If you fell in love with Angela Duckworth at the Nordic Business Forum, or have just gotten excited about her new book, Situated, here’s a little chance for a personal and warm encounter with this gritty public school teacher turned into a true research beacon. We had a brief chance to hang out during Angela's very brief visit to catch up and decided to bring a microphone and invite you to join us. We talk about grit, sisu, human capacity, and the pain writing books, too - but mostly, I think, our talk is about the relational side of agency. The strength that emerges from a caring and supportive space between people. As Angela says: “Grit is great. But it’s just not enough.” To me, it’s hope-giving to see the conversation moving more and more toward the realization that our strength doesn’t have to come from us alone - and, in fact, it can’t. No matter who you are, life is a lot to navigate. The lengths we go to to achieve, endure, and survive are unfathomable and, of course, inspiring, too! But because we’ve created far too many systems and organizational cultures that miss out on the power of a safe and supportive collective, too many people go there alone. This is not just a lost opportunity in a time that needs all of us, but it creates unnecessary pain that makes life harder than it needs to be. At the same time, there is much goodness happening through sharing, helping, loving, and caring. All of us have stories to share about someone who 'made us' or made something possible for us. However, I believe that the closer we get to the human 'being' side of nature, rather than the human 'doing' side, we'll unlock even more of this capacity. Thank you, Angela, for being that person for me - and for so many others! Questions for you while you listen: 1.) Who are you grateful for as a mentor, friend, or inspiration? Write them a thank-you note and let them know. 2.) How could your organizational culture support human capacity born from real connection and social resilience better? Can you speak up about this in your organization - even if it might take grit and sisu? Situate yourself in Angela's work and research at angeladuckworth.com. Support the show Sisu is a Finnish word for a reserve of inner strength, but it’s also a way to positively impact the world. Cultivating this inner fortitude starts with self-inquiry and getting our self-care in order, and from there, extends into courage and community. Its power ultimately reaches into the world through inspired acts of compassion and positive change. Thanks for tuning in! Find out more about sisu, explore the research, and check out Gentle Power: A Revolution in How We Think, Lead, and Succeed Using the Finnish Art of Sisu (2023) & Sisun alkemia (2025) at www.sisulab.com. Sisu is great, but sisu, together with love, is greatness.
