We had the good fortune of connecting with Arto Sivonen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arto, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Yes, there are numerous things I have learnt over the years working with all kinds of talented people on different projects but probably the most important thing of them all has been truly understanding the importance of continuous learning. To search and explore. To make you sure you have the best and latest data and information. The world is rapidly changing, we all know that, and one of the key consequences of this ongoing transformation is from where and how we can find the information we need to make the right creative decisions. That place hardly is an old-fashioned school-like institution anymore. I believe the best modern knowledge is among researches, activists and other groups of people who also operate outside of traditional field of education. Those are the people we need to recognize, reach out to, interview and have continuing dialogue with. More importantly, too often we still think that information and data alone is enough. We still work as individuals, as creatives and as agencies, without true co-operation. That usually means working towards our own goals only. But the world undoubtedly needs more facilitators to connect the right people and the right knowledge. We need more open exchange of methods and ideas and people that go beyond traditional limits of different professions. We need bold openings. New coalitions. New powerful channels and mechanisms that will result into greater, even more radical change. And too often information and data really still just sit somewhere. We don’t understand nor use its full potential. So, probably the most important thing that I have learnt during my 20-year career is how to better create and connect teams and circumstances where the right knowledge leads to the right actions. How to shape information and data so that people actually understand it. We are still wasting an enormous amount of information, but we also need more action and less talking. The action itself is always based on shared values and common mission that makes co-operation possible. Back in the day it was a common thing to say that when one goes to the seminar he or she should meet as many potential partners as possible. But it was the wrong approach then and it is the wrong approach now. The key for any successful modern-day co-operation is finding the right people.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Yes, I was born in Finland and I am the founder of a Helsinki based creative agency Måndag, a marketing designer and an urban activist. Over the years, I’ve been involved in a number of projects that activate social change. My long-term goal is to renew the terminology that is used in marketing and focus on open and transparent communication and the participatory approach to involve different people early enough in any given process. A lot of that, of course, has everything to do with the concepts of change. I understand the importance and power of change and breaking the status quo also within our industry. I’m a firm believer of trying new things and methods in both creative communications and urban culture. I used to work in advertising for over twenty years, both in Finland and abroad. That experience, approach and background has given me ways to understand the laws of marketing, importance of collaboration and creativity and tools to apply those to the modern world. But it’s also vital to recognize that the responsibility of change belongs to everyone. It is never too late to make a change, not for anyone. It is never impossible to change the world, no matter how small you are. When we think about making an impact, it’s not about being the biggest. It’s about getting your message across. Taking a stand. Stepping forward. Speaking up and believing your message. Being true to your own words and ideas. Because change is not always easy nor pleasant. It’s about being honest and open even when it scares you, because that too is something that inspires confidence. Going back to information and data: Nothing in this business is more radical than facts but our values should be the ground rules for everything that we do. At Måndag (which is Swedish and means “Monday”) we co-operate with all kinds of organizations, small and large, who we think are clearing the path for everyone towards a better and more sustainable society. Human and environmental rights are at the very center of everything that we do. Instead of campaigns, we build the future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, it’s a bit of hot cliché but it’s also true. As most Finns, I too do love saunas. And since Helsinki really is the sauna capital of the world, I’d first take them to visit different kind of saunas. Every sauna has their own culture. They, as well the actual experience, can be traditional, peaceful, festive or fun or anywhere in between. After sauna I would do what us Finns usually prefer. Go out and eat. Nowadays Helsinki has an incredibly great restaurant culture. After the meal it would be time to visit some of my friend’s apartments and probably eat more and enjoy some home-cooked Finnish meals. I believe local people and homes to be essential of getting a taste of any city or place anywhere. The best visits, however, are always spontaneous and not everything should be planned. So, there would be a lot of surprises to come. Hopefully we all get to travel responsible and safely again in the future and when that happens, welcome to HEL, I’ll be here waiting and hosting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a lot people I could mention but I go with my old piano teacher. As a child, I was a really shy kid. Performing with piano especially was very difficult for me, but my teacher never lost her hope or patience and encouraged me to keep on playing. On stage, sitting next to that piano, soon became my happy place that gave me security and confidence that eventually grew on me off the stage as well. As before, I like to involve people in projects early and give them freedom and responsibility. Nowadays I’d also like to think myself as a socially gifted person who is good with people. And for that I have my old piano teacher to thank for.

Website: www.mandag.fi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artosivonen/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artosivonen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arto.sivonen/

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