Pekka Pirhonen
Looking for a broader perspective on life and work – Presence, Pace, Agility
Hello, I’m Pekka Pirhonen. I am primarily a family man. I have five children, young adults already. I have participated in their upbringing and at the same time been raised by our family community. I have seen firsthand what it feels like and how people grow into young adults, and how easy, or actually difficult, it is in modern times to get to that “own thing”. My own story also tells us that those own things emerge throughout life, if the mind is alert and open.
Story of my work-life: I have worked for 42 years (I’m 66 now), the first 10 years in the ICT sector, mainly software industry , then 17 years as a management consultant in large ICT corporations. Then I finally found the thing that energized me the most: people! So then I moved to a small house called Humap (comes from the words ‘human potential’) and for the last 15 years before retiring I worked as a coach mostly and with organisation cultures and effective dialogue. So ICT, business and people – not necessarily in this order of importance. Now I’m retired since 2024. Still doing coaching / mentoring projects, and helping as a ”spare grandpa” at SOS Children’s Villages.
What do you value in life / in the world?
Nature and Humankind coexisting in harmony. Humans doing the same, respecting each other and living in peace. Inter-generational thinking, leaving the Planet in better shape to the next generations.
What does success mean to you?
We live in an era of turmoil, everything is transforming rapidly – including the concept of Success. I feel “success” is both collective (we) and personal (me). Perhaps being able to answer these questions is the key: What kind of goals are worthy? What is too little, and what is enough? What are the costs of success?
What motivates you daily, in work or life?
I’ve worked for 42 years at work-life. The main motivator is Purpose, something that seems worth working for. I have committed my energy to work for a transformational shift in our collective awareness, and therefore change the way we live and work. I want more of these things to the workplace: Present, Appreciative, and Easy-going.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned through your work?
Work-life has taken up too much of our attention. At first I was fascinated by ‘work and life balance’ until I realised that it mentioned work first. If you want to achieve meaningful things at work, you should put life first.
Your favorite quote or saying?
“The quality of your Being echoes to your quality of Doing.” – I don’t know who said that… perhaps me, it feels like an old friend? Anyway, I sense that Being is more important than Doing. It’s a gate to Peace of Mind, Resilience, and Connection.
The most surprising thing people learn about you when they get to know you better?
I don’t know it yet. We have never met, surprises happen in the relations between us. Come to my team, building relations in dialogue, and we will see.
Which themes have been close to your heart lately?
I sense that many people are looking for some kind of an opening – something has to end, and something totally new has to emerge. Quite few are happy about how things are. I call these people Shifters. If you’re interested in musementoring, you are one of them! We will use Theory U by Otto Scharmer (https://ottoscharmer.com/) in our mentoring sessions – you will also get a Workbook, a tool for yourself to be used afterwards.
Why do you want to be a musementor?
I’m curious. I want to learn from you, and help you. Let’s fly together to new horizons. I’m challenging You: Choose your focus and goals for your transformation journey. My promise to You: I’m like a fly on the wall, listening and observing, and tossing appreciative questions. Mentoring is about Being there for you, and fostering your transformation journey.
Describe in three words what kind of musementor you would be?
Present, Appreciative, Easy-going.
