Episode 92

Fate Favours the Fast with Oki Tåg
26.09.2023

In this episode of Mastering Finland Podcast, Oki Tåg, a Finnish entrepreneur, shares insights on culture, enterprise, and succeeding in Finland. Hosted by Eva, this episode delves into Oki's extensive international experiences and how they apply to the unique Finnish job market.

Oki Tåg, a lifelong Finnish resident with a global perspective gained from visiting over 40 countries, discusses the distinctive nature of Finland. He emphasises that for international job seekers, networking is crucial due to the prevalence of the "hidden jobs market," where many positions are filled through existing connections rather than public advertisements.

Oki's diverse career, including entrepreneurship, underscores the importance of learning from challenges. He notes that entrepreneurs can discover:

  • Their personal motivations
  • Their professional purpose
  • Their ability to overcome obstacles

According to Oki, a successful entrepreneur is someone who learns quickly, and the key to mastering Finland as an international is doing it rapidly, overcoming obstacles like self-doubt, anxiety, and lack of confidence.

Oki has founded "TrainShare," a mentoring company for entrepreneurs, and is a co-founder of "RemodeMe," which provides cultural competence training to prepare companies for the Finnish market.

A foundational aspect of cultural competence in Finland is accepting the "weirdness" of Finns, such as their tendency to respond deeply to casual greetings like "How are you?" International newcomers who adapt quickly to this cultural aspect learn about Finnish customs faster.

Although Oki has never lived abroad, his deep knowledge of international cultures allows him to distinguish between German and Finnish office environments. Eva points out that she can easily identify Finns who have worked abroad.

Both Oki and Eva emphasise that international individuals in Finland must possess determination and perseverance to succeed, driven by a sisu-like energy. Adaptation to Finnish culture can be challenging due to its uniqueness, such as the Finnish custom of not engaging in unnecessary conversation to signify acceptance.

The episode concludes with Oki's travel tips for Finland, which include immersing oneself in nature by lying on the forest floor and savouring the sensory experience. He also mentions an underground bar in Helsinki near the Sokos shopping mall, currently undergoing renovations but worth a visit.

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