Philosopher specialising in human motivation, wellbeing, and meaningfulness.
Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2025.
Has presented 100+ keynotes at Finnish companies, ministries, and NGOs.
Has spoken at universities on five continents.
With a focus on the meaning of life, Frank Martela delves into what drives human motivation and fulfilment within organisational settings. His research provides managers and leaders with profound insights into how meaning, happiness, and purpose influence both individual performance and organisational success: by understanding the fundamentals of human needs and wellbeing, and moving beyond traditional management models, leaders can create environments that foster not only productivity but also a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Assistant professor at Aalto University, Helsinki, Frank Martela’s research has been published in numerous academic journals within psychology, philosophy, and organisational research. He is also co-founder of Filosofian Akatemia Oy, a company that measures engagement, motivation, and meaningfulness at work, which sold to Heltti in 2023. Frank is a key expert on the happiness of nations and why Finland and other Nordic countries are so happy. He has been interviewed by journalists across the world, including the BBC, New York Times, Fox News, New Scientist, Le Monde, Der Spiegel, and The Times.
A Wonderful Life: Insights for Finding a Meaningful Existence (2020). ‘The Outsized Benefits of “Minimalist” Leadership’ (Harvard Business Review, December 2023); ‘Why AI Will Never Replace Managers’ (with Jukka Luoma, Harvard Business Review, September 2021); ‘What to Do When Work Feels Meaningless’ (with Derin Kent, Harvard Business Review, June 2020); ‘I’m a psychologist in Finland, the No. 1 happiest country in the world: 4 phrases we use every day’ (CNBC, March, 2024); ‘Want a meaningful life? Just ask: “Who would I take to a remote island?”’ (TED Ideas, July 2020).
“The search for life’s meaning is perhaps the most important quest we can undertake… ‘A Wonderful Life’ is a book you can refer to again and again on your journey toward purpose.”
Daniel H. Pink, Thinkers50 Ranked Thinker, author of When, Drive, To Sell Is Human, and A Whole Mind
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United Kingdom
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