Kirsi Kallio

Kirsi Elina Kallio works as a University Teacher and researcher at the School of Management at the University of Vaasa. Her research explores workplace and organisational learning, strategic transformation and the development of work. She is particularly interested in how contradictions and emerging needs for change become visible in everyday organisational activity, and how they can lead to new forms of collaboration and value co-creation.

Kallio’s research combines Cultural-Historical Activity Theory with Developmental Work Research. Her doctoral research examined how the Boundary-Crossing Change Laboratory can support strategic transformation in industrial automation. Her current research interests also include collective learning, agency, service transformation, dynamic capabilities and the effects of artificial intelligence on work and organisations.

In her teaching, Kallio connects research with practical questions in working life. She teaches and supervises theses in leadership, human resource management, competence development and organisational renewal. She has more than 30 years of university-level teaching experience in Finland and internationally, including teaching in English.

Kallio applies research-based knowledge to organisational development and collaboration between different stakeholders. She has designed and facilitated development processes in areas including the City of Helsinki’s services, cooperation among employment-service stakeholders and vocational education. Her work brings together research, teaching and the development of working life.

Kallio is the author of Moderni johtaja: Työsuhteiden johtamisesta toiminnan johtamiseen (Kauppakamari, 2023). She hosted the HENRY Talks podcast and leads HENRY ry’s Strategic HR Network. She contributes to public discussion as a speaker, expert writer and media commentator. On LinkedIn, she shares research-based perspectives on leadership and the changing world of work with a broad audience. Her professional qualifications include EMCC Global Senior Practitioner accreditation, certification as a professional supervisor and the HHJ Approved Board Member qualification.