New Roadie Arrivals 5/25

New month, new faces: welcome aboard, Ville and Dima!

Ville Helminen

Managing Consultant, Martech

Hi Ville, how did you get good at what you do?

I'm a curious mind that never settles, always seeking a better way to solve business processes or technology needs. I've gained a lot of experience through my assignments in large enterprises, as well as by listening to and learning from subject matter experts across various fields, including legal, finance, IT, customer experience and service, sales, and marketing.

While I can address the needs of large interest groups, I also find a bit of entrepreneurship within me, as I always need to understand a topic to a level that I can confidently speak about it, and make informed judgment calls about whether this area interests me or not. I want to ensure that the numbers and other signals support informed decision-making, effective solutions, and well-defined roadmaps. This has been an emerging trend in my work for the past decade. 

Why Columbia Road?

The team truly stands out with its deep expertise and diverse backgrounds across a range of industries. From the very beginning, Columbia Road gave me a good gut feeling. The brand has a cool, distinctive edge that resonated with me. I simply couldn't pass up the chance to join a culture where curiosity thrives, learning never stops, and going the extra mile is just part of the everyday mindset.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

I’m someone who generally enjoys life a lot. I love the daily rhythm of having dinner with my family and getting in a good workout at the gym. I'm an endlessly positive person and draw a lot of energy from being around others; that's why I thrive in group settings, whether at work or in my free time.

Many of my hobbies naturally involve teamwork and shared goals, especially team sports like football and floorball. I also enjoy taking care of my house. There’s always something to fix or improve, so I've become a bit of a "Tim the Tool Man" along the way, constantly learning new DIY skills.

Dmitry Mozhaev

Senior Consultant, Development

Hi Dima, how did you get good at what you do?

I've been around computers since the age of six, and even as a kid, I found myself thinking about how existing games could be improved. About a decade later, that curiosity turned into action when I started developing my own PC games, bringing my own ideas to life.

My professional journey in IT began in 2007, while I was finishing my master’s degree. Since then, I’ve been programming full-time, staying hands-on through nearly two decades of rapid technological evolution. Languages, frameworks, and methodologies may change, but my passion for development has remained constant.

Even in my free time, I enjoy building my own tools, utilities, and games, and I’m always exploring new technologies as they emerge. For me, continuous learning isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for staying relevant and inspired as a developer.

Why Columbia Road?

I came across a Columbia Road job ad while browsing LinkedIn in search of a new opportunity in the consultancy field, and it immediately caught my attention. That positive, warm feeling about the company only grew stronger with each interview round.

From day one on the job, what stood out to me most was the flat hierarchy and genuine sense of freedom. People here are trusted from the very beginning, which means there’s no need for traditional boss figures, something I truly value. The community is fantastic, the atmosphere is friendly, and everyone is willing to lend a hand, no matter the task or challenge.

As a developer, I’ve especially appreciated the lack of rigid boundaries between technical and non-technical roles. It creates room to learn beyond your core responsibilities and avoids the trap of being boxed into a narrow role. It’s a place where you can grow in all directions.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

Freedom is something I deeply value, not just at work, but in my personal life as well. When I'm away from the computer, I love staying active through a variety of sports, including gym workouts, football, tennis, padel, cycling, cross-country skiing, and skating.

As a husband and father of two, I also make it a priority to spend quality time with my family. Weekends and holidays are usually reserved for relaxing together and enjoying each other’s company, a welcome balance to the busy pace of everyday life.