Emmaleena Mellanoura, Evitec Solutions
"I especially enjoy being able to combine technology, strategy, and people into one whole."
What have you studied and what influenced this choice back in the day?
I studied electronics and electrical engineering at Aalto University. At sixth form I also considered business studies and international options, but mathematics and an interest in technology ultimately drew me towards engineering. I was especially attracted by the fact that electrical engineering provides a broad skill set and the chance to do many different things in the future. Even then, I believed technology could help build a smarter and more responsible society
How did you end up in your current position?
My career began in technology and software development in project management roles. Over the years my interests expanded to business development, strategy, leadership and organisational renewal. In my current role I get to combine all of these: the possibilities of technology, business growth, and the development of people and organisations..
What is the best thing about your job?
The best part is being able to influence the direction in which the company and its people develop, and to act as an enabler of that progress. I particularly enjoy bringing technology, strategy and people together into a coherent whole. It’s rewarding to see ideas turn into practical action and ultimately show up as a better customer experience, a stronger workplace community, or improved business results.
What have been the highlights and key lessons of your career?
The highlights come down to shared successes at company and team level. And that links to perhaps the most important lesson: no one succeeds alone. Technical skills matter, but collaboration, communication and leadership skills often determine how much impact you can have. Another key lesson has been to stay open to new opportunities and learning, even if they feel daunting at first.
What are your plans and goals in the future?
I want to keep combining technology, business and people leadership. Technology is transforming work profoundly, and I’m especially interested in how we can use it to create better services, better workplaces and new avenues for growth. My goal is to help build organisations that thrive amid change and have the courage to renew themselves.
What kind of person is suitable for your profession?
It suits people who are interested in both technology and people. What matters most is curiosity, a desire to learn, and an interest in solving problems. These days, technological capability is needed in almost every sector.
Your greetings for young people in high school deliberating their future career?
Don’t stress about having to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. As a student, I certainly didn’t know I’d end up in strategy, people leadership and transformation. Choose a direction that feels exciting right now, and be willing to try different opportunities.
Curiosity, the ability to learn and the courage to take on new challenges are far more important than a perfect career plan. Today, technology gives you the chance to influence almost everything around us, so dare to dream big. That idea mattered to me when I was studying, and I still believe in it.