Don't Become a Finn—Do This Instead

How to Stay Relevant and Get Hired in Startups

Navigating Customer-Facing Careers in Finland’s Startup Scene with Philip Ziegler, Founding Customer Lead at Zero. In this episode, we explore the nuances of building a career in customer-facing roles within Finland’s startup ecosystem, with insights from Philip Ziegler, the founding customer lead at Zero. Whether you're new to Finnish tech or considering a move into startups, this conversation covers how to break in, succeed in small teams, and stay future-proof amid rapid tech changes like AI. Main topics covered: * Philip’s journey from data labeling to customer success management in Finland since 2019 * The high-stakes hiring process at early-stage startups and how to stand out as a candidate * The importance of network, referrals, and trusting relationships in Finnish tech hiring * Building proof of your skills: problem-solving with personal projects and automation * How startup culture differs from established companies—chaos, flexibility, and growth opportunities * The evolving role of AI in customer success, automation, and the irreplaceable value of human nuance * Practical tips for getting started with AI tools like Claude for automating workflows and building technical proof * The mindset needed to thrive in the unpredictable, high-growth startup environment * Bridging customer insights with product development using AI and feedback loops Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Navigating Finland's customer-facing roles and startup career bets 01:12 - Philip’s career start in Finland and transition into customer success 02:40 - How early roles and talking skills open doors in startups 03:08 - Building a career without a fixed plan—trusting intuition and problem-solving 04:17 - Roles at Zero: blending sales, support, development, and product management 04:44 - What does it mean to hire at a small startup? The importance of 'hell yeah' fit 05:50 - High risk, high reward: the impact of one bad hire on a small team 06:21 - Filling the 'wiggle room' in vague roles—what makes a candidate stand out 07:22 - How to demonstrate problem-solving prowess—teach me something in interviews 08:08 - Using creative problem-solving as proof of capability 09:12 - Getting opportunities in Finnish startups: network, referrals, and trust 10:38 - The role of existing relationships versus applying blindly 12:39 - Differences between startup and established company culture—chaos and flexibility 14:20 - Building confidence for smaller, more dynamic roles through step-by-step experience 17:13 - Stress-testing yourself for startup chaos—testing environments like Slush 18:12 - Building a portfolio and proof in early-stage work through project examples and problem-solving stories 19:23 - The importance of showing how you approach problems, not just results 21:15 - Leveraging AI and automation for personal productivity and problem-solving 22:56 - Creative use of AI for tracking meetings, building systems, and gaming scenarios 24:42 - How human nuance stays irreplaceable in customer-facing roles despite AI advances 27:44 - Recommended sources for keeping up with AI developments and tools 29:25 - The future of AI in customer success—automation, human nuance, and trust 31:34 - AI as a tool for pattern recognition and extracting signals from conversations 34:23 - How customer insights and AI-driven feedback improve product development 37:48 - Final tips: start building with AI tools, share your work on GitHub, and stay curious Final advice: Start experimenting today—build, automate, and showcase your problem-solving skills without waiting for the perfect moment. The tools are more accessible than ever, and your next opportunity could come from a small project or an AI-powered hack.

Specialists fit roles. Generalists build them

In this episode, we explore the journey of navigating the Finnish work market as a generalist, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, understanding business metrics, and leveraging past experiences. Öykü Kural shares insights on overcoming challenges faced by international professionals, the significance of personal branding, and the advantages of being a generalist in a specialized job market. The conversation highlights practical strategies for job applications and interviews, as well as the value of connecting with the business side of potential employers. Takeaways * The Finnish job market often has highly specific requirements that can feel overwhelming. * Rebuilding your identity in a new country is crucial for career success. * Being an international can be an advantage due to adaptability and resilience. * Understanding business metrics is key to aligning your skills with job roles. * Proactiveness and curiosity can lead to unexpected career opportunities. * It's important to focus on the value you can bring to a company rather than just meeting job requirements. * Personal branding and the energy you project can impact your job search. * Never apologize for having a wide variety of skills as a generalist. * Connecting past experiences to new roles can help in job applications. * Preparation and understanding the business context can enhance interview performance. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Finnish Work Market as a Generalist 10:18 Building Identity and Overcoming Challenges 20:35 Connecting Past Experiences to New Roles 30:43 Understanding Business Metrics for Career Success 36:39 Embracing the Generalist Advantage

