Lassi Katajarinne

“A stylish business person loudly passed gas in the lift of a five-star hotel—without the slightest change in her expression. Then I remembered that, in this culture, it was actually considered part of a healthy lifestyle.”

What may feel like rude behaviour in one culture can be regarded as good manners in another. In some cultures, trust is built quickly through work; in others, through personal interaction.

In a multicultural work environment, misunderstandings do not always stem from a bad attitude. They can arise from different ways of interpreting communication, collaboration, leadership roles, or even politeness. By gaining a better understanding of each other’s cultural backgrounds, we also influence the workplace atmosphere, motivation and results—different ways, but a shared goal.

This presentation takes the audience on a journey through stories and practical experiences from around the world—moments when misunderstandings have sometimes been laughed at, and at other times lessons have been learned the hard way. Through photographs, real-life examples and warm humour, the presentation offers insights into how diversity can be turned into a strength. At the same time, it helps us understand why cultural intelligence is no longer merely “nice to have,” but an essential workplace skill for all of us.

Languages: Finnish, English

“Why didn’t anyone tell me about these earlier?”
This is one of the most common comments after the lecture.

When we talk about wellness, attention usually focuses on exercise, nutrition, sleep and recovery. Yet one of the most significant factors affecting our wellness often goes almost completely unnoticed: how we stand, sit, walk and move throughout the day.

Habitual postures and automatic movement patterns shape our bodies thousands of times a day. They can increase strain, impair circulation and perpetuate pain—but they can also do the exact opposite. Often, it is not about major lifestyle overhauls, but small insights that can surprisingly transform the way the body functions.

In this lecture, we explore why chronic pain, fatigue and a vague sense of feeling unwell are not always caused by doing too little, but sometimes by doing the same things slightly the wrong way. When the body functions more purposefully, the result can be less pain, better recovery, increased energy and even sharper thinking.

The presentation offers practical, thought-provoking insights into how habitual postures and walking technique affect our entire wellbeing system—from the musculoskeletal system to alertness and functional capacity. Participants will gain concrete tools for reducing everyday strain and improving bodily function without complicated exercise programmes.

Sometimes, the most significant change in wellbeing does not begin at the gym or with a diet—but with the way you take your next step.

Note. The lecture can also be taken outdoors and include practical exercises.

Additional material
After the lecture, you may also receive a 15-minute walking-technique video (in Finnish with English Subtitles).

What unusual situations arose, and what was learned, when more than fifty groups were taken into challenging conditions on Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro? Through first-hand stories, we will reflect on how our own communication affected the actions of others—and even the performance of the entire group.

The work of guides and tour leaders in mountain conditions is demanding. How can people who do not know one another become a team in a short period of time, communicate in an unfamiliar environment and build trust? How did the groups maintain a positive attitude when their individual performance was pushed to the very limits of endurance?

We will see stunning images from Africa and hear stories about cultural differences, individual solutions, the impact of wellbeing on mood, building team spirit and maintaining a positive atmosphere.

When the air gets thin, the team makes the difference—welcome to Kilimanjaro!

Languages: English, Finnish