Thursday Introductions – Mikko Luukkonen

Torstain tutustumiset – Mikko Luukkonen

Who does what at ECIT NORIAN, and what kind of people are we really? Thursday Introductions gives you a glimpse into everyday life at ECIT NORIAN and the stories behind the people who work here. Today it’s time to meet another new colleague.

I’m Mikko Luukkonen, and I’m Country Head of ECIT NORIAN in Finland.

BACKGROUND – How I ended up at NORIAN

I’m an all-rounder in IT — an M.Sc. (Tech.) who wandered into ERP entrepreneurship, then into IT sales and sales leadership, and now leads the Finnish country company of an international accounting firm. All my life I’ve been fascinated by cutting-edge technology and, above all, by how it can be put to work in business — with AI as the latest arrival.

Last October, after more than a decade at an IT consultancy, I decided to look for a new challenge. Just over a month later, an executive search firm found me, and I decided to take part in the recruitment process. After a couple of rounds of interviews we decided to join forces, and here we are. I see that ECIT NORIAN brings together finance and IT in a skilful way, and I feel I have a lot to offer the industry.

MY ROLE & WAYS OF WORKING – What a working day at ECIT NORIAN looks like

As Managing Director of ECIT NORIAN Oy and Country Manager for Finland, I’m responsible for the business and its results, and I report to group management. The role leans heavily towards sales and growth, and alongside that I look after our company’s finances and the wellbeing and development of our people.

We operate in three locations in Finland, and the work also involves a great deal of international collaboration — with our other countries and with our service centres. I work closely with the management team, our service managers and group management.

My main focus areas right now are developing our sales and marketing strategy, taking new customer acquisition to the next level, and making sure existing customers stay happy. I’m also putting effort into improving our internal processes together with our international organisation.

What I find most meaningful is succeeding as a leader of both sales and people, and putting cutting-edge technology — AI above all — to work in our own business and in our customers’. Put simply, my goal is business development and growth, together with the wellbeing and success of our workplace.

SKILLS & LEARNING → What I’ve carried with me from my career

I’d say my strengths are a proactive and responsible attitude, a sense of humour, and actually listening to people. Leading sales in IT consulting taught me a great deal about working together, about people-centred leadership, and about how much marketing matters in creating demand. I draw on those lessons actively in my current role.
I’ve also noticed that I’m at my most motivated when someone tells me I can’t do something. In other words, I’m fairly easy to motivate — as long as you know which lever to pull.

COLLABORATION AND CULTURE → What kind of workplace works best

To my mind, the best workplace is one where people trust each other and where a safe atmosphere is something that comes naturally. A community where people are encouraged to do their best and given room to try new things — mistakes included. In other words, a place where working together is good, and even fun. I like to build that by listening, asking questions, encouraging and supporting.

The best part of this job so far has been the international, fast-growing atmosphere, where people are encouraged to take responsibility and to develop. Working alongside top finance specialists and technology is genuinely inspiring.

VAPAA-AJALLA → OUTSIDE WORK → Where I get my energy

Outside work I get a lot of joy out of sport — swimming, running and the gym in particular. I’d warmly encourage everyone to look after their own health.

A small but meaningful everyday thing: when a colleague gets praise or recognition for something they’ve achieved, big or small. It makes the day better.

FINALLY → What I’d like to say to my colleagues

I see IT as something of a calling. That probably goes back to the IBM computer my father bought in 1987 — ever since, I’ve spent my whole career working with technology and software, and now with finance as well.
I hope all my colleagues get to experience success at work and in life, and find a balance between work and free time in an ever more hectic working world.