Following our “Leading with Purpose and Values” video series, where Amer Sports leaders talk about what our purpose and values mean to them, we are excited to continue with a new series of stories. “Stories of purpose and values” shines the light on several of our employees who embody our purpose and values in their everyday actions.
To kick things off, we’re focusing on our “Always authentic” value. Always authentic means we stay true to who we are and build trusting relationships with integrity. Being always authentic means that our actions align with our words, we enable self-direction and responsibility, and we’re truthful even when it’s difficult.
Meet Jessica, Damian, Antti-Jussi, and Carol who champion our “Always authentic” value.
Jessica Easter
Director, Global Brand Strategy & Transformation, Wilson, USA
As an authentic leader, Jessica is committed to embracing vulnerability. She’s not only transforming the culture at Wilson, but fostering a more collaborative and empathetic work environment. As she puts it, “I lead with vulnerability. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, and I feel like I am then being my most authentic self”.
Jessica balances accountability and feedback with empathy and strength-based leadership, empowering her team to leverage their unique strengths for success. She illustrates her leadership philosophy with an analogy of an iconic hockey player.
“Take Wayne Gretzky, for example. He’s known for his attacking forward style, focused on scoring goals. That’s what got him into the Hall of Fame. That’s what made him one of the best hockey players of all time, not by spending so much time practicing defense. Similarly, strength-based leadership is about leveraging our team’s unique strengths, rather than focusing too much on building a weak muscle.”
Through her authentic leadership style, Jessica inspires positive change and cultivates a culture of trust and collaboration within Wilson.
Damian Krokos
Brand Representative, Salomon, Australia
Damian has a genuine approach to building relationships with team members and partners. He focuses on the long-term, and is committed to open and honest communication fostering stronger relationships and elevating Salomon’s brand presence in Australia.
Damian collaborates closely with trade partners, and is dedicated to supporting our partners’ success. As he emphasizes, “It’s about the long game and not only about the right now or this season. It’s about how we can help our accounts, support them, and get a better result for their overall business.”
He builds relationships through thoughtfulness, honesty, and consideration. “I let people know my capabilities and limitations, set realistic expectations, have a joke and keep things light when appropriate, and own up to my mistakes or shortcomings.”
Damian’s approach results in stronger teamwork. He talks about how success is not just his own – it’s a collective effort towards achieving shared goals. “I couldn’t really do my job without the people around me. I’m very thankful to have the team that we do. I try to make sure I share my appreciation for them daily.”
Carol Brodie
IT Manager, Amer Sports, UK
Carol, who’s been with Amer Sports for over thirty years, is committed to honesty, trust, and transparency. She is dedicated to empowering our employees and enhancing their work experience when it comes to IT in many of our EMEA offices. Her positive attitude and patient demeanor make her a trusted advisor as she navigates technical complexities with clarity and understanding.
Carol’s passion for supporting people and delivering solutions shines through in every interaction. “Honesty and trust are very important in authenticity. If I didn’t have trust, I couldn’t do my role. People need to be able to come to me with the truth so we can then find solutions together.”
When asking her what has kept her at Amer Sports for decades, Carol’s face lights up. “I have a whole network of super people who I work with. That’s why I’ve been with the company for over thirty years. IT is also constantly evolving, and the way people work is changing as technology advances. I find this fascinating. Tomorrow is always something different, new, and exciting and I feel lucky to work together with amazing people.”
Antti-Jussi Kemppainen
Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis EMEA, Arc’teryx, Sweden
From Olympic freeski athlete to finance professional, Antti-Jussi’s journey speaks to how he remains true to himself. He initially joined Amer Sports Group Finance team, then transitioning to Peak Performance, and subsequently to Arc’teryx.
Antti-Jussi is humble and willing to embrace new challenges, reflecting his commitment to growth and development. He boldly pursues what aligns with his values and long-term aspirations. He reflects on his journey: “During a long sports career, you develop an identity. And then, curiosity drives your focus into a new field where you basically know nothing and must start all over. I approached this transition as a humble beginner, and I aspire to continue being one as long as possible because it feels true to me.”
Antti-Jussi is open about self-doubt and his appreciation for the support he has received along the way. Today, he continues to build relationships through the passion we all share at Amer Sports: sports and the outdoors.
“It’s always inspiring to meet people who share similar values and hobbies. As a freeski athlete, I was fully immersed in that community. Now, it’s fulfilling to continue living a lifestyle aligned with shared interests, and I appreciate that Amer Sports values and encourages us to explore and experience the joy of sports and the outdoors.”
The stories of Jessica, Damian, Carol, and Antti-Jussi serve as powerful reminders of the transformative impact of authenticity. Authenticity isn’t defined by grand gestures or extraordinary personas; rather, it’s about the small everyday actions we choose to make. From leadership and partnership to support and resilience, these diverse journeys illustrate the tangible difference authenticity can make in shaping our culture and driving success. As we move forward, we draw inspiration from their examples, embracing authenticity as a guiding principle to elevating the world through sport.
