Passion for M&A through hands-on experience

I graduated from Turku School of Economics with a master’s degree in international growth and strategy, with minors in information systems science and management. During my studies, I was very active in student boards and spent time as an exchange student in South Korea, followed by extensive travels in Asia.

During my studies, I started working at CGI, where I held multiple roles, including supporting various functions in two simultaneously ongoing integration processes. This experience sparked my interest in M&A integrations. After that I changed roles almost annually, gaining diverse experience and eventually becoming a business development director.

However, I felt the need to deepen my expertise in corporate transactions. I wanted to sell something I could also execute myself. With my education and practical experience, I had developed substantial skills in M&A, particularly in managing intangible aspects pragmatically. A friend recommended Deloitte, and I decided to apply.

Over the past years, I have gained extensive insight into the field of M&A, and my expertise has grown through various projects across different industries. In these projects, I continuously learn about companies’ operational environments and learn how to apply my knowledge to different business contexts.

Consulting requires good people skills

I have served as a project leader in client assignments preparing for major acquisitions by conducting due diligence, integration and separation planning and general advisory services. I have also acted as a specialist in numerous projects at the intersection of finance and technology supporting financial modelling, enterprise architecture planning and designing comprehensive M&A roadmaps from Day 1 through to long-term transformations.

Consulting is suitable for individuals who are interested in developing their skills in diverse and sometimes challenging projects. An analytical approach is also beneficial. This profession requires good general people skills and an ability to adjust to different situations. I always aim to be my authentic self with clients and colleagues, and I believe that when being genuine towards people, they tend to be more genuine back to you. Substantive skills and pragmatic experience are also important, and mine have grown through work experience.

Working with people from different countries teaches one a lot. I enjoy travelling and the international aspect of my work. I have been fortunate to travel for projects and to collaborate on projects with colleagues from many Deloitte countries. One of the most inspiring aspects of my work is my colleagues, from whom I constantly learn.

Although working with others is my preferred way of working, I also enjoy the moments when you can put your music on, immerse yourself fully in a task and just watch the time fly by. It is rewarding to see how much you can do in short periods of total concentration. Then, afterwards, it is valuable to brainstorm the issue with others and see if my ideas influence others’ thinking and vice versa. Mentoring younger colleagues also brings new energy to my work, and I feel I get a lot of meaningfulness out of it.

Fun facts about Minna

The last book or podcast I read/listened to: I really enjoy listening to books, especially crime stories. I am currently reading the Holly books by Stephen King.

A hidden talent not listed on my CV: I like to think I am a good cook, and my specialty is Asian cuisine.

My “happy place” in the world: I love Rome and its surrounding Lazio area – we try to go somewhere in Italy every year.