Sanna Marin’s Masterclass On Embracing Fearlessness

“If I had waited for a permission from others to take my stands, I would still be waiting” – Sanna Marin

The fear of inadequacy, the fear of making mistakes, and the fear of falling short of others’ expectations can immobilize even the best of us.

In her recent NYU commencement speech, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin reflected on her path to becoming the youngest state leader, delivering a masterclass on overcoming the multitude of fears that hinder individuals from taking on leadership roles.

In addition to navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19 and managing the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Marin’s tenure as PM has been marked by obstacles unrelated to her competence in running a country.

From her earliest days in office, she faced a chorus of doubters, naysayers, and cynics who sought to undermine Finland’s first all-female coalition government. Foreign pundits frequently raised her past as a cashier, while local critics pointed to her youthful personal life as a disqualifying factor.

While it is easy to admire her ability to brush off criticism, including memorable responses like “Yes, women lead the government. Get over it,” one can only imagine the emotional toll it took to lead a country while constantly justifying her right to do so.

“Don’t be afraid. You are enough. You are capable.“

Marin’s journey to Yankee Stadium lent power and resonance to her words, and when she urged the NYU class of 2023 to stop being afraid, it was a call worth heeding.

As her speech concluded, Marin emphasized that many of our fears stem from societal judgments that are often baseless and unjust. While we are not responsible for the self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy triggered by these judgments, we are accountable for overcoming them.

Marin herself exemplifies finding purpose in what we do as a way of dealing with fear. In a world that urgently needs leadership, we all possess the necessary tools to step up and champion change in our own communities, should we choose to do so.

And there’s one thing Sanna Marin forgot to mention: if you can’t stop being afraid, there is nothing stopping you from leading while feeling petrified.