On the afternoon of April 16, 2026, our leaders gathered at the Next Media Park for a Leadership Impact Talk, facilitated by Anne Juuko.The session focused on what the next generation of leaders needs from those already in the room, opening up honest, practical, and at times deeply personal reflections on what it means to lead in a world that continues to shift.
The session was designed to equip our leaders with the mindset and skills needed to stay relevant to the teams they guide, strengthen leadership ability, and learn from one another through shared experience.
One message came through clearly. Leadership starts with the self. Anne challenged the room to reflect on personal growth, reminding everyone that the real difference between leaders is how much they have invested in themselves.
“Manage thyself before you manage anybody else,” she shared.
Our leaders were encouraged to take a closer look at how they spend their time, shifting focus toward learning, reading, and building new skills. In a time where access to knowledge is within reach, the decision to grow rests with the individual. There was also a strong reminder to build teams with confidence, bringing in people who are skilled and capable, and creating spaces where excellence can thrive.
The conversation then turned to the next generation. Our leaders explored what it means to guide a workforce that values both digital connection and human interaction. This generation wants to be heard, involved, and connected to purpose.
“This is not a generation to be managed. It is a generation to be understood, equipped, and connected to purpose,” Anne noted.
The discussion highlighted what young professionals need today: access, mentorship, sponsorship, psychological safety, and openness to learning from them as well. It reinforced the importance of building relationships that allow people to contribute fully.
Transparency also stood out as a key part of leadership. Our leaders reflected on the importance of sharing direction clearly with teams, ensuring that plans and goals are understood by everyone responsible for delivering them. Open communication builds trust, and trust allows teams to give their best.
Anne reminded the room that when leaders create safe spaces for people to speak, they gain a deeper understanding of their teams. That understanding shapes stronger leadership.
Another powerful takeaway was the reminder that leadership is built in everyday moments. It shows in how leaders respond, how they listen, and how they guide their teams through both progress and pressure.
“Your appraisal must never surprise them. Because leadership is every day,” she said.
The session also spoke to the value of continuous learning within teams. Our leaders were encouraged to learn together, share knowledge, and turn training into action that improves how work is done. The role of new tools like AI was also highlighted, with a call to embrace learning and stay ready for change.
At Next Media, investing in people is part of who we are. Sessions like this reflect a continued focus on building leaders from within, supporting growth, and strengthening the culture that drives our work.
Our leaders left the room with a renewed understanding of what leadership asks of them every day.
We appreciate Anne Juuko for the honesty, the insight, and the push to keep growing.
