The Most Important Insight for Leaders in Early 2025 – Plus Some Reflections for the Summer

I wanted to experiment a little: what would artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) identify as most essential for Finnish leaders based on what we’ve seen in early 2025?

As background, I gave it a presentation we use to introduce our Executive MBA participants. Then I asked: if AI looks at the year 2025 so far and knows we’re writing for EMBA students, alumni, and Finnish executives - what should we highlight?

I asked it to reflect on the world through the lenses of strategy, leadership, and change management. Here's what it replied alongside my own thoughts.

1. Strategy: It’s not about direction - it’s about rhythm

More and more organizations are realizing that traditional strategic planning cycles (once every
1-3 years) no longer work. This year, several successful companies have adopted continuous strategy processes, revisiting their direction regularly - not because everything is changing, but to stay alert.

The key question is no longer: “What is our strategy?” but rather:“When did we last pause to reflect on it?”

💡Ari’s comment: Inspired by AI’s response, I warmly suggest taking a moment at the end of your summer cottage pier to reflect on this strategy question: What does strategic alertness really look like and mean in your organization?

2. Leadership: Emotional climate is a productivity factor

In the first half of 2025, one theme has stood out: emotional leadership matters. AI, remote work, and global uncertainty all create pressure and it shows in employee engagement.

Leaders who foster psychological safety and manage emotional dynamics not only keep their teams intact, they also improve business outcomes.

💡Ari’s comment: Building on the AI’s insight, I invite you to reflect during a quiet walk to the beach: How do we lead in a way that strengthens both trust and enthusiasm in our organization’s emotional climate?

3. Change: Small moves, big results

In 2025, we’ve seen in Finland and around the world, that change is most successful when approached modularly: in small steps, staged over time, with learning built in. This doesn’t mean the vision is small. It means the execution is smart and well-paced.

One team at a time. One process at a time. Learning as we go.

This mindset fits our JYU Executive MBA program perfectly: when you learn something new, don’t wait for a large transformation, test a small step right away.

💡Ari’s comment: AI’s thought here resonates strongly with our EMBA philosophy that new ideas should be tested right away in your own organization.
So while picking blueberries this summer, I encourage you to consider: What three small changes could bring the biggest positive impact in your organization by the end of 2025?

Maybe those are just the right places to begin after the holidays.

With these thoughts, Ari + ChatGPT wish you a thoughtful, curious and refreshing summer.
As a leader, you're always in the middle of change - here's to your continued success, abundant blueberries and sunny days!

Ari Manninen, Director
University of Jyväskylä, Executive Education
ari.manninen(at)jyu.fi

linkedin.com/in/arimanninen
emba.jyu.fi/en

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