Reindeer, Circus Skills and Innovation

In our globally interconnected world, cultural diversity is an integral part of our working lives. Immersing myself in diverse cultures has not only broadened my worldview, but also enhanced my creativity and innovativeness. While the connection between cultural diversity and innovation is widely acknowledged, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies of this relationship to harness the full potential of multicultural teams. In this blog post, I draw from my personal experiences to highlight how cultural diversity can drive creativity and innovation, while sharing my perspective on cultivating an inclusive and thriving work environment.

I come from Finland, but I ethnically identify as Sami. My father’s family comes from Utsjoki, one of the northernmost villages in Finland, where they used to make their living as fishermen, hunters and reindeer herders. Did you know that Sami people are in fact the only indigenous people in Europe? They reside in Sápmi, which includes parts of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. They have a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to their land, which has sustained their traditional livelihoods. The three Sami languages, part of the Uralic language family, are considered endangered due to historical assimilation policies (of which also my father was a victim) and the dominance of the majority cultures in the countries they inhabit.

Today, Sami people continue to advocate for their rights and the preservation of their culture, language, and traditional ways of life. Although I’ve never officially lived in Sápmi, I spent nearly every summer there until I relocated to France at the age of 19. As a member of a minority ethnic group, my identity has been significantly influenced by this background – the absence of a strong sense of belonging to a single place has instilled in me a desire to explore new countries and cultures. This nomadic spirit has also helped me adapt to new environments and establish connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a deep appreciation for collaboration and understanding across cultures.

After spending five incredible years in Paris, I ventured into the world of contemporary circus arts, touring internationally as an aerial acrobat and working alongside artists from different cultures. This unique journey taught me the value of inclusivity and the beauty of diverse perspectives when individuals from different backgrounds collaborate. During my time with one particular circus show, which spanned three years and six countries, I was part of a team of fifty members from twelve different nationalities. Although occasional disagreements surfaced within our close-knit community, the melting pot of diverse viewpoints truly fuelled our collective creativity. Under the guidance of a magnificent Italian theatre director, we challenged each other to push the boundaries of contemporary circus performance and to think outside the box. Our commitment to innovation was tangible in the show we produced – the absence of seating blurred the lines between performers and audience members, with rigging unfolding in plain sight. Artists roamed among the spectators, and acts materialised throughout the tent, creating an immersive performance that captivated all who attended.

My circus journey resonates with the findings of a Harvard Business Review study, which discovered that diverse teams are more likely to generate innovative ideas by tackling problem-solving from various perspectives and devising unique solutions. As a circus artist, I’ve witnessed first hand how embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment allows creative minds to flourish and pushes the boundaries of what we can achieve.