Tell us about a project you’ve worked on that you found particularly interesting or challenging.
Just before joining Futurice I worked on a project that was both extremely interesting and challenging. My client was a public official and the goal was to raise awareness and provide practical tools for companies supporting employees with learning difficulties, which is a relevant topic for virtually all organizations, given that around 20% of working-aged adults in Finland experience such challenges. This project allowed me to delve into a completely new subject area and learn from it. Due to the purpose and personal learnings, I found the project incredibly meaningful. The insights I gained from this experience continue to inform my work.
How do you stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies?
My general curiosity about the world naturally keeps me updated. I'm an observer, whether it's different signs in the city, architecture, nature, urban culture, or how services are designed in everyday life. I also listen to conversations, podcasts sometimes, and definitely try out new services and apps. Of course, I follow traditional and social media on various topics, often going down 'google rabbit holes.' Unpopular opinion: I prefer plain old reading over videos, finding it faster to grasp key points by browsing.
Any tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
My best tip for work-life balance is to engage in activities so physically or mentally demanding that there's simply no bandwidth left to think about anything else. This winter and spring, hot yoga has been that for me, forcing complete focus on that moment. For warmer seasons, having a garden offers a similar escape: there's so much to do from spring to autumn, a different kind of work from screen time. You might start with a few weeds and find yourself elbow deep in the soil or bush for hours. It’s also a fantastic way to practice creativity and patience, as you plan and envision, but it takes time to see any results.