Speaker
Social psychologist | Author | Well-being and relationships expert | Workplace culture developer
Aliisa Holkko is a social psychologist, author, and interpreter of humanity at work. Her expertise has been built in some of Finland’s most successful and innovative growth companies, and she specialises in developing working life through mental well-being, culture, and relationships. As a speaker Aliisa is energetic, warm, and insight-driven.
Speaker profile
Aliisa Holkko is a social psychologist (M.Soc.Sc.), author, and interpreter of humanity at work. She specialises in questions of well-being and being human, especially through the lens of relationships, and she believes in the healing power of connection — in personal struggles and in workplace challenges alike.
Aliisa’s experience in the fast-paced growth-company world has given her a deep understanding of the phenomena experts and teams wrestle with every day. As a social psychologist and experienced organisation developer, she looks at those phenomena systemically: as the interplay of the individual, relationships, and culture.
As a speaker Aliisa is energetic, warm, and insight-driven. She brings social-psychological research and practical understanding of working life into her talks, and she opens up what actually supports sustainable well-being and collaboration. Her engaging, present style makes even difficult themes approachable and encourages the audience to consider what they themselves might do differently. When it helps, Aliisa uses participatory elements that take insights into practice more effectively.
In 2026 Aliisa publishes a non-fiction book, Kunpa he pitäisivät minusta – Eroon riittämättömyyden tunteesta (Tammi), which offers new perspectives on humanity, the need to belong, and the meaning of connection — in romantic relationships, at work, and in everyday encounters.
Aliisa’s talks suit events that want a deeper understanding of humanity at work, stronger community, and more sustainable well-being. They sit naturally in People & Culture programmes and other events focused on leading people.
Talks
Burnout is today’s epidemic. Research shows that the quality of our relationships is the strongest predictor of well-being. Why does individual-centred working life wear people down, and what happens when we shift the gaze from the individual to relationships?
The fear of not being enough makes us spend enormous time and energy trying to be accepted — at work, in relationships, in life. We protect ourselves so we will not be rejected or overlooked. What unhelpful ways do we use to seek connection and approval, and how can we express ourselves more authentically?
Connection is a universal basic need: every person wants to be seen and accepted. In an individual-centred culture, needing others is often treated as weakness. What happens when we accept that need instead of trying to hide it?
Attachment theory is best known from parenting and romantic relationships, but the same patterns show up at work. How do safety and insecurity play out in organisations, and how can attachment science help us build a workplace that actually works?
Well-being and performance are not opposites: well-being is the foundation of high performance. A thriving, productive organisation is born from the interplay of the individual, relationships, and culture. How do we create workplaces where people can shine instead of merely surviving?
Without meaningful feedback, an organisation cannot grow into its potential. Many people still live in a feedback drought that weakens motivation and slows learning. We often focus on what to fix and forget the power of appreciation. What happens when appreciation sits at the heart of feedback culture?
Similar speakers
Tell us the date and occasion. We will check availability and come back with the fee.
