The Aalto EMBA gave Eliisa Puikkonen proof that her expertise is sharp, as well as stronger self-awareness and newfound courage in communication. The excellent group spirit was an important source of strength for Puikkonen, carrying her throughout the entire EMBA journey.
Eliisa Puikkonen, Director of Corporate Marketing, has spent more than a decade with Elisa Corporation, holding a variety of B2B roles over the years.
“Regardless of the role, the best part of my work has always been getting to see my team members succeed and receive recognition for a job well done,” she says with a smile.
Puikkonen decided to embark on the Aalto Executive MBA path to get an honest status check on her own skills.
“I already had a long stretch of working years behind me and had accomplished quite a lot. It felt like a good idea to get a kind of 'interim report' on the level of my expertise.”
“I wanted to air out my thoughts and hear the latest research-based knowledge. At the same time, I wanted to check if I had any gaps in my skills, or if I was perhaps following certain patterns that I should let go of.”
From the beginning, the Aalto EMBA was her first choice.
“I did look at other programs as well, but the best EMBA in Finland was ultimately an easy decision. I wanted a strong community around me, and I knew I would find that at Aalto.”
A rewarding learning experience
Puikkonen describes EMBA studies as highly rewarding.
The best EMBA in Finland was ultimately an easy decision."
“The days were very intensive, but also extremely fulfilling. As a rule, all the instructors were excellent and inspiring. Whatever the topic, you always came away with new, stimulating ideas.”
Her favorite modules focused on leadership and communication.
“Power and Influence, led by Joaquín Cava, is a prime example: it was an exceptionally good study module. It was my first EMBA module, and it certainly set the bar high.”
“The communication module was marvelous as well. Our instructor truly put herself out there and pushed us all to do our best. We learned very concrete skills. I gained new confidence in communication and excellent tips that I have passed on to my team.”
The biggest surprise on Puikkonen’s EMBA journey was the Self-development Process.
“We were told to 'expect the unexpected', for good reason. The Self-development Process was one of the most rewarding parts of the EMBA. It helped me grow as a person and as a leader. I learned a lot about myself, and now, even in difficult situations, I am able to take a step back and look at the big picture calmly.”
The impact of the Self-development Process is especially visible in the way Puikkonen faces situations and brings her thoughts forward.
“I am bolder than before, both in my professional and personal life. I openly express things I wouldn’t have dared or wanted to say out loud before because they felt too difficult. Now, when needed, I have the confidence to speak directly and call things exactly what they are.”
Fresh perspective on your own organization
In the EMBA studies, pre-assignments and take-home assignments are almost always linked to the participants’ own employers. Puikkonen says this helped her understand and appreciate her own workplace even better.
“In many assignments, I analyzed our internal processes. It was highly beneficial. I now understand much better why we do certain things exactly like we do. It gave me a new kind of contextual understanding, which has also helped me convey things to my own team in a new manner.”
“My EMBA group also carried out a Business Strategy Project, BSP, for Elisa. We developed a strategic renewal for Elisa’s online services towards a more customer-centric operating model. It was great fun and beneficial – although at that point of the EMBA journey, I joked that I had Elisa as my job and Elisa as my hobby: I worked during the day and spent my free time on the BSP,” she reminisces.
Puikkonen believes that the EMBA had a positive impact on her career development.
“After completing my studies, I stepped into a new and very meaningful role: I now lead Elisa’s B2B marketing. I wouldn’t say it was down to the EMBA alone, as career advancement has so many variables at play – but I definitely feel the EMBA boosts your career if you’re willing to put in the work.”
Exceptionally good group spirit
The sense of community in the EMBA group exceeded Puikkonen’s expectations.
I never imagined how amazing our group spirit would become. It was a huge source of strength throughout the journey."
“Coffee breaks were full of laughter and interesting discussions. On numerous occasions, we also gathered at a local pub for a 'Reflection Friday'. Studying as an adult was a complete break from everyday work, and a very fun one at that.”
“I expected a sense of community – it was one of my main reasons for choosing the Aalto EMBA – but I never imagined how amazing our group spirit would become. It was a huge source of strength throughout the journey, and it continues now that we are alumni.”
Puikkonen stresses that strong team spirit does not happen by chance. The staff at Aalto EE and the excellent practical arrangements created the conditions for an exceptionally close-knit group.
“We were very well taken care of: they made sure that everyone had their hands on the wheel at all times. You just had to jump on board, and you stayed on track. It never even crossed my mind not to study at the same pace as the rest of the group.”
It pays to create routines for studying
Puikkonen emphasizes that it is worth embarking on the EMBA journey with an open mind and an open heart.
“You shouldn’t stress too much, but rather do things according to your own resources, bounce ideas off other participants, discuss everything, and be open to new perspectives.”
While the EMBA demanded a lot, it gave back even more."
“It pays to create routines for studying, perhaps reserving a few hours on Sunday evenings or Saturday mornings before the rest of the family wakes up. During the winter months, I created a cozy study environment with candles and calm music on Spotify – it helped me focus on learning.”
She also found that she gained new energy from the studies.
“While the EMBA demanded a lot, it gave back even more. Many people asked me how I found the energy to study alongside work. I didn’t need to find extra energy for it. Everything was so interesting and inspiring. Each module provided a new burst of energy and motivation for both my studies and my day job.”
Puikkonen says she is happy to recommend the Aalto EMBA program.
“It was truly rewarding and also full of surprises: I gained much more than I could have ever expected. I thought I would attend lectures, learn theories and frameworks, and meet interesting people. Of course, the EMBA was all of that, but I formed much more meaningful relationships than I expected, learned more than I thought, and the Self-development Process was an unexpected bonus – during the EMBA, I also got to know myself.”
“Thanks to the Aalto EMBA, I know that my self-criticism is at a healthy level, and my expertise is strong. I also gained reassurance that I am certainly not stuck in old patterns. I warmly recommend participating.”