SallaEckhardt
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and ensuring that impact lasts in your absence.”
SallaEckhardt
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and ensuring that impact lasts in your absence.”
Intoday'sbusinessworld,innovationandadaptabilityareparamount.Withemergingchallenges,
leadersareconstantlyevolvingtocreatemeaningfulchangesthatredefinethewayindustries operate.Theseindividualsarenotjustparticipantsinthebusinesssector;theyareshapingitsfuture, makingcriticaldecisionsthatimpactnotonlythegrowthoftheirorganizationsbutalsothesectorsthey influence.
Atthecoreofthisshiftistheabilitytothinkahead,anticipatingneedsbeforetheyariseandpositioning businessestomeetthemeffectively.Theseleadersprioritizeaforward-thinkingapproach,ensuringthat strategiesarewellthoughtoutandexecutedinwaysthatconsistentlypushboundaries.Theyunderstand thatsuccessliesnotinmaintainingthestatusquo,butinpushingforcontinuousimprovementand excellence.
Eachoneoftheseleadersshowcasesresilienceinthefaceofchallenges,withakeenfocusoninnovation asthedrivingforceforgrowth.Theiruniquestrategiesserveasaninspirationtothoseintheirrespective fields,showinghowbolddecisionscanleadtolong-lasting,positiveoutcomes.Whatsetsthemapartis theirabilitytoremainsteadfastintheirvisionwhilebeingagileenoughtorespondtoshiftingtrendsand demands.
Thisedition,The10MostInfluentialBusinessLeadersRevampingtheFuture,highlightsthe remarkableachievementsofthosewhoareshapingthecourseofbusiness.Theircontributionsextend beyondtheconventional,offeringnewinsightsintowhatitmeanstoleadwithpurposeandforesightin anincreasinglyinterconnectedworld.
Haveagreatreadahead!
BlakeKramer CEO
FranklinMedicalCenter fmc-cares.com
BruceMagown CEO
Interweave interweave.biz
ChrisCarter CEO
Approyo approyo.com
DanielKiss CEO
ProtectOneLtd protectone.com
DavidCummings Founder
CoolLifeCRM coollifecrm.com
HalWalsh CEO
JohnKoudounis CEO
LisaMaher RecruitmentConsultant
SymmetryRX symmetryrx.com
CalamosInvestments calamos.com
FoodPeople foodpeople.ae
BlakeKramerbringsadynamicapproachtoleadership, focusingonoperationalefficiency,patient-centeredcare,and theintegrationofinnovativehealthcaresolutions.
BruceMagown’svisionaryapproachandcommitmentto excellencehavepositionedInterweaveattheforefrontof industryadvancements,makinghimarecognizedleaderinthe techspace.
ChrisleadsApproyoindeliveringcutting-edgesolutionsthat enhanceoperationalefficiencyandstreamlinebusiness processes.
Daniel’sstrategicmindset,coupledwithhisabilitytoinspire teams,hasdrivenProtectOne'smissionofcreatingasaferand healthierenvironmentforcommunitiesworldwide.
DavidCummingsleverageshisextensiveexperiencein technologyandbusinessstrategytoaddresstheevolvingneeds oforganizationsacrossdiverseindustries.
HalWalshisleadingthecreationofmarketchanging businessesinthepharmaceutical,genomic,in-vitrodiagnostic andmedicaldistributionservicesspace.
JohnKoudounishasspearheadedstrategicinitiativesthathave expandedthefirm'sproductofferings,enhancedoperational efficiency,andstrengtheneditsglobalpresence.
LisaMaherisadedicatedRecruitmentConsultantatFood People,specializinginconnectingexceptionaltalentwith leadingopportunitiesinthefoodandbeverageindustry.
MollieMitchell PresidentandFounder
TheK12SearchGroup k12searchgroup.com
MollieMitchellispassionateaboutequityinpubliceducation andhasbeenrecruitingintheK-12sectorsince2001,longer thananyofherdirectcompetitors.
SallaEckhardt CEO
SARAOy sara.fi
SallaEckhardtisatransformationalleaderwithaproventrack recordofdrivinginnovationinthebuiltenvironmentindustry.
