68 - Satu Rämö - Where Discipline Meets Imagination

The Nordic Leaders meet Nordic Blue Crime!

In this episode, we sit down with Satu Rämö — bestselling Finnish author, Icelandic resident, and creator of the hugely popular Hildur crime series.

Satu is a master of paradox. She’s a crime writer who can’t stand the sight of blood. A daily runner who lives by strict routines, yet writes fiction filled with wild unpredictability. A storyteller who leads with trust — even when it has cost her dearly.

We explore:

• How discipline can fuel creativity
• Why her crime novels are fiction — but based entirely on real experiences
• What she learned from trusting the wrong people
• The role of Icelandic folklore in shaping her voice
• How she found product-market fit — and literary magic
• Her writing rituals, rejection themes, and the power of little daily habits

Satu also reflects on her upcoming TV adaptation, her journey to one million copies sold, and why she believes in demystifying the creative process.

Whether you're a leader, writer, entrepreneur — or simply someone who loves a good story — this episode is for you.

Some standout quotes from 

🎤 “I don’t start writing a book. I start writing chapter one.”  Progress begins with small, focused steps.

🎤“I write fiction — but I haven’t made anything up.” Fictional crime novels built from real-life stories, observations, and interviews.

🎤“Discipline is the way I create space for freedom.”A daily 3.3km run and structured writing routine allow creativity to flourish.

🎤“My biggest failures have come from trusting the wrong people — but I still choose to trust.” A striking reflection on the emotional risk and reward of openness.

🎤“If you wait too long to write the story, it goes stale. Like old fish.” On why speed matters — not just for productivity, but for staying connected to the soul of a story.

🎤“I have to be my own boss, colleague, and assistant. So I give myself structure.” Life as a solo creator, and how she keeps herself moving forward.

🎤“The stories are all true. The characters are not.” Her method of blending journalism, folklore, and imagination.

🎤“I don’t want to mystify creativity. It’s not magic. It’s work — beautiful, hard work.” Satu on demystifying the writing process and encouraging aspiring authors.

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Books Mentioned in the episode

• Satu Rämö's Hildur series
• On Writing by Stephen 
• Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink
• Atomic Habits by James Clear