Global Values, Local Action: Aki Temiseva’s Journey to Purpose-Driven Leadership

Summary

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, Dave Hutchinson interviews Aki Temiseva, the President and CEO of the United Nations Association in Canada. Aki shares his diverse background, including his upbringing in Zambia and extensive experience in both the corporate and charitable sectors. The conversation explores Aki’s leadership journey, the importance of youth engagement in the charitable sector, and the challenges faced by leaders today. Aki emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt and rethink their structures to attract and retain talent, particularly younger generations. He also discusses the role of the United Nations Association in Canada and its mission to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

Takeaways

• Aki's diverse upbringing shaped his worldview and leadership style.

• Youth need platforms and opportunities to lead in the charitable sector.

• Transitioning from corporate to nonprofit requires a passion for purpose.

• Cultural differences impact leadership styles and organizational dynamics.

• The United Nations Association in Canada focuses on grassroots programs and global values.

• Engaging youth is crucial for the future of the charitable sector.

• Organizations must adapt to attract and retain younger talent.

• Leadership requires a balance of risk-taking and informed decision-making.

• Building an ecosystem of hope is essential for effective leadership.

• Core values should never be compromised, even in challenging times.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aki Temiseva and Leadership Journey

05:56 Early Leadership Experiences and Youth Engagement

11:01 Transition from Corporate to Charitable Sector

18:48 Navigating Cultural Differences in Leadership

26:52 The Role of the United Nations Association in Canada

34:57 Challenges in the Charitable Sector and Future Leadership

Guest Bio: Aki Temiseva, President & CEO, United Nations Association in Canada.

Born in Finland and raised in Zambia, Aki Temiseva is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience building businesses and non-profits across four continents. Aki thrives in organizations that, like him, dare to dream big and disrupt the status quo for a reason: to create tangible solutions that measurably improve people’s lives and build a more peaceful world for everyone.

Aki was named as the President and CEO of United Nations Association in Canada September (2024). Aki has served as Chief Marketing and Development Officer for Children Believe, a cutting-edge leader in children’s education worldwide, where he led their fundraising, marketing, communications and public relations. Before Children Believe, Aki served as Global Vice President, Philanthropy at Right to Play, a Toronto based global INGO using the power of play to transform lives of children and youth across the globe. Before coming to Canada, he ran both local and global corporations and organizations in US, UK and the Nordics, delivering unprecedented growth from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations (Procter & Gamble, Publicis Group) and global development organizations like World Vision and ChildFund, as well as his own consultancy out of London, UK.

Aki excels at turning the seemingly impossible into “we did it.” He motivates and unites teams behind a growth vision, simplifying the complex and focusing on what really counts. Aki delivers results founded on innovative, winning strategies, bringing down silos in the process and building bridges where none existed. He has said his current role at UNAC allows him to push his life-long agenda of hope, reconciliation and bringing people together -even from seemingly impossible situations.

Aki holds an MSc in international marketing from Finland’s Aalto University. Tri-lingual in Finnish, Swedish and English, he has lived in Africa, Asia, Scandinavia, the U.K. and the U.S.A. prior to making a home with his family in Toronto.

Connecting with Aki:

https://www.unac.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-nations-association-in-canada/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/akitemiseva/