This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Joining us on the ship for the evening was André Noël Chaker, a Helsinki resident who originally hails from Montreal, Canada. The busy speaker, attorney, book author and singer presented “Three Finnish S’s,” in which he helped the non-Finns in the room (all of us but two Finnish interport lecturers!) better understand the Nordic culture. Sauna, the first “S,” represents openness in the Finland. The sauna is pervasive in Finnish culture — families sauna together, as do work colleagues: “You may find yourself naked next to your boss,” he said. Santa Claus, who hails from Finland’s Lapland, represents the ultimate enduring enterprise, said André, who gave several examples of how entrepreneurship is alive and well in Finland. Finally, Sisu, which is a Finnish word for “courage on steroids,” also represents Finnish culture. “The greatest form of courage today is to embrace your own identity… your own uniqueness and authenticity,” said Andre. “Embracing your identity gives us the self-confidence we need to be successful people… and nations.” André Noël Chaker was voted Speaker of the Year 2012 by the customers of Speakers Forum Finland and Speaker, Moderator and Coach of the Year at the Finnish Evento Awards 2014. A master of both English and Finnish (his fifth language), André has a unique ability to perform both as a world-class inspirational speaker and versatile moderator and host. André is a law graduate from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He is a member of the New York Bar and the Finnish lawyers’ association. He also holds an MBA from Aalto University. André has published five books, and his latest one, The Finnish Miracle, has become a best-seller in Finland. He has also recorded a number of hit songs and performed on national television as a singer, an actor and a host. As an entrepreneur, André has been a leading force in many technology and sports related start-up ventures. He is currently the Senior Advisor of the CEO of the Finnish National Lottery, Veikkaus Oy. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

• published: 05 Nov 2014
• views: 226