In early 2021, I got an offer I couldn’t refuse—to step in as the Finnish teacher at the local Scandinavian School after the instructor had to return home unexpectedly. It’s turned into the highlight of my week.
Most of my students have been with me for years now, and teaching continues to bring me endless joy. What I didn’t anticipate was how much I’d grow, and how many insights I’d gain into my work as a strategic communications consultant. Three particularly stand out.
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The true goal is building the confidence to act.
As a teacher, I need to know my subject inside out. As a non-native speaker, I spent years earning that fluency. But mastery of vocabulary and grammar is only part of it—the real work is empowering students to use what they know. My job is to create positive, successful learning experiences that embolden them to speak Finnish with others.
That’s a direct parallel to effective change communication. Clear, accurate information is vital, but it’s just the starting point. What matters most is creating environments where people feel ready to act, even when the situation is uncomfortable and the path forward is uncertain.
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Creativity and play fuel learning.
I quickly learned that puzzles and games are powerful teachers. When students solve riddles or describe words for others to guess, they’re using language at the highest level: spontaneously, strategically, and imaginatively.
The same principle applies in organizations. Whether we’re deepening employees’ knowledge of strategy or helping them navigate transformations, gamification and a sense of play can unlock creativity, connection, and genuine engagement.
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Pacing makes it all work.
My students are professionals with demanding jobs and full lives. After a long day, they’re choosing to spend an hour on a challenging intellectual activity. To make it worth their while, I plan carefully and keep the energy dynamic. We start with informal conversation, move through a light warm-up based on easier material, tackle a complex grammar topic, and finish with something collaborative and fun.
A strong communications campaign works the same way. It meets people where they are, builds bridges to new ideas, and ends with moments that unify and activate the group.
I started teaching to pass on a language I love. It’s taught me that whether the goal is fluency or change, real progress happens when people feel safe enough—and supported enough—to speak up.
