The Frendszies career development series continues! In this blog, we follow Aino Tarhala’s inspiring path — from working fully remotely in Mexico as a Senior Service Manager, to returning to Finland, stepping into a Team Lead role, and growing into her current position as Head of Service Management.

Aino’s story is a great example of how Frends supports both professional growth and personal flexibility, enabling long-term careers that adapt to life’s different phases.

You can also explore earlier stories from Erkka, Dominika, Heikki, and Timo — each highlighting unique career journeys within our growing Frends community.

Returning to Finland After Remote Work in Mexico

As I reflect on my career journey, it’s clear that flexibility and support from Frends have been key to my growth — both professionally and personally. After two years of working remotely from Mexico, I returned to Finland in August 2024, transitioning smoothly back to our Espoo office.

I was thrilled to finally meet my colleagues and customers face-to-face again. The shift felt effortless thanks to Frends’ culture of trust and openness, which encourages employees to embrace different life situations.

A Natural Step Forward – From Service Manager to Team Lead

Shortly after my return, I was promoted to Team Lead — a natural next step after completing my leadership certification during my time in Mexico. I continued in my Service Manager role (because I could never give up customer work!) while also taking on the exciting challenge of leading and supporting my own team.

This new role gave me the chance to leverage my strengths and help build a positive, productive environment — both internally and externally. Team spirit has always been a core part of Frends, and I’m proud to help nurture it now in a leadership capacity.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Returning to Finland also meant adjusting to new personal routines and responsibilities. I’m grateful for the support from Frends during this transition. Balancing work with family commitments is essential, and having an employer that understands this has made all the difference.

While I enjoyed my time in Mexico, I found myself missing the straightforward honesty of Finnish culture, the ability to enjoy silence without offense, and of course, the simple pleasures of life in Finland — drinkable tap water, the beauty of four seasons, and the tranquillity of lakes and nature. Reconnecting with friends and colleagues has been a heartwarming experience that I deeply value.

Acknowledging Support and Growth

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to Frends for the unwavering support throughout my journey. The company’s commitment to equality and the individual needs of employees has fostered an environment where everyone can thrive.

Frends has not only been a stable and modern workplace but also a safe space for growth. I’ve experienced firsthand how Frends prioritizes well-being and encourages development, treating each employee with respect and understanding.

The growth I’ve experienced alongside the company has been significant — especially as I continue to work on meaningful integrations that positively impact our customers' businesses.

Pursuing My Dream Role

Even after stepping into the Team Lead role, I knew I wasn’t done growing. I had many ideas for improving our Service Management model — and Frends listened.

I was encouraged to take ownership and drive internal development. It didn’t take long to start seeing results. Today, I’m proud to say I serve as Head of Service Management, fully embracing both leadership and innovation in my work.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

My journey at Frends continues to be exciting and full of opportunity. I feel lucky to work in a company where people are trusted, heard, and supported. I’m surrounded by amazing colleagues and supervisors, and I’m confident that — together — we’ll achieve great things.

At Frends, my journey is still just beginning — and I’m so glad to be part of it.

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