SallaEckhardt CEO SARAOy
Theconstructionindustryisgrowingwithanew
focusonintegratingtechnologyanddata-driven processestocreatemoreefficientandsustainable structures.Byembracingadvanceddigitalsolutions,the industryisshiftingfromtraditionalapproachesto innovativeframeworksthatallowforimprovedproject managementandlifecyclemaintenance.This transformationenhancescollaborationacrossvarious disciplineswithintheindustry,offeringafreshperspective onresourceoptimization,resilience,andadaptabilityinthe faceofenvironmentalchallenges.Asthedemandsonurban infrastructuregrow,digitalizationinconstructionissetting aprecedentforcreatingmoreinnovative,moreconnected cities.
SallaEckhardt,theCEOofSARAOy,hasbeenleading thisdigitaltransformationwithintheindustry.Herapproach toleadershipblendsavisionarymindsetwithafocuson actionableresults,inspiringherteamandstakeholdersto adoptamoreorganizedandforward-thinkingmodel. Knownforherstrategicinsightandhuman-centric leadershipstyle,sheisreshapinghowconstructionaligns withdigitalizationbyprioritizingtechnicalinnovationanda cohesive,collaborativeculture.Herfocusonprocessreengineeringandhercommitmenttobridging communicationgapsamongprojectteamshighlightsher dedicationtostreamliningoperationsandestablishinga foundationforthe“digitalbuildinglifecycle.”
AtSARAOy,Salla’sleadershipisintegraltothecompany’s ambitiousgoalofinnovativedigitalconstructionsolutions. Knownforitsinvestmentinresearchanddevelopment, SARAOyissettingahighstandardintheindustryby implementingcomprehensivedigitalstrategiesand cultivatingacultureofinnovation.Thecompany’s initiatives,whichincludeadvancedtoolslikedigitaltwins andimmersiveplanningtechnologies,aretransforming stakeholderengagementandadvancingthecompany’s missiontoelevateindustrystandards.AsSARAOy continuestoexplorenewavenuesindataintegrationand lifecyclemanagement,itiswell-positionedtoplayakey roleinshapingthefutureofsustainableurbandevelopment.
Let's delve into Salla's innovative leadership approach within the construction industry:
AddressingIndustryInefficiencies
Reflectingonherjourney,Sallacanidentifyseveral experiencesthathaveshapedherpathtobecomingtheCEO ofSARAOy.Earlyinhercareer,shedevelopedastrong
interestinhowthebuiltenvironmentcanpositivelyimpact society.
Thiscuriosityledhertopursueamaster’sdegreein architecturewithadualmajorinstructuralengineeringand constructionmanagement.Workingintheseareasopened hereyestothepotentialofdata-drivendecision-making, fuelingherinterestinexploringdigitaltransformation further.
Aturningpointforherwasrecognizingtheinefficiencies andcommunicationgapswithintheindustry Although projectteamsworktowardthesamegoals,their perspectivesoftendifferbasedontheirrolesand educationalbackgrounds.
Realizingtheneedforcohesivedigitalintegration,she focusedonprocessre-engineering,digitalproject management,andhuman-centricleadership.Theseefforts formedthefoundationofthe "digital building lifecycle" concept—aframeworkthatcontinuestogrowwithintheir organization.
Additionally,herrolesinprojectandbusinessmanagement helpedhercombinetechnicalexpertisewithstrategic insight,givingheraholisticviewoftheindustry.This experiencesolidifiedhervisionofbecominga transformationalleaderinthebuiltenvironmentindustry throughdigitalization.
Sallasays, "Digital transformation holds immense potential to reshape the built environment, especially as we confront global challenges like climate change and the urbanization of vulnerable regions. It enables us to integrate data to make lifecycle management more transparent, efficient, and responsive." Sheisexcitedtoleadthischangebecauseit offersauniqueopportunitytoelevateindustrystandards
Sallabelieves, “By harnessing AI, IoT, and advanced data science, we can optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and develop more adaptable and resilient infrastructure.”
Additionally, "Digital transformation can redefine stakeholder engagement. With digital twins and immersive planning tools like Cityverse, we can actively involve communities, making urban planning more inclusive and attuned to citizens' needs."
