nordic terms to gain feedback and help. My positive learnings are that a direct style is appreciated and respecting people's time is essential. If you have finished your interaction, there is no social pressure to maintain small talk and move on with your day.

Aside from the cultural nuances on a technical basis, I now understand how Finland has created some of the best rally drivers in the world. The roads are untreated, and the snow is left on the pavement and roads. Daily life continues, and the people deal with it. A funny quote from one person I met was that driving in the winter was like steering a boat as they glided around a corner with me in the passenger seat, especially as the snow on the ground would have had most people in the UK staying secure in their homes.

Thank you to all who have welcomed me into the Nordics, and I endeavour to learn and embrace the Nordic spirit of innovation and inclusivity! ???

#NordicCulture #GlobalCollaboration #CulturalAwareness #BusinessDiversity