Author

AUTHOR

Annu Nieminen-Pietinalho

I am a 29-year-old engineer, ex-management consultant,
writer, entrepreneur and poet dedicating the next
chapter of my life to this project.

My long-term mission is to re-institutionalize leadership to
better serve its primary purpose: To use the human potential (intellectual, emotional and social) given to us to direct effort and resources wisely in pursue of authentic wellbeing and growth.

For more information, visit my personal website at
www.annunieminen.com

SENIOR ADVISORS

I am privileged to have a group of truly exceptional people supporting my efforts to save the world. The Senior Advisors give their feedback and ideas to the project on a regular basis via one-on-one discussions.

Esa Saarinen (Philosopher, Professor at Aalto University)

My mentor, inspiration and invaluable sponsor, this visionary man is not only a world-renowned philosopher, beloved professor at Aalto University and a phenomenal speaker, but acknowledged as the magician blowing wisdom into the Finnish industry life. Dr. Saarinen's ability to grasp things in an instant and support even the most daring projects with his calm wisdom blows me away. I am truly blessed to have him support me on this venture.

Ireena Vittal (Independent business advisor)

If you're lucky, every now and then you get to meet a person who leaves a lasting inspiration in you even in a short period of time. Spring 2012 in Princeton, I met Ireena Vittal, then an India-based partner at McKinsey. This astounding woman, India's gift to real problem-solving and witty plain-spoken communication, amazed me (and many others!) with her unique combination of sharp intellect, relentless thinking, social intelligence and admirable benevolence. Mrs. Vittal's skill of seeing to the core of people and giving coaching based on that is beyond compare.

Saku Tuominen (Co-Founder of Idealist Group)

Creative director, dreamer and doer Saku Tuominen shares much of my passion towards creating a (work) life that makes more sense. Mr. Tuominen is known for his fearless attitude in making projects with monumental goals happen - in short, a perfect match for the project. In addition to giving me mentoring along the marathon of shrinking the real leadership gap, Mr. Tuominen is leading the collaboration between one his companies, 925 Design and the Real Leadership Gap. 925 Design is on an impressive path to redesigning the work week to better fit human beings - not vice versa.

Anna Granskog (Managing partner of McKinsey Helsinki)

My most significant mentor from my years at McKinsey, Anna Granskog, is leading the McKinsey office in Helsinki with her motherly, caring hand. I admire her use of sharp problem-solving skills and practical judgment, while remaining her cool-as-a-cucumber, always professional style in even the toughest situations. Mrs. Granskog is a great example of a leader operating in an environment highly demanding on the Y-axis, while always also having the will and skill (and courage!) to ask herself what is truly the right thing to do.

(Remaining Senior Advisors to be announced later.)

In addition to this group of extraordinary people, I am grateful for all the support and love from the wide range of other invaluable individuals.

IDEA(LIST) REFINERY

In addition to the Advisory group, we have a team of truly distinctive thinkers forming an Idea(list) Refinery, with brainpower, ideas, questioning and devil's advocate skills that are invaluable to the project. The team gathers for an Idea Refinement Brunch to add their contribution, feedback and ideas to The Real Leadership Gap project.

Alper Celen

Dubai-based managing partner at COMMIT Network, founder of Fursaty.com
The person who gave me one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received (to take my offer at McKinsey)