LeadingthischangeatSARAOymeansdrivinga comprehensivedigitalstrategythatvaluesbothtechnical innovationandtheculturalshiftsrequiredtoembracea moreinterconnectedfuture.
Thedigitalbuildinglifecycleisaprogressiveconcept,and sheanticipatesitsadoptionwillaccelerateinthecoming yearsduetoincreasingrenovationdebtanddemandfor newconstruction.
Theneedforcomprehensive,end-to-enddigitalsolutions willonlygrowasurbanenvironmentsbecomemore challenging.Sallaisfocusedondevelopingstronger integrationsbetweenexistingdigitalplatformsand emergingtechnologiestocreateaseamlessdigital continuum—fromprojectinceptionthroughmaintenanceto eventualdecommissioning.
Challengesareinevitable,particularlyinchange management,dataquality,andsysteminteroperability Ensuringreliabledataflowbetweenplatformsremainsa
hurdle,alongsidetheculturalshiftrequiredintheindustry Additionally,managingdataprivacyandcybersecurityin increasinglyinterconnectedenvironmentsiscrucial.
However,thesechallengesalsopresentopportunities;by addressingthem,thebuiltenvironmentindustrycanbe positionedasanemergingleaderindigitalresilienceand datagovernance.Sallaiscommittedtoadvancingthe digitalbuildinglifecycle,confidentitwillbeacornerstone offutureconstructionandsmartcityplanning.
Sallabelievesthatdrivinginnovationrequiresabalanceof visionarythinking,adaptability,anddecisiveness.She prioritizescuriosityandopennesstonewapproacheswithin theteam;inatechnology-drivenindustrywherechangeis constant,agilityandawillingnesstodevelopareessential.
Empathyisalsocrucial,especiallywhenaligningtheneeds ofdifferentindividualsandmanagingdiverseteams. Innovationofteninvolvestakingeducatedrisks,socreating asupportiveenvironmentiskeytoencouraging experimentation.
Shebelievesinleadingbyexample;bystayingengaged withnewtechnologiesandindustrytrends,sheinspires otherstoremainforward-thinkingandproactive.Shetakes ownershipofissuesratherthanexpectingotherstosolve themforher.
CreatingacultureofinnovationatSARAOyinvolves settingcleargoals,providingresources,andcelebrating achievementsalongtheway.Sallaencouragesopen communicationwhereeveryone,regardlessofrole,feels comfortablesharingtheirideasandperspectives.SARAOy investsininnovationandparticipatesinvariousR&D programs,allowingpeoplethefreedomtoexplorecreative solutionswithoutthefearoffailure.
Shealsofocusesonlearninganddevelopment.SARAOy investsinitspeople,supportingcontinuededucationand participationineventsthatkeeptheteamattheforefrontof industryadvancements.
Byaligningeveryonewithforward-thinkinggoalsand providingthenecessarytools,theycultivateanenvironment whereinnovationisacorepractice.Thiscultureis reinforcedthroughinternalrecognition,celebratingboth individualandteamcontributionstotheirdigital transformationjourney
BalancingherresponsibilitiesasCEOwithherpassionfor contributingtotheindustryisessentialforSalla.Actively engagingwithindustrystakeholdersprovidesfresh perspectivesandhelpsherstayconnectedtoemerging trends.Sherigorouslyprioritizeshertimetomanagethis balance,oftendedicatingspecificblockstoexternal activities,suchasindustryworkinggroupsorbrainstorming workshops.
HerexternalengagementsalsoenrichherworkatSARA Oy,allowinghertobringbackvaluableinsightsand approachesthatbenefittheirclients.Thisdualroleis mutuallyreinforcing,enablinghertosharetheir experiencesandlearnfromothersinthefield,continually enhancinghergrowthasaleaderandstrategist.
SallaprioritizesR&Dbyconsistentlyinvestingindeeptech andcollaboratingwithtriple-helixstakeholders. Maintainingagrowthmindsetofcontinuouslearningand
experimentationisessentialtostayingaheadinafastgrowingsector.Additionally,atSARAOy,thereisan innovationcommitteededicatedtoexploringandassessing emergingtechnologiesforpotentialintegrationintotheir processes.
