Finland: Through the looking glass

Instead of going from one short-term role to another, Chinese-born researcher-turned-coder and financial specialist Irving Wang took time out to focus on a meaningful startup opportunity that would cement his legacy in Finland. Now he’s going all in on research commercialisation, and looking to match viable world-changing research with the deep pockets of the crypto world. Follow the discussion on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Caribbean-background Chicago native Junae Benne returns to her hometown with frustrated dreams of building a business in Finland. Listen to this bonus episode as Junae reflects on her time in Finland, draws on the lessons she has learned and how the experience has moulded her, and squares her shoulders to tackle life in the US under a second Trump administration. Follow the discussion on Instagram and Facebook.

With entrepreneurship in her DNA, Indian-born Ruchi Sahita has been playing the long game when it comes to building a digital platform for connecting Finnish employers with jobseekers living with disabilities. Listen as Ruchi describes doggedly nurturing the business while working a day job and raising a family, even as she celebrates onboarding tens of thousands of potential employees into the service.

Journalist-turned-coder Yun Ji came to Finland from China via Spain. In this episode of FTTLG, she shares how her feeling of being ignored by municipal employment services has prompted her to consider entrepreneurship, but with a twist: using her skills as a software engineer to help build communities and connect people. Listen to Yun Ji's journey toward a potential new career -- and a sense of purpose.

Tech/gaming journalist and entrepreneur Junae Benne fell in love with Finland’s calm and serenity. But without basic services such as a bank account and lacking clear answers from immigration authorities, Junae faces an uphill battle to build a business in the country. Listen as Junae vows to overcome these obstacles with a generous dose of optimism and good humour.

Do you believe your success comes from hard work or luck? How can decision making in Finland be more inclusive without using Finnish? In this special bonus episode, Denise Wall and Travis Glossop grapple with the relay questions guests asked of one another during Season 1. Listen in and share your thoughts in a review or on our socials. And remember to tell a friend (or more) about FTTLG.

Marketer Rabia Khan left a thriving career in Karachi and Dubai to build a new life in Finland, where she hoped to offer her children independence, safety and serenity. But after initially scooping up a job in just one month, she’s now confronting the harsh realities of Finland’s tough labour market. Join us as Rabia discusses her hopes and challenges, and explains how her toddler has helped her build relationships in a new environment.

What does the theatre world in Finland look like in the eyes of an Englishman who has devoted his career to acting, directing and teaching performance arts? How does theatre in Finland compare to the UK? And more importantly, is there a place for someone like Ally Manson in Finnish theatre? Listen as Manson shares his pursuit of a stage career in Finland and his observations about the local theatre scene.

As far as entrepreneurship goes, the food business isn’t the easiest place to start. But stiff competition and a weak economic climate haven’t fazed Cameroon-born café owner Mikael Malin. Listen as Malin talks about his stumbles, learning moments, and motivation and how he stays positive in a challenging and competitive arena. Subscribe, rate, like and share the podcast and follow FTTLG on Instagram and Facebook.

Confused about how to break into seemingly impenetrable Finnish professional networks? Looking for answers on how to land your dream job and break through the birch ceiling? If you feel you're losing the battle to understand Finnish recruitment and employment practices, don't despair. Listen as People and L&D expert Mark Hayton joins FTTLG to share his understanding of what makes Finns tick both inside and outside the workplace. Subscribe, like, rate and share the podcast and follow FTTLG on Facebook and Instagram.