Mirva Leinonen: Investing in People and Ideas

Combining her passion for finance, research, and service to create change that matters!

When people face complex decisions, they often seek guidance from someone they can trust. For Mirva Leinonen, providing that guidance has defined both her professional and personal journey. She spent 16 years in the financial sector, helping clients manage investments with care and insight. Those years shaped her understanding of responsibility, strategy, and the human side of finance.

At 41, Mirva has acknowledged a new challenge: pursuing a doctorate in business administration. Her research focuses on international change management and the integration of artificial intelligence in management. She approaches these fields with curiosity and a commitment to fairness, aiming to create solutions that strengthen organizations and support the people within them.

Her dedication to helping others extends beyond the classroom and workplace. Volunteering as a firefighter, Mirva embraces challenges that demand quick thinking, teamwork, and compassion. Each experience reinforces her people-oriented approach, fueling her drive to learn and grow.

Investing remains more than a career interest; it is a personal passion that connects her analytical skills with her fascination for markets. Every portfolio, every decision, and every strategy shows her belief in careful planning and thoughtful guidance.

Mirva’s journey bridges intellect and empathy, ambition and service. She illustrates how expertise in finance can grow into a broader mission of encouraging fairness and supporting others. Her story is an example of growth, curiosity, and the enduring impact of combining knowledge with human connection.

Personal Philosophy for Responsible AI in Banking

Mirva’s approach to implementing responsible AI is guided by justice, continuous development, and a human-centered approach, so that AI solutions support company management, employees, and customers.

Putting People at the Heart of Just Management

People are at the heart of just management. Mirva observes that these people are often seen only as customers. She highlights the significance and importance of employees in developing comprehensive just management.

Rethinking Processes Through a Challenger Mentality

With the increasing use of artificial intelligence and the emergence of many related concerns among employees, Mirva began researching management practices and the application of artificial intelligence in the financial sector. She observed that companies require a purposeful strategy for implementing AI to ensure that justice and a human-centered approach guide the change process. This approach enhances acceptance and encourages the promotion of change, while also supporting the growth and development of employees and the business.

Balancing Technical Transformation with Team Readiness

Mirva would strive to combine clear communication and participatory leadership so that technical changes are implemented smoothly, and teams feel safe and motivated in the middle of change.

Maintaining Human Connection in Virtual Work

People need to be encouraged to embrace change and highlight its positive aspects. While remote collaboration differs from meeting in person, Mirva believes that attitude and willingness to put oneself out there play a significant role in the success of remote collaboration.

Integrating Research into Practical Solutions

Mirva would integrate empirical findings into practical solutions by analysing research data to identify best practices, adapting these insights to the organizational context, and collaborating with employees to implement changes that improve processes and outcomes.

Empathy in Leadership and Relationship Management

In the middle of digitalization, Mirva sees empathy playing an increasingly important role in leadership and relationship management. Technology and artificial intelligence can streamline work and act as partners, but empathy and emotional intelligence make management human.

In relationship management, empathy helps her understand others and maintain relationships even in difficult and challenging situations.
The Future of AI and Leadership in Banking and Investment Management

Mirva believes that artificial intelligence will become an important tool for managers in decision-making, as it provides up-to-date information and helps identify new business opportunities.

She notes that artificial intelligence frees up time from routine tasks and enables better support for employees. At the same time, she emphasizes that people-centered leadership and empathy will remain central, as technology and people complement each other.

Ensuring Decisions Remain Data-Informed and Human-Centered

In change management in the age of artificial intelligence, Mirva relies on practices that combine the power of data with the significance of people. She uses analytics and artificial intelligence in decision-making, combined with transparent and participatory processes.

This involves applying participatory design early in the decision-making process, assessing the impact on different groups of people, communicating with empathy while acknowledging uncertainties, creating a sense of psychological safety, and embracing continuous learning.

Redefining Success in AI Decision-Making

Mirva evaluates success based on how AI solutions promote the engagement and experience of managers, employees, and customers. She emphasizes that decision-making remains transparent and just and does not focus solely on financial metrics. She believes that true success is also reflected in the well-being of the work community and long-term trust.

Legacy in Responsible AI and Financial Innovation

Mirva hopes to leave a legacy where responsible AI and innovation support both business growth and employee well-being and success. She aims to promote a culture where justice, transparency, and a human-centered approach form the foundation, both in research and leadership.

Her goal focuses on developing AI solutions that build trust, empower leaders, employees, and customers, and drive sustainable development within the financial sector.

Read the full magazine edition: Click Here