Don't Become a Finn—Do This Instead

Don't Become a Finn—Do This Instead: Practical Insights on Integrating into Finnish Society with Marii Juht  Discover effective strategies for cultural integration and building community in Finland, straight from Marii Juht, founder of Intro Integration. This episode offers actionable tips for newcomers and those seeking deeper roots in Finnish life, emphasizing authenticity, patience, and proactive engagement. Key Topics: * Marii's personal story of founding Intero Integration based on her own relocation challenges * Practical first steps upon moving to Finland: research, observation, and observing social norms * The importance of showing up and participating in community activities * How to identify personal interests that align with local hobbies, groups, and events * The role of patience and trust-building in Finnish culture * The concept of standing out versus fitting in, and maintaining authentic self-identity * Strategies for mapping cultural norms and blending into the environment * Testimonies of how relocation can facilitate personal growth and authenticity * Tips for navigating social spaces and initial conversation starters in new environments Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction: navigating Finnish society as an international professional  00:28 - Marii’s journey: from personal struggles to founding Intro Integration  01:10 - Practical first steps for newcomers: research and observation  02:59 - The importance of personal responsibility in the integration process  04:25 - Building genuine connections: putting yourself out there  05:23 - Overcoming challenges: creating a support network and community  07:55 - Finding local resources and community groups in Finland  09:35 - The significance of authenticity in networking and relationship-building  10:21 - Cultural norms: patience, trust, and taking time to build relationships  12:31 - The concept of fitting in vs. staying true to oneself  13:00 - Embracing cultural differences while maintaining identity  15:06 - Personal values and boundaries in relocation and integration  16:22 - How to observe and learn cultural norms without compromising authenticity  17:04 - Tips for blending into Finnish culture using experiences and exploration  19:19 - Fun insights: Finnish cultural symbols like sauna and Finnish foods  22:21 - Managing expectations: patience and understanding the Finnish pace and trust  23:21 - Building trust in Finland: showing up, consistency, and genuine interest  24:35 - The universal value of authenticity in social interactions  25:27 - Rethinking transactional networking: planting seeds and nurturing relationships  27:20 - The importance of enjoying the process and being present  28:37 - Small steps: participating in cultural celebrations and events  29:50 - Conversation starters: simple questions to ease social nerves  30:33 - Connecting with Marii via LinkedIn for further insights Next episode: How to build a career as a generalist in a specialist-driven market with Öykü Kural, Project Manager at Supercell.

Does Anyone Hire Software Developers Anymore in Finland?

In this episode of Sisu & Slay, our host Viivi speaks with Dups, Chief Impossible Officer at Supermetrics, about the current landscape of software engineering, the impact of AI on tech careers, and the evolving skills developers need. Dups shares his personal journey into tech, insights on team structures in software companies, and the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in a rapidly changing industry. The conversation also addresses audience questions about standing out as a developer and the future of tech careers. Takeaways * The landscape of software engineering is rapidly changing due to AI. * Curiosity is a key trait for success in tech careers. * Developers need to adapt to new tools and technologies. * Building a portfolio on platforms like GitHub is essential. * Understanding scaling and security is crucial for developers. * AI is transforming the way teams work and collaborate. * Continuous learning is necessary to keep up with industry changes. * Diversity of thought enhances creativity in tech. * Entry-level developers must be familiar with AI tools. * Passion for technology and problem-solving is vital. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 04:46 Dups's Journey into Tech 09:57 The Evolution of Software Engineering Teams 15:02 The Future of Software Development and AI's Impact 19:56 Skills for the Modern Developer 25:14 Curiosity and Growth in Tech Careers29:54 Audience Questions and Insights 34:47 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

The Hard Truths of Getting Hired in Finland

In this episode of Sisu and Slay by Herizon, our guest, Leo Johansson-Stockford and host, Viivi Marttinen, delve into the intricacies of recruitment processes, exploring evergreen truths, debunking myths, and discussing the role of AI in hiring. They emphasize the importance of curiosity, networking, and tailoring applications to stand out in a competitive job market, particularly in Finland. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by junior candidates and offers practical advice for aligning skills with recruiter expectations. Takeaways * Candidates who are curious about the job and company tend to perform better. * Networking is crucial for accessing unpublished job opportunities. * AI is used in recruitment, but human decision-making is still key. * Tailoring applications to specific job descriptions increases chances of success. * Junior candidates can stand out by showcasing relevant projects and experiences. * Impact and results should be highlighted in applications. * Being honest about skills and areas for growth is important. * Recruitment advice can be scattered; critical evaluation is necessary. * Job seekers should seek help and feedback on their applications. * Curiosity is a vital trait for both candidates and recruiters.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Recruitment Insights 05:37 Evergreen Recruitment Truths 14:19 Debunking Recruitment Myths 22:52 The Role of AI in Recruitment 29:29 Crafting Compelling Applications 36:08 Standing Out as a Junior Candidate 41:52 Aligning Skills with Recruiter Expectations