In the tech industry, where male leadership often dominates, women like Hanna Kellokumpu are breaking barriers and redefining norms. As the Sales Director at Smartvatten Verto, Hanna's journey is an inspiring blend of resilience, humor, and strategic thinking. In this article, we delve into her professional path, leadership style, and the unique perspectives she brings to the table.

Finding Her Path

Hanna’s foray into sales was a natural progression given her extroverted nature. Reflecting on her early career, she says, "I've always been that person who talks to strangers in elevators, so sales was a no-brainer for me." Her professional journey began with a summer job in sales during her studies, but the turning point came when she worked as an area manager in technical sales. "That job was a real rollercoaster," she recalls. "It was like a thrilling amusement park ride, and I was hooked."

Joining Smartvatten: Values and Vision

Hanna's decision to join Smartvatten was influenced by the company’s alignment with her values. "Smartvatten's values align perfectly with mine. I've learned that I need to believe in the company's mission to truly commit and enjoy my work," she explains. The international environment and the potential for growth in Europe further solidified her decision. "The decision was a no-brainer. Smartvatten has been doing fantastic work in Europe, and there's so much potential for growth."

Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry

In a field often dominated by men, Hanna has faced unique challenges. Early in her career, she encountered skepticism from customers who preferred to deal with male colleagues. "I didn't give them a choice. They had to deal with me, and eventually, they realized I knew my stuff," she recounts. Her approach to overcoming these biases is straightforward: by consistently demonstrating her expertise and refusing to defer to male colleagues, she has helped change perceptions. "It's about proving that females are just as capable as their male counterparts, even in highly technical fields."

Leadership Insights and Milestones

Hanna’s career is marked by continuous learning and development. "In sales, you can't afford to get comfy," she advises. "The moment you think you've nailed it, your competition is already ahead." She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a humorous atmosphere at work. "We use the term. ILO—Innostu, Luo, Oivalla—which means 'fun' in Finnish but also stands for 'Get excited, create, be insightful.' It's essential to have fun at work. It keeps us excited, creative, and insightful."

Inspiration and Personal Insights

Hanna draws significant inspiration from her father, who introduced her to the world of technology and commercial business at a young age. "My father took me to see the hydroelectric power plant when I was six years old, sparking my interest in both technology and commercial business," she shares. She also recommends Simon Sinek's books and videos for leadership insights and suggests following Juho Nenonen on LinkedIn for valuable reflections on management.

Fun Facts and Professional Wisdom

In true Finnish fashion, Hanna shares a quirky tidbit: "I like to joke that I'm from Lapland and used to live in igloos. Well, not really, but I did have a pet reindeer named Välkky when I was a kid." This playful aspect of her personality is a testament to her belief in maintaining a positive and humorous atmosphere in the workplace.

Conclusion

Hanna Kellokumpu’s journey from a social butterfly to a Sales Director at Smartvatten Verto is a testament to her resilience, expertise, and unique leadership style. As she continues to inspire and lead, Smartvatten Verto is fortunate to have her on the team, bringing humor, heart, and innovation to the forefront of sales management.