Entrepreneurship has been a part of my life since childhood. My earliest memories are of selling peas and sunflowers with my aunt in front of the local supermarket. My first ideas about entrepreneurship started forming already at that point.
I've always known that I wanted to study business. This is due partly to my father, who was a role model for me as an entrepreneur, but also to my inner desire to serve others and bring joy to those around me. I noticed that hard work pays of and makes me feel good about myself. actions get rewarded and that it can bring a good feeling to yourself as well. My studies at LUT gave me a clear sense of direction and the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
Today, I work at Kasvussa Oy as an entrepreneur and coach. Our company focuses on developing organizational operations through dialogue. We help teams and companies improve their communication skills, build stronger collaboration, and create a company culture that supports sustainable growth and success.
Although everything I’ve experienced in life has brought me closer to starting my own business, the pandemic years were a clear turning point. During that time, I discovered team learning methods and the concept of true dialogue. I became so passionate about it that I entered team coach training, where I met my current business partner. Our views on the challenges of today’s Finnish professional world aligned, and together we decided to transform it one dialogue at a time.
Studies and practical work experience support each other
I completed my master’s degree in the international marketing management, choosing entrepreneurship and management as my minor. I worked part-time at a media agency throughout my studies. That hands-on experience was crucial before stepping onto the path of entrepreneurship. I feel that LUT University equipped me with the knowledge and skills I needed for my future career, but my studies also sparked a passion for continuous learning and curiosity.
My studies especially enhanced my ability to work with people. I had imagined that studying at a university would mean reading alone in a library, but to my delight, group work and collaboration were central to my studies. They taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and coordination, which have proven invaluable in my current role.
Building networks was another key takeaway from my studies. Sharing stories about our days in Lappeenranta is a great conversation starter in meetings, and the alumni network has provided possibilities for both professional and personal growth.
During my studies, my job in Helsinki required regular office visits and broadened my perspective on how theory connects to real-life work. Now, I can apply the marketing knowledge I gained to develop and grow my own company.
Unforgettable moments in Skinnarila
One of the most memorable moments from my university days was the campus visit by Alexander Stubb, then prime minister and now president of Finland. We were having lunch when his massive entourage arrived. Prominent personalities often seemed to visit our campus expanding our horizons.
Professors responsible for my master’s programme courses, such as Sami Saarenketo, Olli Kuivalainen, Sanna Sundqvist, and Liisa-Maija Sainio, played a strong role in my professional development. My thesis supervisor, Anssi Tarkiainen, also supported me tremendously, and each of them has influenced the person I am today. My years at LUT taught me the value of strategic thinking, customer orientation, and teamwork, which are the foundations upon which I build both my business and coaching practices.
Future vision: knowledge and support for the next generation
My studies in Lappeenranta gave me a strong theoretical foundation for lifelong learning, but since graduation, I have continued to develop through more practical studies, such as certifications in management, product development, and Team Master coach training.
In the future, I hope to give back to the university, perhaps as a mentor or guest lecturer. It’s inspiring to think that I could support the next generation of students on their journey into the future world of work, as they will ultimately transform the work environment in their own way.
Jussi Haavisto
Studies at LUT: Master’s programme in International Marketing Management, 2013–2017
Other studies: First-Line Management Professional Qualification, 2019–2020, at Rastor Institute; Specialist Qualification in Product Development/Team Master, 2022–2023, at SASKY Educational Consortium/Team Academy Global
Work history:
- ToinenPHD, 2019–2023, various roles, most recent as Client Director | Head of People and Culture
- Lune Group, 2018–2019, Digital Marketing Manager
- ToinenPHD, 2015–2017, Account Manager
- Media Agency Voitto, 2012–2015, various roles, most recent as Account Manager
City of residence: Tampere
Hobbies: gym, travel, spending time at his summer cottage, and event decor rental
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