I worked for an insurance company for twelve years, and when I started I had no idea where my career path would lead. I started as a claims handler after finishing high school and studying civil engineering. I was going to be an interior architect, but as a practical person I thought that design work wasn’t for me, I wanted to do something more concrete. I guess I’m still on that path, I still don’t know “what I’m going to be when I grow up”.
Text by Joanna Kahila
Photos Olli-Pekka Latvala
Joanna Kahila was awarded the title of Young Project Manager of the Year at last autumn’s Project Days.
The work of a claims handler was extremely interesting and the customer service was rewarding. I felt that I could genuinely help people. I wanted to be efficient so that the customer’s claims process was quick, treatment was available without delay and decisions were made carefully and reasoned. Gradually, my expertise in the world of insurance deepened and I went looking for a new perspective on what I was doing. I became interested in the systems that were used in everyday life. I have always been quick to learn new things and I was not intimidated by technical challenges. I ended up working on applications in maintenance and development roles, my first foray into the world of IT. That’s where the idea came from, now I work as a consultant for an IT services company.
Learning by doing, gaining experience at the same time
As a learner, I am very practical. I had previously completed a vocational qualification in Finance and Insurance and in 2019 I completed a specialised qualification in Management, where I went deeper into project management. Studying alongside work has suited me and nowadays the wide range of training opportunities supports my development in an increasingly comprehensive way. This is also true for project management. It pays to study, but experience is the best teacher. Every project faces difficulties and challenges. When things don’t go as planned, we are encouraged to find alternative routes and be flexible. This constant adaptation lays the foundations for learning that goes much deeper than when everything goes like clockwork. Difficulties are not a sign of failure, but an opportunity to grow into a stronger, wiser and more responsible individual.
Towards coaching leadership
My strengths have always been interactional. So it is natural that I have ended up in roles where developing interaction is key. I started agile development in the role of Scrum Master, coaching teams to learn about their activities and the product being developed, and to deepen collaboration with customers and stakeholders. In the Scrum Master role, you don’t give orders, but ask questions, help solve challenges in a variety of ways and provide tools to support the practice. I realised I was at the heart of coaching and wanted to bring these perspectives to project management.
I believe that key project management objectives (monitoring schedule, budget and scope) will be among the first areas of work that can be automated with AI (i.e. data) in the near future. Coaching people management has become essential for project success in today’s business environment. It is not just a management approach, but represents a change in the culture and attitude of an organisation towards work. Project teams that embrace the principles of coaching can expect better results, higher team spirit and more sustainable success in the long term. Through continuous learning and open communication, coaching provides the foundation for projects to thrive in this changing and challenging business environment. A coaching leader encourages open communication, encourages team members to share their ideas and helps them to develop the necessary skills. Leadership is not just the responsibility of the manager; it also requires an open mind and a willingness to embrace new ways of working. Project team members need the opportunity to take responsibility for their own work and decision-making. Coaching creates an atmosphere where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, not punishments.
Young people are the future, my message of encouragement to you young people.
With determination and enterprise, you’re sure to go far – it’s what you are that matters more than what you look like on paper. I encourage you to have the courage to be yourself, to follow your own path and trust that the choices you make are the right ones for you!
The Young Project Manager of the Year 2023 recognition is a testament to my success in bringing the adaptability needed in project management to coach teams and individuals in this day and age. This recognition encourages me to continue on this path.
Author:
Joanna Kahila
Siili Solutions Oyj
