The Global Young Crew Workshop 2024 (GYCW24), held in Rovaniemi, Finland, was a resounding success, bringing together young professionals and seasoned leaders from around the globe. This event, set against the backdrop of the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland, offered a unique blend of academic education, high-level keynotes, and immersive experiences.
A Journey of Change and Networking
The GYCW24 was more than just a workshop. It was a journey of change and networking that provided participants with the opportunity to connect with change leaders and peers, gain insights and skills for managing change effectively, and learn from a global community of professionals.
University of Oulu professors Jaakko Kujala and Kirsi Aaltonen had designed a special curriculum for GYCW participants; an exciting and immersive dive into the best practices of leading change based on wide look into academic research. Kirsi and Jaakko guided us through the steps of change process within the three days of the workshop and included changing activities to keep us at all times engaged with learning.
Program Highlights
The workshop was packed with energizing activities and insightful sessions. Here’s a look back at the program:
- Day 1: The event kicked off with a keynote by Dr. Reinhard Wagner, who delved into “Psychological Safety in Changes”. The day was filled with networking opportunities and exciting activities.
- Day 2: Participants explored team dynamics in change led by Milla Ranta. In the evening GYCW had fun with karaoke and finnish sauna experience.
- Day 3: It was game on! Participants applied what they had learned in a competitive yet fun assignment. The day concluded with a gala dinner celebrating achievements.
Exploring AI and modern ways of learning
In the workshop we leveraged an AI tool, made by University of Oulu, for learning change management and leadership. The case of Pinacle Business School served as an excellent practical exercise, with the feeling of real life situation with different levels of professionals and roles participating into complex change project. This allowed participants to delve into real-world challenges and explore how AI can be leveraged to enhance project management and facilitate change. This hands-on approach not only enriched the learning experience but also provided valuable insights into the transformative potential of AI in project management. It’s a testament to the workshop’s commitment to providing a modern, high-quality education that equips its participants for the future. The case study, along with the rest of the workshop activities, undoubtedly left a lasting impact on attendees, furthering their understanding and skills in change leadership and project management.
Leadership, Communication, and Emotional Intelligence in Change Leadership:
During the workshop, participants dived into the success factors that underpin effective change leadership. Beyond the technical aspects, the program emphasized the pivotal role of leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. These competencies are the bedrock upon which successful change initiatives are built. Gaining more understanding on the different levels and perspectives of communication, and understanding the diversity of communication styleas, participants got more tools into their toolkit for planning and leading change.
A Diverse Participant Group with Global Connections
Professionals from Finland, Spain, Italy, Peru, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Panama, Croatia, Russia, and Egypt converged in this workshop. Their diverse backgrounds sparked stimulating discussions and cross-cultural learning, while also fostering international connections. These global interactions enriched their perspectives and opened doors to collaborative opportunities across borders.
Reflections from Participants
Participants of the GYCW24 have shared that they found the workshop to be a highly enriching experience. They appreciated the opportunity to meet like-minded young project professionals and found the atmosphere to be inspiring. The hands-on experience on implementing change and adapting to ever-altering business surroundings was particularly valued.
Young Crew Finland and the global Young Crew community want to extend their gratitude towards Mrs. Kirsi Aaltonen, Mr. Jaakko Kujala, Mr. Reinhard Wagner and Ms. Milla Ranta for their amazing support in creating this event!
Most of all we want to thank you everyone who made it worth their while to travel to Rovaniemi from across the world, where ever you came from. It wouldn’t have been possible to have this event without you. ❤
After the GYCW, the new and ”retiring” IPMA Young Crew Boards joined for an onboarding session through the weekend. The new Young Crew Management Board has now started their term of 2024-2026.
Read more about Young Crew Finland and our activities and follow us on social media to stay updated on our upcoming events. here
Writers:
Milla Ranta, President of Young Crew Finland
Elsa Paasilinna, President of Young Crew Management Board
📷 Sami Peltoniemi
