Ari Sihvola Interview
Ari Sihvola’s academic journey has been instrumental in shaping his career in governance, leadership, and capacity building. Holding a Ph.D. in the History of Political Ideas from the University of Helsinki, along with a Master’s degree in History, he developed a deep understanding of political structures and institutional evolution. His expertise extends to strategic management, certified training programs, and international leadership development. With extensive experience in public governance and HR development, he has worked with the European Commission and led numerous global initiatives. His dedication to ethical leadership and continuous learning has driven his success in fostering strong institutions and effective management worldwide.
Academic Foundations
We started the interview by asking, “What is your educational background, and how has it contributed to your professional success?”
Ari Sihvola replied, “My educational journey has been pivotal to my professional success, as it laid the foundation for my expertise in public governance, leadership, and capacity building. I earned a Ph.D. in the History of Political Ideas from the University of Helsinki, where I deeply explored how political concepts shape governance structures and societal development. This academic foundation gave me a nuanced understanding of institutional frameworks and their evolution over time, which I’ve applied throughout my career in designing governance strategies.
In addition to my Ph.D., I hold a Master’s degree in History, which further honed my analytical skills and broadened my perspective on global cultural and political trends. Over the years, I cultivated my competencies in hard work with customers. As I look back on my past life, I realize that my desire to grow has guided my choices. Beyond formal academic qualifications, I have pursued various certifications, such as the Certified Adult Trainer program and vocational qualification assessment credentials, which have allowed me to design effective training methodologies tailored to diverse organizational needs. Furthermore, my strategic management studies have equipped me to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions for leadership and governance challenges.”
Ari Sihvola behind his desk in the Finnish Foreign Ministry in the early 1990’s. Photo; Ari Sihvola’s archives.
My Role at the European Commission
The Worlds Times: Can you elaborate on your experience with the European Commission?
Ari Sihvola replied, “During my tenure as a Principal Administrator at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for External Relations (DG RELEX), I was responsible for a range of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing human resources development and training within the External Service. Recall that the EU’s external relations network is extensive, with almost 140 delegations worldwide. One of my key achievements in this role was designing and implementing comprehensive training programs for EU Heads of Delegation, focusing on leadership, management, and the application of financial and procurement procedures.
I also played a critical role in organizing regional seminars tailored to the specific needs of various regions, ensuring that EU representatives were well-equipped to navigate complex governance and procedural challenges. Beyond training, my responsibilities included evaluating existing leadership development programs within the Commission, identifying gaps, and proposing reforms to enhance their effectiveness.
This experience allowed me to operate at the intersection of policy, training, and leadership, ensuring that EU delegations worldwide were not only competent in technical matters but also equipped to lead with integrity and vision.”
A Strategic Approach to Development
The Worlds Times: What is your expertise in leadership and organizational development?
Ari Sihvola replied, “Leadership and organizational development have been central to my career for over four decades. My expertise lies in identifying organizational needs and crafting tailored solutions to address them. I have designed and delivered management programs for various stakeholders, including civil servants, diplomats, and organizational leaders. These programs focus on developing key leadership competencies such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and effective communication.
I am also certified in several personality assessment tools, including MBTI™, WOPI™, and HOGAN™, which I use to provide in-depth insights into leadership potential and team dynamics. In addition, I have conducted comprehensive assessments of public institutions to identify systemic inefficiencies and implement robust performance management systems. My approach is grounded in fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, ensuring that leaders at all levels are empowered to drive positive change.
My work with international organizations has further enriched my perspective, allowing me to incorporate best practices from around the world into my leadership development initiatives. Whether working with senior government officials or emerging leaders, my focus has always been on creating sustainable and inclusive frameworks for growth and success.”
Transformative Initiatives
The Worlds Times: What are some key projects you’ve led or participated in?
Ari Sihvola replied, “Over the years, I have been privileged to lead and contribute to several transformative projects. For example, I served as the Team Leader for EU Twinning Projects in Romania, Montenegro, Armenia, and Turkey. These initiatives aimed to enhance human resource management (HRM) and governance structures within public institutions, ensuring alignment with EU standards.
In Namibia, I collaborated with the Prime Minister’s Office to strengthen its capacity to deliver high-quality training for public servants. This project involved curriculum development, capacity building for trainers, and implementing monitoring systems to track progress. Similarly, in Zambia, I led the development and implementation of a performance management system for the Public Procurement Authority, which significantly improved operational efficiency and transparency.
