What I’ve Learned as an Entrepreneur in Finland for over 7 Years

Jun 24, 2025 | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Public Speaking and Communication | 0 comments

When I became an entrepreneur in 2018, I didn’t have a roadmap.
I didn’t even have the language.

I was new to Finland, transitioning from a career in the global container shipping industry and barely speaking Finnish. Everyone told me to take the safer route: apply for jobs in sales. But something inside me said—no.

Instead of following the conventional path, I followed my heart. I stepped into the unknown and built a career around something I care deeply about: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Along the way, I’ve also carved out space to do what energizes me: hosting meaningful events, speaking on stages, and empowering individuals and communities to show up fully as themselves.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve had the privilege of working with organizations across Finland—from local startups to global corporations, from the capital to the corners of the country where inclusion is just beginning to be understood.

DEI Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Through experience, I’ve learned that DEI work must be rooted in context.
In Finland, that means understanding regional dynamics, workforce mobility, leadership styles, and what it takes to retain talent in places far beyond Helsinki.

Projects in Kuusamo, Posio, and Taivalkoski opened my eyes to just how much untapped potential exists when local communities are given tools to build inclusive cultures. As a DEI consultant and facilitator, my job isn’t just to “talk diversity”—it’s to listen deeply, analyze stakeholder needs, and co-create systems where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Inclusion Starts with Relationships

Outside of Helsinki, inclusion looks different.
It’s about building trust across generations, across languages, and across unspoken expectations. My ability to speak multiple languages—and my background as an immigrant entrepreneur—has helped me bridge those gaps and shift mindsets from mere compliance to genuine inclusion.

This work is not quick. But it is powerful.

Celebrating Yrittäjän Päivä – Finnish Entrepreneurs’ Day

Today marks the 27th year of celebrating Yrittäjän päivä (Entrepreneurs’ Day) in Finland. I’m honored to be marking the occasion by preparing to deliver a keynote at Suomen Yrittäjät’s Business Unplugged this November. I’ll be sharing lessons from my journey and exploring how companies can embed DEI into their business DNA—not as a checkbox, but as a catalyst for sustainable growth, vitality, and community building.

To Those Just Starting Out

If you’re an entrepreneur—especially one with a migrant background—know this:
You are still a first mover. And that matters.

Your journey is not just about what you create, but about the permission you give others to try, to fail, and to lead.

It has always been my mantra: It’s a privilege to fail in Finland. Why? Because we have the tools, the networks, and the support systems to turn each failure into courage and momentum.

Thank You

To my clients, partners, and mentors: thank you for trusting me.
To fellow entrepreneurs and changemakers like Evon Blomstedt, Varpu Rusila, Plamena Cherneva, and Susan Arac—thank you for your inspiration and shared ambition.
To every entrepreneur wondering if they belong: you do. Let’s go from being the “only one” to being “one of many.”

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