Shashank
Q: What inspired you to take some time away from Dubai to take on a secondment in Finland?
I was keen to experience a different market and culture within Strategy& and see how teams approach challenges in another region. Finland offered an opportunity to step into a new environment while still being part of the same global network, which made it both familiar and exciting.
Q: What were some of the biggest lessons you took away from your time there?
One of the main takeaways was the emphasis on balance and trust, whether that’s in managing time, leading teams, or engaging with clients. I also learned how much value there is in simplicity and clear communication. It’s not about changing everything but about noticing what works well and why.
Q: Coming back to Dubai, how did that experience change the way you work here?
It helped me see our region’s energy and agility in a new light. I’ve tried to bring back practices that enhance collaboration and clarity, while also leaning into the fast-paced, innovative culture that defines our offices here. It’s about combining the best of both worlds: structure and momentum.
Q: Looking back now, what advice would you give to someone considering a secondment experience?
Go in with curiosity rather than expectations. Every market has its strengths, and real growth comes from understanding how different approaches can complement each other. It’s less about comparison and more about connection.
Q: Anything you would like to add about the culture experience?
Finland was full of surprises that made me rethink what balance and trust really mean. Lunch at 11 a.m. felt strange at first: back home, that’s still coffee time! And by 6 p.m., everyone’s done with dinner while I’m still negotiating with my coffee mug. But the biggest shock? The sauna culture. Important decisions happen in the sauna, and our office even had one on the rooftop. Beyond the quirks, what really stayed with me was the trust that runs through society. No ticket checks on public transport, no one watching at lunch buffets: just an unspoken belief that you’ll do the right thing. That level of trust and responsibility is something I wish every culture could embrace.
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