Keepingaclosewatchonmarkettrends,particularly regardingsustainabilityandESGregulations,enablesthem toanticipatechangesandadjustproactively Their partnershipswitheducationalinstitutionsandinvolvement inindustrybodiesalsoprovideaforward-looking perspective.Thisproactiveapproachallowsthemnotonly tokeeppacebuttosetnewbenchmarksinthedigitalization ofthebuiltenvironment.
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Toaspiringleaders,shehighlightstheimportanceof understandingbothtechnologyandpeople.Successindata governanceanddigitalizationrequiresnotonlydeep technicalknowledgebutalsotheabilitytomanagechange andaligndiversestakeholders.Buildingexpertiseindata security,privacy,andanalyticsisessential,butsois developingthesoftskillsneededtoleadteamsthrough transformations.
Sallaalsoencouragesacommitmenttolifelonglearning. Technologygrows,sostayinginformedabout advancementsinAI,machinelearning,andcomprehending digitalinfrastructureiscritical.Finally,sheadvisesnotto beafraidtoaugmentthestatusquo.Thebuiltenvironment isexperiencingashift,andthosewhodaretopush boundarieswillbetheonestoleadtheway
InSalla’sopinion, "The intersection of physical and digital environments will fundamentally change how cities operate. We’re moving toward smart, adaptive cities where real-time data from infrastructure informs everything from optimal energy use to efficient traffic flow. Digital twins within the Cityverse, in particular, are a game-changer, allowing cities to simulate and optimize operations in virtual environments before making real-world changes."
Sheenvisionscitiesbecomingmoresustainableand efficientthroughthesedigitaltransformations.Smart infrastructurewillenhanceresilience,enablingpreventative decision-makingandpredictiveresourceallocation.
Thisshiftwillrequirenewframeworksfordatagovernance andprivacytoensurethatdigitaltoolsserveallcitizens equally.SARAOyisactivelyinvolvedinprograms exploringtheseintersections,andsheisexcitedaboutthe potentialofdigital-physicalconvergence.
Lookingahead,SallaisexcitedtodriveSARAOy’s internationalexpansionandexplorenewapplicationsfor thedigitalbuildinglifecycle.Herprofessionalgoalisto establishSARAOyasaglobalknowledgeleaderindigital solutionsforthebuiltenvironment,promotingsustainable, efficient,andinclusivebuiltenvironmentsworldwide.She isalsofocusedonpursuingcross-sectorcollaborations, particularlyinintegratingrenewableenergyandsustainable materialswithdigitalinfrastructureandbuildings.
Onapersonallevel,sheaspirestobuildacareerin diplomacy,inspiringthenextgenerationofleaders. Additionally,sheiseagertoengageindeeperdiscussions aboutthefutureofdigitalizationandESGinurban environments,contributingthoughtleadershipthatdrives positivechangeacrosstheindustry
Thishasbeenthetickettosustainingrelevanceand
competitiveness,particularlyinbusinessesinfast flux.However,asmuchaseveryonewants innovation,itissomethingthatlargelyeludesmany organizations.Therefore,agivencrisisliesinthepeopleat thetop,inthiscase,leadership,howleadersinspiretheir teamstocomeupwithnewideas,thosemanyrisksleading togreaterbreakthroughs.It'samatterofcreatingtheright atmospherewherecreativityiswelcomeandencouraged.
Here are some pragmatic ways leaders can inspire innovation at work in their employees:
Pureandsimplemodelinginspiresgreatleadershiptobe innovative.Leadersshouldnotbeafraidoftakingrisksif theirteamsaren'ttobe.Afterall,then,ifacalculatedlybold leadertriessomenewthingsandiswillingtofail, innovationisnotonlyokaybutcertainlyexpected.
Itisrashdecisionsorboldbehaviorbutboldactiontoward thingsthatholdmuchpotentialforgrowthevenwhilethe outcomeispending.Forinstance,hesponsorsanunproven conceptorprototypeduringtheideaordesignphase.He canthereforeletpeopleinonthefactthatitisallright sometimestojumpoutoftheboxandtakesomerisks.
