Leading with Purpose: Petra Havu’s Global Journey in Culture and Change
(Cover image by Kerttu Penttilä)
I had a privilege to interview Petra Havu, CEO of Finnish Museums Association. Petra’s professional journey is about leading with purpose and with fearless attitude. The discussion with Petra Havu was truly inspiring by opening a new world and new perspectives about the role of museums in our society as a stabilizing factor during the rough times.
I could not survive without my cohort during the pandemic and crisis at work.
Petra Havu talked about her background, including her studies in art history and political science at the University of Helsinki and a year of study at the University of Edinburgh. She also mentioned that she had lived in Germany and worked for the UN Climate Change Secretariat before returning to Finland to raise her children in Finland.
A Diverse Career from Advocacy to Cultural Sector Leadership
Petra’s professional experience is impressive and from diverse sectors. She worked in various interest groups in Finland, such as Akava and the Finnish Union of University Professors, before returning to the arts and culture sector. Major step in her career was when she was headhunted to her current position as a CEO in Finnish Museums Association. Finnish Museums Association Group grew rapidly during Petra's time. Petra reformed the structures of the organization and reorganised the premises. The purpose of the organization is engaging in advocacy and issue statements on behalf of museums. It represents museums both in Finland and abroad. The subsidiary company that maintains the Museum Card has nearly doubled its annual turnover during Petra’s time as a CEO.
Leadership Challenges and the Transformative Impact of Henley EMBA Studies
Petra talked about the leadership challenges when she started as the new CEO during the pandemic, when employees were working remotely, and the organization was very turbulent due to all the changes that had to be done. During the difficult period at work, she decided to start her Executive MBA studies in Henley Business School. She chose Henley Business School because of valuable experience of studying in University in Britain, and to build network outside of her work. It helped her cope with a difficult leadership situation, and the studies gave herself confidence as a leader. Petra said, “it was truly life changing experience starting the EMBA studies in Henley Business School. I felt empowered and inspired. I could not survive without my cohort during the pandemic and crisis at work.”
International Influence in the Museum Sector
In 2024, Petra took over the role of Chairperson of NEMO (Network of European Museum Organisations), an independent network established in 1992. She has represented NEMO in various international connections, including the Council of Europe and UNESCO. Petra shared her view about the role of museums as preservationists and interpreters of cultural heritage. She also addressed challenges museums has faced in recent years, such as political interference and funding reductions, particularly in Eastern Europe, and emphasized the importance of museums as stabilizing forces and sources of reliable information within society.
Read our other Leader in the Spotlight interviews.
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