Gentle Power, Emilia Elisabet Lahti
Gentle Power, Emilia Elisabet Lahti
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Gentle Power
A Revolution in How We Think, Lead, and Succeed Using the Finnish Art of Sisu

Author: Emilia Elisabet Lahti

Narrator: Judith Orloff

Unabridged: 5 hr 47 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/24/2023


Synopsis

A manual for the evolution of everyday leadership based on the Finnish science of sisu—from a leading researcher and teacher on the topic.

Power is fundamental in our lives—we express it in every conversation, relationship, and choice we make. All too often, we equate force and domination with power, while gentleness and compassion are considered “soft” or “weak.” The destructive nature of this skewed perspective has never been more obvious, yet there is reason to hope. With Gentle Power, Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti shares an illuminating guide to an emerging shift in the way we define true strength—an approach that balances resolve with reason, grit with compassion, and personal success with service to the collective good.

Lahti uses the concept of sisu, a central philosophy native to Finland, as the foundation for her investigation of gentle power. “At its best,” she says, “sisu is a harmonious approach to life itself, specifically in how we make decisions, relate to one another, and navigate times of crisis and peace.” Drawing from sisu—as well as aikido, Taoism, neuroscience, systems intelligence, and more—she shares an evidence-based approach to help you transform the way you manifest power. Join her to explore:

• Sisu—its history, its shadow, and the rising global interest in this profound philosophy
• Leadership and power—why toxic myths of power persist, and how we can dismantle them
• The paradox of gentleness—how inner resilience and true influence arise from vulnerability, empathy, and love
• Self-care—why gentle power begins with the way we treat ourselves

To understand power is to realize that leadership is not just for some selected minority—we are all leaders whose choices impact those around us. “Each of us can play a vital role in the collective transformation that the world is calling for,” Lahti writes. “It all starts in our own heart, in our own gentle power.” Here you’ll discover a path of wisdom, resilience, and compassionate strength that will elevate your life—and uplift others to take part in a new revolution of human empowerment.

About Emilia Elisabet Lahti

Emilia Elisabet Lahti is an awarded educator, applied psychology researcher, and founder of Sisu Lab which builds communities and organizational cultures based on everyday leadership as expression of courage and compassion. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, Business Insider, BBC, and Forbes. Originally from Finland, she’s taught internationally and given talks at Fortune 500 companies. For more, see sisulab.com.

About Judith Orloff

Judith Orloff, MD, is a leading voice in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, empathy, and intuitive development. A member of the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Staff, her bestselling books include The Empath’s Survival Guide, Thriving as an Empath, Emotional Freedom, Positive Energy, Dr. Judith Orloff’s Guide to Intuitive Healing, Second Sight, and The Genius of Empathy. She specializes in treating empaths and sensitive people in her private practice. Find more inspiration at Dr. Orloff’s website, drjudithorloff.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Aleksandra on March 22, 2023

I’m struggling to rate this book. On the one hand I didn’t find anything revolutionary in its ideas like the title has promised. On the other hand it’s not that simple as I’ll explain below. In the end despite my mixed feelings about certain things, there is no doubt that there is a lot of research......more

Goodreads review by Ryan on April 13, 2025

If you stripped away all the anecdotes and quotes from other people the author has read, you’d have a strongly worded essay about her own concept that’s sisu-adjacent. Instead, it’s a memoir. The title is a bit misleading too, as she’s actually come to form a sort of disdain for sisu, in my opinion. P......more

Goodreads review by Nicole on January 06, 2025

Incredible insights, I think everyone should read this book.......more

Goodreads review by John on April 25, 2025

Self-help isn't a genre I delve into. I'd never have heard of this without a chance find in the Finlandia Foundation's online booksite. I'd already known about the Suomi-labelled "sisu" ~fortitude/ guts/ inner drive as what William James (learned that within) coined "second wind" but I wanted a soli......more

Goodreads review by Vic on April 20, 2023

I highly recommend the book ‘Gentle Power’ by E. Elisabet Lahti, PhD. It offers a fresh perspective on power and leadership, emphasising the importance of gentleness, compassion, and service to the collective good. I was privileged enough to meet Emilia as part of her practice-based research for her......more