What if the biggest problems we face aren’t hard to solve, they’re hard to see clearly? In this compelling talk, Petri Uusikylä explores the power of systems thinking as a tool to better understand and navigate the complexities of our world. From climate change to policy failures and societal disruptions, he invites us to shift our mindset: to see patterns instead of isolated events, relationships instead of silos. By changing how we see, we can change how we act and start designing solutions that actually stick. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Petri Uusikylä (PhD) is a research director at the University of Vaasa, specializing in public policy, governance, and resilience. With over 25 years of experience in systems analysis, complexity research, and innovation policy, he has worked as a consultant and advisor to governments across Europe and the Global South. Petri is also a published author and entrepreneur, with a deep commitment to helping societies thrive in “wicked environments.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What if AI wasn’t just about speed, automation, or cutting costs, but about creating space for people to thrive? In this forward-thinking talk, Anna Häggblom challenges the traditional narratives around artificial intelligence in business. She invites us to rethink AI not as a tool for squeezing out more productivity, but as a powerful force for unlocking creativity, improving well-being, and building businesses that grow sustainably. It's time to shift the conversation from efficiency to impact, from automation to augmentation. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Anna Häggblom is an AI strategist, entrepreneur, and speaker who helps organizations adopt AI in ways that benefit both people and profits. With a background in finance and statistics, she founded AveoAI to guide companies through human-centered, sustainable AI integration. A passionate advocate for cognitive well-being and the four-day workweek, Anna is on a mission to prove that when people have time to think, innovation follows. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it’s reshaping how we work, what we value, and the roles we play in the workplace. In this forward-looking talk, Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen explores the disruptive power of AI and what it truly means for the future of work. Moving beyond the fear of machines replacing humans, she dives into how AI can be a tool for reinvention, pushing individuals, teams, and entire organizations to redefine their purpose, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen is a leading expert in AI and data strategy, and the co-founder of DAIN Studios, a Finnish-German consultancy guiding companies through AI-driven transformation. With a PhD in Economics and a background in senior analytics roles at Sanoma and Nokia, Ulla brings deep expertise in using data to unlock real business value. Through her work, she helps businesses not just keep up with change, but lead it. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How do we build real trust in a world shaped by AI, bias, and power? From robot marathons to digital risk assessments, our lives are increasingly shaped by technology. But trust isn’t just about algorithms; it’s about human connection, vulnerability, and inclusivity. Kamilla shares her timely talk as a Russian-speaking Uzbek navigating identity, privilege, and bias during ongoing conflicts and geopolitical divisions in 2025. She blends well the personal experience, structural forces, and global societal stakes, showing why trust should not remain a victim. Kamilla shows that inclusivity isn’t just about being nice; it’s about national security, economic resilience, and the social capital that holds societies together in the face of technological disruption. Her invitation is clear: if we want to solve big problems, innovate, and thrive, we must commit to building trust in real, in-person engagements - not just online. This is a call to action for anyone who wants to move beyond the obvious, challenge their assumptions, and take part in shaping communities where everyone belongs while living in a high-tech, high-stakes world. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Kamilla Sultanova is an award-winning speaker, event host, and DEI consultant with a gift for turning difference into strength. Fluent in several languages and deeply immersed in Nordic culture, she brings experience from corporate, startup, and civic spaces to every stage she steps on. Whether engaging presidents or local communities, Kamilla uses her voice to break down barriers and build bridges. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Burnout is often seen as a result of doing too much, but what if the real cause is a deeper disconnection from ourselves? In this powerful and personal talk, Leonor Carvalho challenges the conventional narratives around burnout. She explores how chronic stress, exhaustion, and misalignment are often symptoms of being out of touch with who we are and what we truly need. Instead of chasing surface-level solutions, Leonor invites us to pause, go inward, and rebuild a connection with ourselves as the foundation for lasting change. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Leonor Carvalho, PhD, is a coach and hypnotherapist who helps founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders recover from burnout and realign their lives through self-awareness and deep emotional reconnection. Having experienced burnout firsthand—twice—she brings both lived experience and a transformative approach that blends coaching with subconscious work. Today, she guides others to step off autopilot and create lives that feel sustainable, aligned, and meaningful. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can a simple switch in your grocery cart make a real difference for our planet? In this insightful talk, Anna Granskog unpacks the ripple effects of everyday choices, like opting for oat milk, in the broader fight against climate change. She challenges us to look beyond individual actions and examine how those decisions fit into larger systems, asking: "Will I save the planet by drinking oat milk?" By exploring the unseen forces behind supply chains, industrial processes, and consumer behavior, Anna reveals how small shifts can signal demand for sustainable innovation and how we can amplify impact by thinking systemically. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Anna Granskog is a Partner at McKinsey & Company with 28 years of consulting experience focused on energy, industrial strategy, and organizational transformation. As a leader within McKinsey Sustainability, she helps clients scale next-generation climate technologies and drive real progress toward net zero. Drawing on her deep expertise, Anna shows us how to align personal choices with global solutions and scale climate action from the grocery aisle to boardroom decisions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx