New Roadie Arrivals 2/25

Say hello to three new Roadies joining the Columbia Road team this February: Mauno, Mariem, and Olof, who we're delighted to welcome back as a Roadie retourné!

Mariem Maiouak

Managing Consultant, Development

Hi Mariem, how did you get good at what you do?

My journey into software development started in a rather unexpected way. While pursuing a degree in mathematics and physics, I took a minor C programming course and quickly realised I was captivated by software development. This led me to pivot my career path, enrolling in a master's program in computer science right after my undergraduate studies. The decision to switch fields proved correct, and I've been pursuing a career in tech ever since. Over the years, I have focused on working with consulting companies because they offer dynamic, fast-paced environments where I can continuously learn and grow. I've always believed that if you're not constantly learning, you're stagnating, and consulting has kept that excitement alive in my career.

Why Columbia Road?

I was drawn to Columbia Road because it represents everything I value in a workplace. The community-led approach was a big selling point for me. I had never worked in an environment like this, but the core concepts of it seemed to align with my personal work style and preferences perfectly. Previously, I had always preferred smaller, more agile companies over large, bureaucratic organisations because I found them to be more flexible and conducive to collaboration.

The fact that Columbia Road fosters an environment where individuals have more autonomy and are part of a collective decision-making process is exactly the kind of workplace I was interested in. I’m excited to be part of a team that prioritises community, creativity, and continuous learning.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

When I'm not consulting, I'm out enjoying the natural world. Being in nature helps me clear my mind and forget about the stresses of everyday life. I have a particular love for water – I could spend hours in or by it without a care in the world. Outside of that, I’m passionate about crafts. I love learning new hands-on skills, whether it’s sewing, embroidery, or any other craft that catches my eye. I always say, "Just because I don’t know how to do it doesn’t mean I won’t try!"

There's something incredibly rewarding about creating something from scratch with your own hands. I’m also a huge fan of board games. I’m the type of person who’ll play until the early hours, totally immersed in the game. And the more intricate, the better. I love challenges, and I bring that same drive and passion for problem-solving into my work.

Mauno Taajamaa

Managing Consultant, Martech

Hi Mauno, how did you get good at what you do?

I started my professional career in IT during my early studies at TKK and haven’t looked back. I have always liked the varied, customer-facing pressure and always-delivering-value mentality that is typical for consulting. Technology is, and has been for a while, the conduit for real transformations inside organisations, and being able to help people make a change is rewarding. The change of pace also makes you renew your know-how all the time and push the envelope to be relevant!

I have had the opportunity to study and work abroad, with stints in Great Britain and Ireland. Those experiences have been eye-opening and expanded not just professional knowledge but also how culture drives our behaviour. The community we have in our work life is as important as any asset the company might have, and the work culture is a key factor for success or failure. This is something I found hard to influence outside but nevertheless inspiring to try!

Why Columbia Road?

I have come across Columbia Road a couple of times and knew people there, and I always sensed a good vibe radiating from them. That is something you cannot fake or create with just good vision statements. Now, being a part of this community, I can confirm that we have a truly unique combination of great people, trust, and collaboration that I am sure will lead to amazing things.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

My free-time focus goes to staying in shape physically and mentally, and being a taxi-driver for my kids' hobbies! Practicing Krav Maga regularly creates good counter-balance for abstract IT consulting with its focus on real-world self-defence scenarios and varied techniques. Also the emphasis with both physical and mental side, keeps you grounded on what is actually really important!

Olof Pettersson

Senior Consultant, Development

Hi Olof, how did you get good at what you do?

I’ve always had a boundless curiosity and an interest in figuring things out so as I finished up my studies in music and sound design and wanted to go into making music for games, I taught myself how to code to be able to make the things that I wanted to. From there a career in web development was quite an easy step. It’s all about curiosity for me and finding things that interest you in order to motivate you to keep learning new things all the time.

Why Columbia Road?

Columbia Road is an organisation filled with people who share my values. I have a high level of intellectual curiosity and understanding, and being in a place where that is encouraged and treasured is a big high point for me.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

I have a big soft spot for people with some kind of fire in them. Someone who can wholeheartedly throw themselves into whatever strange interests they have and be proud of that is always really exciting. Meeting people who care about something very intently is absolutely one of the best things in the world to me.