Becoming Visionary: Hanken EMBA Alumni Summit 2026

What does it take to become a visionary leader?

That question brought together Hanken Executive MBA alumni, current participants and friends of the community at Tavastia-klubi in Helsinki for the Hanken EMBA Alumni Summit 2026. Under this year's theme, Becoming Visionary, the evening explored how leaders navigate uncertainty, inspire others and turn ambitious ideas into reality.

Vision is built, not born

In her opening remarks, Christina Dahlblom, Associate Dean of Executive Education and Corporate Relations at Hanken School of Economics, challenged the idea that visionaries are simply born with exceptional foresight.

Vision, she reminded the audience, is something we do, not something we are. The best visionaries do not simply dream up something new. They build on existing strengths and remain committed to a long-term direction, even when uncertainty makes the road ahead difficult to see.

The evening's theme was rooted in a similar idea. According to one of the organising students, Maria Ruuska, the theme of the night was chosen because the team wanted to explore how leaders become visionary from different angles and through different experiences. For her, leadership is ultimately about three things: having a vision, creating an inspiring path forward and bringing people along on the journey.

Leading through uncertainty

While the evening's keynote speakers represented different industries and backgrounds, their perspectives converged around a common message: visionary leadership is not about predicting the future with certainty.

Ville Voipio, Chair of the Board of Directors at Vaisala and Technology Industries of Finland, highlighted the importance of grounding vision in facts while recognising that both facts and circumstances evolve over time. Visionary leaders, he argued, must remain willing to adapt as the world changes.

Jonathan Aalto, Portfolio Manager at Seligson, captured this idea through a memorable metaphor: in uncertain times, leaders should not look for crystal balls. Instead, they need a compass that helps guide decisions even when the destination is not fully visible.

The importance of curiosity emerged throughout the evening. Hanna Kivelä, Managing Director and Vice President at Fujitsu, spoke about creating cultures where people are encouraged to experiment, learn and try new approaches. Without experimentation, organisations struggle to understand or respond to change.

Professor Mari Walls, Director of Research Organization Collaboration and Academic Partnerships CSC, brought another essential ingredient into the conversation: trust. Reflecting on lessons learned through collaboration, curiosity, resilience and learning by doing, she highlighted that trust is built over time and remains fundamental for successful leadership.

Together, the speakers painted a picture of visionary leadership that is both ambitious and practical. It requires curiosity, courage, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning, even when the future is uncertain. As Henrich Nyman, Growth Area Director at Hanken & SSE Executive Education, reflected after the event, a common thread throughout the keynotes seemed to be the importance of staying curious and having the courage to act.

Inspiration, connection and conversation

The Summit was also an opportunity to reconnect with the Hanken EMBA community. The evening brought together alumni, current participants and speakers from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. For Louise Fromond, Baden Poulden and Catharina Candolin of the EMBA25 cohort, the event offered a chance to see fellow students as well as get inspired.

Across the evening's discussions, a common message emerged: visionary leadership is not about having all the answers or predicting the future with certainty. It is about staying curious, learning continuously and having the courage to move forward despite uncertainty.

Find your place in a community that keeps learning, questioning and looking ahead – explore the Hanken Executive MBA.

Photography by Niklas Gerkman.