Communication expert gets top Finnish honour
Cross-cultural communication specialist Richard D. Lewis has received one of Finland’s top honours. Lewis was awarded the Insignia of Commander, of the Order of the Lion of Finland 16th of June 2009 at the London residency of the Finnish Ambassador Jaakko Laajava.Lewis is a renowned expert in the field of cross-cultural interaction and communication and has published tens of books about the subject. He has given special focus to his “pet child” Finland by publishing two books concentrating on Finnish culture.
Lewis is also a linguist and entrepreneur and is recognised as one of the most distinguished experts in issues related to cross-cultural encounters. He has held numerous seminars on the subject and his top selling book When Cultures Collide (1997), is a classic of cross-cultural communication literature.
Lewis’s special interest in Finland has yielded two books, Finland: Cultural Lone Wolf (2007) and Finland: Europe's Hero Nation (1997) in which he explores the Finnish success story and culture.
During the Finnish - EU presidency Lewis worked as a cultural trainer with all the Finnish ministries and the Prime Minister's Office. He has strong ties with the Finnish business and around 80 Finnish companies, including Nokia, Valio and Pöyry, use his services.
Lewis also acts as the chair of the Finnish English Speaking Union, which is dedicated to promoting the status of the English language. He has actively participated in setting up and financing the Finnish branch of the ESU.
The insignia awarded to him is not the first Finnish honour he has received. In 1997 he was awarded the Insignia of the Knight, of the Order of the Lion of Finland.
Text and photo: Mikko Keltanen, Embassy of Finland