The other day, I was chilling out with one of my best friends. He’s a foreman in the construction industry, and we got talking about his work. As usual, I was fascinated by the stories he shared—juggling team management, finding quick fixes on-site, keeping projects on schedule. So, I told him, "Man, that takes some real creativity." He just looked at me, confused, and said, “I’m not creative. I’m just doing my job.” That really stuck with me. Here’s a guy who spends his days solving problems on the fly, coming up with new ways to work around unexpected issues, and making out of box decisions in real-time. And yet, he doesn’t see himself as creative. This is a concept that has emerged to me time after time, something I call Invisible Creativity —the creativity we use every day without even noticing it. What is Invisible Creativity? Invisible Creativity is when you’re using your brain to come up with solutions, ideas, or new ways of doing things, but you don’t realize it’s actually creativity. Because you’re not drawing, painting, or writing songs, it’s easy to dismiss these moments. But creativity isn’t limited to artists or designers. It’s in the way you solve problems, adapt to unexpected situations, or come up with little hacks to make life easier - by combining what we know when facing the unexpected. Take my friend, the foreman. He’s not sitting in front of an easel painting a masterpiece, but every day, he’s problem-solving in ways that require quick thinking and resourcefulness. That’s creativity , plain and simple. Everyday Creativity Happens All the Time Most people don’t see themselves as creative, but I’d argue we’re all a lot more creative than we think. Think about the last time you: Had to figure out a way to keep your kids entertained while juggling work Found a quicker way to do something at your job Improvised a solution when things didn’t go as planned That’s creativity at work—just not the kind we usually think of. It’s easy to overlook because we’re so used to seeing creativity as something that belongs to artists, writers, or musicians. But the truth is, creativity is happening all the time, often right under our noses. Psychologists like J.P. Guilford  have long argued that creativity isn’t just about artistic ability, but also about problem-solving and adaptability in everyday situations (Guilford, 1967). Why Do We Miss Our Own Creativity? We’ve been trained to think that creativity is some kind of magical gift, only reserved for the “creative types.” It doesn’t help that our education system pushes us to focus on the right answers instead of encouraging exploration and innovation (Robinson, 2011). Over time, we start believing that unless we’re making art or inventing something groundbreaking, we’re not creative. But in reality, creativity is about how we think, how we solve problems, and how we navigate challenges. It’s something we all do. The Science: Creativity is in Your Everyday Problem-Solving Here’s the thing—creativity isn’t just for artists. Science backs this up. Research shows that creative thinking involves two key processes: divergent thinking  (coming up with multiple solutions) and convergent thinking  (picking the best one) ( Kaufman & Beghetto, 2009 ). We all do this every day, whether we’re planning a project, deciding how to handle a tricky conversation, or organizing our time. My foreman friend, for example, is constantly weighing options and figuring out what’ll work best on-site. He’s engaging in the same mental processes that artists or entrepreneurs use. He just doesn’t call it “creativity” because it doesn’t fit into the typical box. Additionally, studies show that creativity is deeply connected to neuroplasticity—our brain's ability to adapt and form new connections as we learn and solve problems ( Csikszentmihalyi, 1996 ). This means that creativity is something we all can develop, and we likely use it far more often than we think. How to Recognize Your Own Invisible Creativity So how do we tap into and recognize this invisible creativity? It’s easier than you might think: Start seeing problem-solving as creative : Anytime you’re solving a problem, you’re using creativity. Look for it in your day-to-day : Reflect on moments when you had to think on your feet. It could be as simple as rearranging your schedule or making a last-minute change. Shift your mindset : Don’t limit creativity to traditional roles. See it in everything you do—at work, at home, in relationships. Celebrate the small wins : Creativity isn’t just about big ideas. It’s in the little solutions and adjustments we make every day. Let’s Start Recognizing Invisible Creativity Invisible Creativity is all around us. It’s not just something you find in an art gallery or on a stage. It’s in the way we adapt, solve, and create every day, often without even realizing it. And the more we acknowledge that, the more we can tap into our potential to think differently, innovate, and improve. So, next time you catch yourself figuring something out—whether it’s at work, in your personal life, or even in a random conversation—recognize it for what it is. That’s creativity. It’s just invisible. You are creative - and simply with that thought, you will be more creative. Cheers, Ronny Sources : Kaufman, J.C., & Beghetto, R.A. (2009). Beyond Big and Little: The Four C Model of Creativity. Review of General Psychology , 13(1), 1–12. Link Guilford, J.P. (1967). The Nature of Human Intelligence . McGraw-Hill. Link Robinson, K. (2011). Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative . Capstone Publishing. Link Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention . HarperCollins. Link

