The Frendszies career development series continues! In this blog series, we showcase the journeys of Frendszies who have developed their careers with us.

Explore below how Frends' continuous growth has fueled Heikki Tammela’s inspiring journey, transitioning through various roles and leadership opportunities. His story highlights exciting career path within our expanding company. You can also read the previous blog in our career development series, where we shared the journeys of Erkka, Head of R&D, and Dominika, a skilled integration professional.

Starting as a Service Manager

I started my journey at Frends in 2011 as a Service Manager. I was already familiar with Frends and integration solutions, and the timing aligned perfectly when I moved to the capital area and sought new opportunities. Frends invited me to join the team, and I eagerly accepted.

Initially, I managed customers in the energy sector, handling up to 30 clients at one point. My role was quite sales-oriented, and I was responsible for broad customer management. 

A Shift to Sales and Leadership

In 2014, an opportunity arose to transition into the role of Key Account Manager. This role allowed me to focus more on client relations and sales, a natural fit for my skills and interests. Our company's structure changed in 2018, and I was asked whether I preferred managing existing customers or focusing on new sales. The latter appealed to me, so I transitioned into new business sales and became a Sales Executive.

As Frends continued to grow, so did my journey. A couple of years back, I had the opportunity to take the role of Sales Director in Finland and become a Team Lead. The position involved building and leading the direct sales team, and later, the presales professionals also joined my team.

Frends expanded globally, and my role evolved alongside its growth. Today, I serve as the Commercial Director for Finland, overseeing all commercial operations in the market, including direct and partner sales as well as account management.

My journey at Frends has been defined by the continuous growth of both the company and myself, driven by my curiosity, proactive approach, and proven track record. I have found that Frends offers a world of possibilities where you can always find new paths and responsibilities.

What Keeps Me at Frends

At Frends, I enjoy the combination of career opportunities and the great people I work with the most. The company culture is down-to-earth and supportive, without unnecessary formalities. The growth story of Frends—a Finnish software company expanding globally—is unique and exciting.

I enjoy working in a dynamic, ever-changing environment, and my leadership role has been both a challenge and a learning experience. Creating a positive, collaborative culture and inspiring my team by leading by example has been rewarding.

Frends' growth has opened many doors for me and others. The shift from individual success to team success has been a significant change in my career. I now enjoy seeing my team succeed and supporting them in their achievements. Also, being part of the leadership team has given me a broader perspective and the opportunity to influence the company's direction. The international expansion has also brought new experiences and the chance to collaborate with colleagues from different countries. My time at Frends has been a personal and professional growth journey filled with opportunities to learn, lead, and make a meaningful impact.

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