Back again with the latest edition of getting to know Arilyn. This week we will be asking the same serious and other not so serious questions to get to know our Biz Dev Dir or Business Development Director, Katri Kantoniemi, better.
So Katri, tell us what you do at Arilyn?
I mainly do sales, especially hunting for bigger clients and expanding our reseller network.
I used to work in CGI, together with Arilyn founders Emmi and Otto. When given the opportunity to join Arilyn, I didn't hesitate. And what a fantastic journey it has been!
Alright now, we are all dying to know, what did you have for breakfast?
Yoghurt and blueberries.
Anything you rather would have had?
Croissant, bagel, toast with jam.. Any kind of white bread! Which I'm not allowed to eat.
Got a favourite drink?
Water. Beer. Coffee. In that specific order.
What about a favourite season?
I love them all, but if I had to choose, then definitely Spring! The season of white flowers and nature waking up.
So rain, do you like it?
I LOVE rain. I love the soothing sound of the rain and how it refreshes the air. And especially how it provides the sweet excuse for not doing anything, but read a book or watch a movie.
Chocolate or strawberry?
Liquorice. Preferably salty.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs! I have a Golden Retriever, Hulda. And she's just adorable.
What about in the movie of your life, who would play you?
Oh, If I could choose anyone, it would have to be Scarlett Johansson! I adore her and it would be the best thing ever!
So let's dig deeper. Any big career fails?
When still in high school, I was cleaning a car dealership during the weekends. Once I forgot to empty one of the trash bins and got a severe warning for it.
Ah that's real bad. So what would be your best career advice?
Be yourself, it will take you further than trying to be something you're not.
And don't get provoked by things you cannot do anything about. This one is actually the only advice my old boss gave me on my first day. I still think it's the best advice I've been given!
Good advice! So if you didn’t do what you do now, what would you be doing?
Chase storms and tornadoes. I'm a geographer by heart and specifically passionate about everything related to weather.
What do you wish you knew more about?
Well, how much time do you have?! There are so many things I'm interested in, but I currently read a lot about human physiology and nutrition. I would love to know how the human body works, so fascinating!
Do you have a hero?
Yes, my grandma. She's 92, reads several books a week and hosts a Gin & Tonic party for her friends every Tuesday. I rest my case.
She sounds awesome, no questions asked. What about a favourite band?
All time favourite is Guns 'n Roses.
Unusual hobbies or interests?
I love to watch all kinds of sports! Athletics, tennis, football, skiing, etc.
And I subscribe to a fairly expensive tv channel just to be able to watch F1. I even watch Snooker! Crazy stuff.
Yeah that is pretty crazy! What job would you be terrible at?
Any kind of caring and nursing. I have nothing but admiration for the people who choose to do this as a job. They are generally so undervalued and underpaid.
Any great frustrations in life?
Well yes, of course. Many global phenomena are frustrating, especially the environmental issues. And more close to home: Länsi-Metro. It has lengthened my daily commute, and made it less enjoyable by taking away my daily seaside scenery. Not impressed.
Alright so to finish off, why don't you share with us a story from your childhood?
I had a fantastic childhood in Tampere. We lived in the city centre and our apartment was on the 5th floor. When I was approximately 2 years old, I threw my parents' old-fashioned alarm clock out of the window, followed by a bible. My dad hurried to the street to check the damage, but he didn't find a trace of either of them. So I'm guessing someone got a true awakening there.
True awakening indeed! Thank you to our storm-chasing, sports-loving geologist business savvy Katri for sharing with us, been a blast!
That was it for this episode of Getting to know Arilyn, next week same questions, same setup!
Warm augmented regards,
Frida