Finland, the land of  Moomin Characters  , saunas, and breathtaking natural landscapes, is not just a destination for tranquility and design. It’s a country on the cusp of a creative revolution. With a long-standing tradition of blending  design, nature, and sustainability , Finland offers the world a unique opportunity to explore new ways of living, working, and creating. As we look toward the future, we need to tap into Finland's creative potential to drive both cultural relevance and economic growth. Finland: A Land of Design and Sustainability Helsinki, the capital, is (but isn't strongly recognized) a bustling hub for  artists, designers, and creators . From its architectural marvels to the rise of studio spaces filled with creative minds, the city has evolved into a canvas of new ideas. The simplicity, minimalism, and functionality that define Finnish design are no longer limited to products—they have become a way of life. Iconic Finnish brands like  Marimekko ,  Artek , and  IITTALA  have set a global standard for craftsmanship, sustainability, and beauty. Their success is deeply rooted in Finland’s ability to  seamlessly merge practicality with aesthetics . As the world faces environmental challenges, the Finnish commitment to sustainability is more important than ever. A staggering 70% of Finns are willing to pay more for sustainable products, proving that  environmental conservation  is not just a trend but a national priority. Yet, even with these strong values, the creative sector’s contribution to Finland’s GDP sits at around 4%—far below the potential it holds. To fully capitalize on this, Finland must focus on empowering its creative industries to  amplify their influence and reach . The future lies in not only embracing traditional crafts but  integrating technology, design, and sustainability into every facet of the economy . Why Now? The Case for Cultural Relevance Finland is at a critical juncture. The country’s design legacy has given it cultural credibility, but staying relevant in a fast-changing world means expanding beyond tradition. Creativity is no longer just about making things beautiful—it’s about driving cultural relevance and addressing global challenges. To thrive, Finland must position creativity as a strategic asset. This means embracing collaboration across sectors and finding new ways for companies to stay  culturally relevant . Finnish brands and businesses can no longer rely solely on aesthetics or sustainability credentials; they need to embed creativity into their core to engage with modern consumers and global trends. Engaging with Finland’s Creative Future To connect with Finnish consumers, brands need to understand the deep-rooted values of  authenticity, simplicity, and cultural integrity . Flashy marketing doesn’t resonate in Finland; instead, authenticity and substance win over audiences.  Cultural relevance —not just sustainability—is key to thriving in this market. Companies must align with Finnish values and show they are genuinely contributing to society. The rise of  Finnish influencers  and  creative entrepreneurs  offers a powerful way to engage with the Finnish public. These influencers don’t just share lifestyle content; they shape cultural conversations. Partnering with them can be a way for brands to build real connections and cultural significance. Building a Creative Economy for the Future Unlocking Finland’s creative potential starts with empowering the next generation. Young people, who make up 16% of the global population, are Finland's future leaders in creativity and innovation. Providing them with the environments to experiment, collaborate, and lead will shape Finland’s role in the global creative economy. Finland’s education system, already renowned for its excellence, must evolve to prioritize  creative thinking and leadership . Platforms like the  Slush  have exemplified what movements can do for industries. We need the same to unleash creative futures as something like this will be key to fostering collaboration between diverse voices and turning innovative ideas into tangible actions. Finland’s Creative Legacy: Moving Forward As Finland looks to the future, it has the chance to redefine itself on the global stage—not only as a leader in design but as a powerhouse of creative innovation. By building a culture that embraces creativity, innovation, and collaboration, Finland can ensure that its creative future is one of global influence and local impact. The time to act is now. Finland must push the boundaries of what creativity can achieve, ensuring cultural relevance and driving economic growth. With the right approach, Finland’s full creative potential can be unleashed, positioning the country as a global leader in both creativity and culture.