Indeed,thebiggestfearofcreativethinkingisthefearof failure.Employeesfearfulofwhatmayhappeniftheydo notsucceedseldommakemanycreativeattemptsattrying newwaysofdoingthings.Thus,innovationcanonly blossomwhenfailureisnotconsidereddefeatbutalearning experience.
Suchattitudescanbepromotedbyleaderswhoinitiateopen discussionsaboutthosefailuresandwhatcanbelearned fromthem.Theyshouldexplaintothosecommitting mistakeshowonecanvaluelearningfrommistakes.They maysharetheirstoriesoffailureandhowfailuresbecame effectivemeansforthemtogainsuccess.Hence,thisputs theemployeesatthemercyofthequalityofthetrial-anderrorprocessthereforegivestheemployeesabetterchance ofexperimenting.
Theleadershipwillbeexcitedaboutthedevelopmentof cultureswhereexperimentationbecomespartofgrowth. Onlywhentheygetconvincedthateffortstowardcreativity arevaluedregardlessofwhethertheyturngoodorbadcan theteamsstartinnovatingwithoutfear
Innovationsgrowindiversity.Anyteamthatisdiversified inbackgroundexperiencesandskillsenrichesthechances withallrespecttowardthediscoveryofinnovativeideas thatwouldgobreakthroughhigh.Asaleader,acttofoster diversityofthoughtwithinyourteams.Diversitydoesn't onlymeanhiringdiversity;itisalsoopenconversationand listeningtoallvoices.
Aleadercanopenopportunitiesforpeopletobringtheir insightsfromtheirvantagepoints,outrageousorrawas theymaybe.Thebrainstormingsessions,idea-sharing forums,orcross-functionalworkshopsthussetuphelplet ideasinter-flow.Leaderscaninvitestaffinputthrough othersoutsideofthoseintheirimmediateteamsor departmentsfornewideasandfreshviewpointstofilterin.
Multipleinputswillassisttheleaderinensuringdiverse organizationsexploittheircreativepotential.Thisislikely toincreasetherealinnovativeoutput.
Beitfloatingonairornot,innovationhastobepaidbothin termsoftimeandmoney.Moreso,spendingmuchtimeon ideasthatareverycreativeisthebiggesttestthatmost companiesundergowhileinnovating.Leadershaveto appreciatethatsomeofthesenewideasmaytaketimeso thatsuchprojectsarespentonwithouttheeverydaytasks takingpriority
Itwouldalsoprovidemoretimethatcanbedevotedto "innovationhours"orablockoftimethateverymemberof
theteamcanhaveavailabletowork,especiallyoncreative efforts.Tools,technologies,andtrainingwillbethereto helpmakeideasbecomerealities.Aleaderwillbringin newsoftware,professionaldevelopmentprograms,oreven accesstofundsforresearchanddevelopment.
Inspirationforinnovationindeedhappenstobea continuousprocessthatcallsforconstantattentionand workwithintentionalleadership.Inthatkindofplace, whereitencouragesrisk-takingandacceptanceasatoolfor growth,teamwork,anddiversity,theleadersproducemuch betterqualitycreativeoutputfortheteam.Trustflourishes inthatkindofplace,wheresupportworkswellandwhere visionflowerstheproductoftheleader'saction.Onlyby opennessleadershipcanleaderstrulyinspireinnovationand creativityfororganizationalsuccessaswellasfora personallysuccessfulendeavor,onlybeinginnovatively committedtoprovidingresourcestowardsuchinnovations beingimplemented.
Changeisinevitable,andleadersfacethechallenge
ofkeepingmoralehighandmomentumstrong duringtimesoftransition.Whetherit’s organizationalrestructuring,shiftingmarketconditions,or culturalchanges,theroleofaleaderbecomescrucialin guidingteamsthroughthesephases.Maintainingmorale andmomentumisnotjustaboutensuringproductivitybut alsoaboutfosteringtrust,understanding,andashared visionthatkeepspeopleengagedandfocusedontheir goals.
