At HUB, we have the Manager Meetup, a shared forum for the management team and unit leaders. On average, we gather around the same table once per quarter to exchange ideas, review the current situation, and build the future together. These meetups have become one of the most essential ways to maintain open dialogue and ensure that the company’s strategic goals are effectively translated into practical actions.
Let it be said that the meetup is not a formal meeting but rather a session of collaborative work. And since we have a habit of combining development with fun, I can assure you that in addition to productive work, there was plenty of laughter and a whirlwind of ideas.
The first meetup of the year was recently held in Vierumäki. This time, the focus was not only on the current strategy period but also on the future. The strategy period 2025–2028 was a strong theme throughout the two-day program. The meetup offered a great opportunity to reflect on our current goals and plan the next steps to ensure HUB continues to lead the way as an industry pioneer and trailblazer.
Unleashing creativity through small-group work
I didn’t want to make it easy for the participants – on the contrary, I wanted to challenge them with a concrete development task that would unleash their creativity. The small groups were tasked with designing an assembly layout for a customer using LEGO bricks and creating a presentation on HUB’s new strategy. The challenge involved several variables, including sustainability in all its aspects, leveraging new technologies, and ensuring transparency in customer collaboration. After some initial confusion, the groups hit their stride, producing impressive results. The enthusiasm and creativity in the room were palpable.
The small-group task was not just a thought experiment; it reflected the multifaceted considerations that HUB takes into account in its daily operations. The plans demonstrated a strong understanding of the importance of sustainability from environmental, personnel, and financial perspectives. The process design was meticulous, and many solutions showed detailed attention to customer needs. The task also provided an excellent opportunity to practice communicating strategy from a customer perspective.
The groups presented their results the following day, and the quality was exceptionally high. As a surprise addition, two remote participants were invited to evaluate the outcomes and select the winners. According to the judging panel, the presentations showcased how deeply the participants had engaged with the task and how committed they were to tackling the development challenges. There may have been some skepticism about the use of electric ships or wind turbines on the roof of a fabric hall, but let’s not get caught up in the details.
Collaboration for meaningful solutions
The Manager Meetups have firmly established themselves as a shared development platform for the entire company. These sessions not only allow us to assess the current situation and plan for the future but also provide an opportunity to learn together and share best practices. When experts from various levels and functions of the organization come together, they bring diverse perspectives and solutions that drive HUB forward toward its goals.
It was great to see how, for instance, in this most recent meetup, participants tackled the tasks with such enthusiasm and determination. Building solutions collaboratively makes this work particularly meaningful. The best part is that no one is left to face challenges alone, and everyone has the opportunity to share their ideas.
The planning of HUB’s next strategy period will continue intensively throughout 2025, with further details to be shared as the plans take final shape. Collaborative efforts, open dialogue, and practical development will, however, remain at the core of HUB’s operational approach moving forward.
Blog was written by our development manager Anssi Tura. An innovative and creative development manager who develops based on data and looking to the future.
Read more about HUB in This is HUB-section.
