New Roadie Arrivals 9/24

September brought our Helsinki office two new Roadies – say hello to Sveta and Mia!

Svetlana Pelevina

Consultant, Software Development

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

I studied Computer Science at ITMO University, and during my studies, I spent a semester abroad in Northern Finland, in Oulu. While still a student, I landed an internship at a small consultancy where I've got hands-on experience working on various development tasks. That experience was invaluable – it taught me countless skills, from communicating effectively with clients to mastering development and problem-solving techniques essential in our field. It was quite a journey!

After that, I joined the CRM team at Aiven, where I worked alongside inspiring and talented colleagues. This role provided me with valuable insights into working within a large organisation, focusing on continuously improving a single product and helping others achieve their goals. It was a significant learning experience, filled with challenges and opportunities for growth.

Why Columbia Road?

Before joining, I'd heard many exciting things about Columbia Road, such as its flat organisational structure, balanced workload, and the opportunity to work with talented and inspiring people. Now that I'm here, I can say it has been a perfect fit. Columbia Road stands out not just because of the meaningful projects but also because of its supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. It's a place where you can thrive while working with passionate and ambitious individuals.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

I recently returned to dancing after a five-year break. My heart races not only from the physical exercise but also because dancing is a genuine form of self-expression for me. It allows me to explore new aspects of who I am and step outside my comfort zone. Dancing constantly challenges me to learn, refine my skills, and push my boundaries.

Mia Jokiluhta

Content Marketing Lead

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

Many of my skills have been shaped by the amazing people I've been fortunate to work with. My colleagues have encouraged me to think bigger, strive for improvement, and grow. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.

My interest in international environments led me to study international business and complete two exchange periods while at university. These experiences helped me see things from different perspectives, which has been invaluable in my career. Already during my studies, I found my place in growth companies, where the fast pace and need to adapt quickly challenge me to develop and perform at my best. 

While I wouldn’t consider myself as a technical person, I've always been fascinated by technology and the possibilities it enables. I'm motivated by the idea of creating a better world through innovative digital solutions. But, what truly keeps me going are the people – the talented colleagues and inspiring clients we get to work with. Sharing their stories and seeing the impact of our work is incredibly motivating.

Why Columbia Road?

As a marketing professional, I was drawn to the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in digital sales and marketing. It seemed like the perfect environment for growth. Basically, I was interested in learning from the best in the game! 

And I’ve got to say, Columbia Road's visual branding really caught my eye. The pastel colours and floral visuals stood out in the tech industry, adding a refreshing touch and hinting at the innovative atmosphere within the company. And those flower posters with the Columbia Road logo around Helsinki? They seemed to be everywhere I looked, almost like a sign – talk about guerilla marketing.

What truly set Columbia Road apart was its unique community-led culture. The focus on long-term impact over quick wins and valuing joint effort over individual contributions stood out to me. It felt like a sustainable way of doing business, and, as a team player to my core, it aligned perfectly with my belief that success is best when shared with others. Overall, Columbia Road seemed like a place where I could thrive and make an impact as a part of a supportive community.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

Being active has always been part of my life, and as a kid, I didn't have much of a self-preservation instinct, which meant I was constantly climbing trees, racks, or anything I could find – and breaking a few bones along the way. Eventually, I found a way to channel all that energy into gymnastics and competitive cheerleading, which became a big part of my early years.

Staying active is still a huge part of my life. When I'm not working or just chilling on my couch at home, you’ll probably find me doing something that challenges my agility, mobility, or flexibility – whether it’s yoga, (reformer) pilates or a dance class. I love trying out new sports and anything that keeps me moving!