Sonja Heikkilä, PostNord Oy

What have you studied and why?

I ended up studying Transport and Information Technology at Aalto University, which was then the Helsinki University of Technology. After high school I didn't really know what I wanted to study, but I was interested in technical subjects.
When I started studying Transport and Information Technology, I realised that the field was linked to many important social issues such as the adequacy of public funds, the prevention of climate change, individual freedom and human well-being. I began to see many engineering disciplines as enablers and solvers of big problems.

How did you become a transport visionary?

I grew up in the countryside with poor transport links. Since childhood, I have seen how poor transport links can limit everyday life, such as opportunities for hobbies, seeing friends and being independent. That's where the fire to tackle these disadvantages was born.
My thesis gave me free hands to work, and I envisioned the world from the user's point of view. The result was a vision of user-centred mobility, Mobility as a Service, and my thesis became world-famous overnight. A common vision for Finland had been in the pipeline for some time and my thesis managed to put the pieces together into a concrete vision that caught the attention of many people. It was great to see how the vision resonated so strongly with people. It confirmed that the work must continue. The following years took me to numerous international stages to share Finland's vision of future mobility.

What is the best thing about your job?

I am highly motivated by the challenge and complexity of the sector. Each person on the move has different needs. How do you meet the different mobility needs around Finland while keeping mobility costs and emissions low?
The great thing is to be in daily contact with new innovations and to see how people's behaviour is slowly changing.

What have been the highlights and most important lessons of your career?

The highlight of my career has been leading a major change project at OP. As a newcomer, I got involved in the strategy process and got to rethink things. It was great to see how colleagues and partners, one by one, got excited about the new things. The pieces started to fall into place as a result of my own work.

What are your expectations for the future?

In the field of mobility, my motivation is to improve people's quality of life and state of the environment. I want to continue to make a positive impact on the world and innovate on traditional industries. I want to work in an open working environment where everyone can be themselves, while working for important causes.

What greetings would you like to send to a young person considering a career?

If you have a vision that you want to realise, studying engineering is a safe choice. An understanding of technology is useful, and an engineering degree opens up countless career opportunities even when you're older. Don't think you won't make it. You can learn anything if you're interested enough. You'll find your own path! Remember that you also hold the keys to making the industry the way you want it to be.