Why Great Leaders Make Really Bad Decisions—and How To Do Better | Timo Vuori | TEDxAalto University

Timo Vuori delivers his most personal and profound talk yet, blending raw storytelling with cutting-edge research. From his own life to the decisions of iconic leaders like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, he reveals the hidden force shaping every major decision: our emotions. Vuori doesn’t just explore how emotions can mislead us—he shows how they can also be harnessed for clarity and progress. With vivid examples and actionable insights, he shares how to turn emotions from a destructive force into a powerful ally. It’s a talk that redefines what it means to lead—and to decide. Timo Vuori is transforming how leaders approach strategy by revealing the powerful role emotions play in decision-making. A globally recognized expert in strategic management and emotional dynamics, Timo’s groundbreaking research on the emotional factors behind Nokia’s downfall has been widely cited and featured in publications such as Forbes, Fortune, and the Financial Times, sparking widespread discussion in the business world. Timo works closely with senior management teams, helping them make more effective strategic decisions by managing emotional dynamics and creating conditions for successful strategy execution. He is also the author of two highly regarded books on dynamic strategy-making and platform strategy, written in collaboration with top executives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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“Elon Musk and Emotional Decisions” is now on the Curious by Nature podcast with Dr. Timo Vuori.

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Emotional Challenges of Platform Transfomation: Case Nokia 2010-2011