Leena Koskelainen is COO at Tecnotree Oyj, a global provider of Business Support Systems for the telecom industry.
Over 30 years, Leena has had the privilege to work across multiple countries and cultures, which taught her the immense value of diversity and collaboration. She is passionate about using technology responsibly to create meaningful, sustainable impact in people’s lives.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
I have worked at Tecnotree for many years and have had the opportunity to rotate through a variety of roles across different functions and locations. Each role gave me a unique perspective on the business and how technology, people, processes, and finance come together to make an organisation thrive. This rotation enabled me to understand challenges from multiple angles, collaborate with diverse teams, and observe how decisions in one area impact the entire company.
My current role as COO is the culmination of these experiences. Having firsthand knowledge across the business enables me to guide teams more effectively, align strategies across functions, and create environments where people can do their best work. It’s incredibly rewarding to leverage my journey to make a tangible impact on the organisation and the teams I work with every day.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
My role requires a 360-degree view of the business, along with people, processes, technology, and finance. Over the years, I’ve developed deep knowledge across all these areas, which allows me to connect the dots, spot opportunities, and guide teams in making the best decisions. At the same time, I remain humble, recognising that no-one can know everything. I rely on colleagues’ expertise, fostering collaboration and learning from them constantly. What excites me most is enabling teams to take ideas from concept to reality and seeing the real impact on customers and the organisation.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
My professional journey was initially inspired by my father, who was a tech enthusiast and built his own career in telecoms. As a high school student, I knew very little about IT or computers – phones were just a handy way to keep in touch with friends. I’m proud that I was able to step into the technology field without prior experience or even much initial interest. From that first bold step, I continued to take on challenging roles that required skills and expertise I didn’t yet have, learning and growing along the way. Looking back, I’m simply proud of how far this journey has taken me.
What does an average workday look like for you?
My day starts with the early-morning daily stand-up with our management team, the only predictable thing in an otherwise dynamic schedule. Beyond that, no two days are the same. Much of my time is spent on calls and meetings, connecting with colleagues across teams and regions, solving problems, and making decisions that keep projects and operations moving forward. I also make space for strategic thinking, reflection, and planning, which allows me to step back from the daily pace and consider long-term goals. Even amidst the constant flow of tasks and surprises, I find satisfaction in helping teams align, ensuring the business performs efficiently, and seeing ideas transform into tangible results.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing professionally, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
I have found the tech sector to be incredibly supportive. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and leaders who encouraged me to take on challenges I might not have attempted on my own. Colleagues have offered guidance and shared their expertise generously. The key is to remain open, take in all experiences and feedback, and view each challenge as a learning opportunity. This supportive environment has been crucial in shaping my growth and confidence.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Yes, there have been moments when I felt overwhelmed or uncertain. In those times, encouragement from others, along with a bit of Finnish sisu – a quiet inner strength and grit to keep moving forward, even when challenges feel overwhelming – helped me keep going. I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness. Each time I faced challenges and doubts, I came away stronger, more capable, and better prepared for the next opportunity.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Any advice for those feeling overwhelmed?
I would say pressure makes diamonds, and pressure and uncertainty are natural parts of growth. It is okay not to have all the answers, and it is also okay to ask for help, as each challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, develop, and build resilience. Keep your curiosity alive, embrace learning, and trust that even small steps forward contribute to meaningful progress. Over time, you’ll see how these experiences shape not just your skills, but also your confidence and perspective.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
I honestly feel there aren’t enough women in the tech industry. From my personal experience over the years and supported research, companies with gender-diverse leadership consistently outperform, and diverse teams communicate and collaborate more effectively.
Women bring invaluable qualities to the tech world: empathy, adaptability, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Women also play a crucial role in mitigating bias in algorithms, UI/UX design, healthcare technology, and other critical areas, while helping teams design inclusive products and effectively anticipate user needs.
You don’t need to master every technical skill to succeed. The ability to understand business needs, connect with users, and maintain an endless curiosity to learn will take you far.
Technology shapes the world today, and being part of this industry offers limitless opportunities to make a real impact, creating solutions that serve people and communities meaningfully. Step forward confidently. Your perspective, skills, and insights are not just valuable; they’re essential.