Oneofthefirststepsinleadingthroughchangeis establishingclearandopencommunication.Whenchanges areimminentorinprogress,uncertaintycanbreedanxiety Leadersshouldaimtoshareinformationtransparentlyand consistently Thismeansnotonlysharingthe“what”ofthe changesbutalsothe“why”behindthem.Teamsthatfeel informedandpartofthedecision-makingprocessareless likelytofeeldisconnectedorlost.Aregularcadenceof updates,townhallmeetings,orone-on-onecheck-ins ensuresthatemployeesareonthesamepageandthat rumorsormisinformationareavoided.
Akeyelementinmaintainingmoraleisfosteringasenseof communityandsharedpurpose.Leadersshouldencourage collaborationacrossteams,departments,orgroups.This canbedonebysettingupcross-functionalmeetingsor collaborativeprojectsthatrequireinputfromdiverse perspectives.Whenpeopleworktogether,theyfeelasense ofbelongingandimportanceintheprocessofchange. Collaborationstrengthensinterpersonalrelationshipsand helpspeoplefeelthattheircontributionsarevalued.
Changecanleadtouncertaintyandevenburnoutif employeesfeelunsupported.It’simportanttooffertheright supportduringtransitions.Thiscanbethroughaccessto training,mentalhealthresources,oradditionalguidancein newroles.Recognizingeffortandcelebratingsmallwinsis justascrucial.Acknowledgingindividualorteam achievementsnotonlyboostsmoralebutalsoreinforcesthe ideathatprogressisbeingmade,evenintimesofchange. Leaderswhomakerecognitionahabitensurethat employeesfeelseenandappreciated.
Whilechangemightbeconstant,howit’sapproachedcan offerstability.Byprovidingstructure,leaderscancreatean environmentwhereteamsknowwhattoexpectandwhatis expectedofthem.Thismightinvolveestablishingclear roles,deadlines,andperformanceexpectationsduringa periodofchange.Whilethe“bigpicture”maybeshifting, theday-to-dayoperationsshouldcontinuewithasenseof normalcy Asenseofconsistencyinsomeareasofworkcan reducestressandprovideaframeworkwithinwhich employeescanthrive.
Althoughmaintainingstructureisessential,leadersmust alsopromoteasenseofflexibility Thisincludesbeingopen tonewideas,adjustingtochangingcircumstances,and allowingforsomefluidityinhowworkgetsdone. Encouragingadaptabilityintheteamensuresthatpeople arepreparedtoadjustquicklytounforeseenchallengesor opportunitiesthatarise.Arigidenvironmentduringatime ofchangecanstiflecreativityandleadtofrustration,but whenflexibilityisencouraged,employeesfeelempowered tocontributetheirbestideas.
Whenemployeesareinvolvedinthechangeprocess,they aremorelikelytofeelcommittedtotheresults.Thiscanbe achievedbyaskingfortheirinputonnewinitiatives, invitingthemtoproblem-solve,andevenallowingthemto takeonleadershiprolesinspecificareasofchange. Involvingemployeesinshapingthefutureofthe organizationensuresthattheyfeellikeactiveparticipants, notjustrecipientsofchange.
Thisinclusionpromotesasenseofownershipand accountability,whichcansustainmomentumeventhrough difficulttimes.
Leadersmustensurethattheirteamhasaclear understandingofthelong-termgoals.Whenpeopleare facedwithchallengesintheshortterm,it’seasyformorale todip.Havingasharedvisionofthefuturereminds everyoneofthepurposebehindthechange.Whetherit'sa newmarketopportunity,astrongercompanyculture,ora long-termorganizationalgoal,remindingtheteamofthe biggerpicturegivesthemthemotivationtostayengaged andpushforward,evenwhenthingsseemdifficult.
Leadingthroughchangeisoneofthemostchallenging aspectsofleadership.However,withtherightstrategies, leaderscanmaintainmoraleandmomentumwhileguiding theirteamsthroughtransitions.Byprioritizingclear communication,recognition,andflexibility,andby involvingemployeesintheprocess,leaderscanbuilda resilient,engagedteamthatwillnotonlysurvivethechange butthriveinit.Embracingthesestrategieswillensurethat moralestayshighandmomentumremainsstrong,allowing teamstocontinuedrivingforwardtowardsuccess.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”