Founder returns as Chairperson after a Break. Threat or Opportunity?

A founder returns to her or his company as chairperson after a break. Threat or opportunity?

Both, I thought when I returned to the legal services company Fondia Oyj after a five-year break, where I had previously served as CEO.

It was great to see how Fondia had developed: gone public, internationalized, and grown. However, I have had to be aware of my new role. In my position as chairman, there could otherwise be a risk that I might accidentally pull out the CEO’s tools from my briefcase instead of the chairman’s tools.

The most important thing is that the chairman does not step on the CEO's toes but trusts them. And, of course, vice versa. Only in this way can this crucial partnership function.

I was a guest on the latest episode of Cofounder. In addition to leadership collaboration, we discussed with Aki Soudunsaari and Mirka Parenteau topics such as how a lawyer can discover the entrepreneur within themselves.

Welcome to listen (in the Finnish language)!

🔹 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/d9VZjXTG

🔹 Youtube: https://lnkd.in/dU6vF2pK

(Photo: Junnu Lusa)