In Tanzania, I worked closely with the Uongozi Institute to design leadership programs that emphasize sustainable development and good governance. These programs were tailored to address the unique challenges faced by African leaders, balancing global best practices with local realities.
Each of these projects reflects my commitment to fostering strong institutions, ethical leadership, and sustainable development across diverse contexts.”
Navigating Diverse Cultures
The Worlds Times: How do you approach cross-cultural collaboration and international work?
Ari Sihvola replied, “Cross-cultural collaboration has been a cornerstone of my career. With professional experience spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia, I have learned to navigate the complexities of working in diverse cultural environments. My multilingual capabilities—fluent in Finnish, English, Swedish, French, and German—have been instrumental in bridging communication gaps and fostering mutual understanding.
I approach cross-cultural collaboration with a mindset of respect and adaptability. Recognizing that each culture brings unique strengths and perspectives, I strive to create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This involves not only understanding cultural nuances but also adapting training programs, communication styles, and leadership strategies to align with local contexts.
My work in countries like China, Vietnam, Armenia, Namibia, Zambia and Guatemala has reinforced the importance of building trust and establishing shared goals. By prioritizing inclusivity and empathy, I have successfully led initiatives that bring together diverse stakeholders to achieve common objectives. However, I would like to say that, regardless of culture and geopolitics, management challenges and development needs are universal everywhere. Organizations want to be productive, efficient and effective. Employees need leadership to provide direction and support for success.”
Ari Sihvola in 2022. Photo: Ari Sihvola’s archives.
Enhancing Public Sector Efficiency
The Worlds Times: What is your experience in the field of public management and HR development?
Ari Sihvola replied, “My experience in public management and HR development is extensive, encompassing roles in both national, European and international contexts. As a Senior Advisor and Director of Development, I have designed and implemented business and HR strategies that address organizational development, recruitment, performance management, and leadership development. My approach is grounded in aligning human resource practices with organizational goals to foster a culture of excellence and accountability.
In addition, I have worked extensively on capacity-building initiatives, particularly in the public sector. For instance, I have led programs to enhance the competencies of civil servants in procurement, financial management, and good governance. These programs are tailored to the unique needs of each institution, ensuring long-term impact.
Through my work with organizations like the European Commission and various international development agencies, I have gained deep insights into the challenges and opportunities in public management. I remain committed to leveraging this experience to drive meaningful change in the organizations I serve.”
Core Values for Success
Lastly, we asked, “What personal qualities have contributed to your career achievements?”
“Several personal qualities have been instrumental in my career achievements. First and foremost is my commitment to lifelong learning. Whether through formal education, professional development programs, or self-directed study, I have always sought to deepen my understanding of leadership, governance, and organizational dynamics.
My adaptability and resilience have also been key. Working in diverse cultural and professional contexts requires the ability to navigate uncertainty, build relationships, and remain focused on objectives. I pride myself on my ability to think strategically while remaining grounded in practical realities.
Another important quality is my passion for public service and ethical leadership. I believe that strong institutions and capable leaders are the bedrock of societal progress, and I am dedicated to contributing to their development. Finally, my interpersonal skills and ability to connect with people from all walks of life have allowed me to build trust and foster collaboration in even the most challenging environments.
In summary, I think that man’s duty in life is to work. Sometimes the sun shines and the tailwind helps along the way, but mostly life is uphill, and with bad luck it is a rainy day. Please do not get me wrong. I am not a pessimist, but rather an incurable dreamer. I think that if I am patient in all the hardships, then better days may sometimes come. In the final balance sheet, for me, happiness does not mean the most, but the pursuit of happiness. That pursuit drives me forward, motivates me. I thought that when I do my job well, something positive will happen to me.
Recently, I have written three books, namely “Mostly Uphill, Smiley” (2021) ISBN 978-952-80-4600-4, “La communauté naturelle” (2021) ISBN 978-952-80-6082-6 (translation of my doctorial thesis, originally in Finnish) and “Landscapes of My Mind” (2024). ISBN 978-952-80-8410-5. All these books are available for purchase in online shops worldwide.” Ari Sihvola concluded.
Connect with Ari Sihvola on LinkedIn
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