Hi, I’m Ronny. I’m just a guy from Finland who loves creating new things. I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. In fact, I was well into my twenties before I even understood what it really meant. And, truth be told, it’s only now that I’ve fully embraced it. This blog? It’s the start of documenting that journey. The moment I stopped making excuses, stopped waiting for the “right time,” and simply decided to give it my best shot—to do what I’ve always known deep down: to create. For years, I’ve been searching for my place. I’ve traveled the world, worked with both small startups and big corporations, and spent time in academic and creative communities. I’ve been everywhere—except fully present in the here and now. It took 28 years of searching to realize that what I was looking for wasn’t something outside of me. It was me. I had always been here, waiting to be acknowledged. "The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself." – Thales of Miletus That quote always hits hard. We often think life’s challenges are external, but the hardest challenge is looking inward and understanding who we are. That’s what keeps us stuck—our own fears, doubts, and hesitation. But, in the moments of struggle, we often find the answers we need. The most complex problems have simple truths at their core. For me, that truth comes down to four concepts: creativity, culture, entrepreneurship, and liberal learning. These pillars have followed me throughout my life. They excite me, they’re the things I read about late into the night, and they’re what give depth to life. They are, in many ways, our society's fundamental virtues, but we’ve become disconnected from them. That’s why my vision is simple: to help the world rediscover its creative and cultural roots. While me mission follows: To enable great creators to do better. And this blog? It’s my way of sharing that journey. It’s about discovering and shining a light on the creative futures that lie ahead. Through my thoughts, learnings, interviews, talks, and highlights, I want to give you a glimpse of what’s happening and what will happen in the world of creativity. I want this blog to inspire your creativity. I’ll share my personal experiences—successes, struggles, and everything in between—so that you can follow along as I build something meaningful within the creative world. But why is this so urgent? Right now, the world is changing at an unimaginable pace. Technology, automation, environmental crises, and social division are reshaping every part of our lives. And the traditional solutions we’ve relied on no longer work. The creative and cultural industries are at the heart of this shift—they’re the key to helping society adapt, innovate, and find new ways forward. Yet these industries are underfunded, misunderstood, and in some cases, entirely overlooked. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the very things that make us human: our ability to create, to connect, and to build a future that resonates deeply with who we are. This is why creativity and culture can’t be side projects—they are essential tools for survival in today’s world. And that urgency is what will be the focus of my next post, where I’ll dive deeper into why these forces are not only necessary but critical for building resilient, forward-thinking communities. I’ve been building an idea called New Nordic Way  for five years. It’s lived in my head for a long time, and over the years, many people have come in and out of that dream. But fear held me back—fear that led me to overpromise and underdeliver. Instead of fully committing, I got sidetracked with other projects. Yet, no matter what else I did, I kept coming back to New Nordic Way. So I’ve made a decision: either I give it my all now or let it go forever. This is that attempt. This is my journey, and this is my start. Right now, I’m focused on building a cultural and creative studio that revolves around three main areas: The Creative Futures Festival – What’s Next? Festival A living lab and creative hub An agency that connects brands with creatives All of this is designed to address a big issue: the creative and cultural industries are lagging behind, and it’s having serious consequences for society, culture, and individuals. We’re innovating, iterating, and pushing forward with the first drafts of our visions. The What’s Next? Festival has begun its early stages, and the offers for the living lab and agency are taking shape. I’m committing to this journey, to writing this blog, and to building something that not only contributes to the creative world but also empowers others to step into their own creativity. This is the beginning, and I’m sticking to it. See you soon again! Ronny