New Roadie Arrivals 9/25

The leaves are turning, and our team is growing. Meet our September Roadie arrivals: Aarno, Laura, Sakari and Kim!

Aarno Rousi

Managing Consultant, Development

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

For over a decade, I built my career in web development, working in both developer and project management roles within various R&D teams. Around five years ago, I made the shift to ecommerce consulting, and it’s been an exciting journey ever since. Looking back, I’m most grateful for the incredible people I’ve had the chance to work with. A big thank you to all the experts who’ve taught me and collaborated with me along the way.

Why Columbia Road?

I’m truly grateful to all my previous employers and to everyone who gave me opportunities along the way. Still, I felt a growing urge to do things differently. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was in the middle of discussions with Columbia Road. From the very first conversation to this day, I’ve become more and more convinced that joining was the right decision. We are genuinely here to help our clients sell better, and the way Columbia Road does that through its strong sense of community is something special. It made me want to be part of it and contribute as well.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

Right now, my cottage takes up all my free time and energy. I can’t help but keep dreaming about everything I want to do there. It’s quite a contrast to my daily work, although I probably use online stores now more than ever. And of course, my lady and my dog, those two always make my day.

Laura Hautala

Managing Consultant, Sales

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

Very early on, while completing my Master's degree in Business Management and Organisations, I realised I like to be where the action happens. After a semester of exchange studies in Canada, I decided to pause my academic path and pursue hands-on B2B sales experience. That experience pulled me in and set the tone for my career.

Since then, I’ve built my background in IT and digital consulting, fostering key customer relationships with my feet in sales and account management. Along the way, I became particularly interested in how technology connects with people and gradually navigated towards topics like user experience, customer engagement, and digital commerce.

A guiding principle for me has always been "a co-founder mentality". I enjoy collaborating with others, leaning into their strengths and complementing them with mine. Building something together has always been the most rewarding part of the work.

Why Columbia Road?

When I learned about Columbia Road, I was looking for a place where commercial focus and creativity meet. During the conversations I had before joining, it became clear that people here value collaboration, ownership, and continuous learning. That combination made the decision an easy one.

I also appreciate how Columbia Road natively blends technical expertise with business growth. It’s a place where I can use my experience in fostering key accounts and customer engagement while continuing to learn from others.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

I’ve always loved exploring new worlds, especially through a fantasy novel from the comfort of my home. Fiction, and particularly fantasy, teaches empathy and creativity, and enriches our vocabulary, which in turn helps us navigate complex situations. I think these skills are valuable in any profession and in life in general.

In addition to following battles between good and evil, I like to get my heartbeat up in the swimming pool or at the gym.

Sakari Setälä

Consultant, Martech

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

I come from an industrial engineering and management background, both academically and professionally. Before joining Columbia Road, I worked with business development and data utilisation in a B2B after-sales context. That work sparked my curiosity in value creation, business growth, and customer journeys. I’m motivated by the idea of not just doing things the way they’ve always been done, but by uncovering new business opportunities through smarter use of information and continuous improvement.

Why Columbia Road?

What first drew me to Columbia Road was the chance to make a concrete impact, helping clients improve the way they do business and creating real, lasting value. Since joining, I’ve seen that what sets Columbia Road apart is not only the change we drive together and the learning opportunities we get to experience, but also the warm and welcoming community. From the very first interview, I felt people here were genuinely interested in me as a person, not just as a colleague. That sense of belonging is something special.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

Sports, both the physical and mental sides. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a great sports event: the atmosphere, the adrenaline, and the feeling of being part of something bigger. I also love playing pretty much any sport I can make time for. This past summer, I mostly focused on improving my golf game. For me, it’s the perfect mix of social connection, challenge, and the mental focus it takes to hit that one shot that keeps you coming back.

Kim Niklasson

Associate, Martech

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

I’ve always been a curious person with a passion for learning. That curiosity has guided me throughout my journey in digital marketing and ecommerce,  pushing me to explore new tools, strategies, and ways of thinking.

My background combines both structured studies and hands-on experience, but what really drives me is the constant desire to grow. I love taking on new challenges, diving into complex problems, and turning insights into action.

I believe that being open to learning and staying adaptable has been key to developing my skills and continuing to evolve in a fast-changing digital landscape.

Why Columbia Road?

I discovered Columbia Road on LinkedIn when the Associate Program was announced, and I instantly felt it was a perfect match for me, not only because of the role itself, but also because of the atmosphere and the strong sense of community.

I’ve been genuinely and positively surprised by how true the job description turned out to be; everything that was said about the company really reflects the actual experience. From day one, I’ve felt at home and welcomed by the team.

I truly believe everyone should get the chance to experience working at a place like this at least once in their life.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

What truly makes my heart beat a little faster is the idea of constant self-improvement and living life with intention. I’m passionate about personal growth, mentally, physically, and creatively. I find a lot of joy in setting challenges for myself, learning new things, and pushing my own boundaries.

Whether it’s taking on a new fitness goal, diving into a topic I know nothing about, or simply finding ways to bring more energy and positivity into my everyday life, I’m driven by the belief that we always have the ability to evolve and create meaning, both for ourselves and the people around us.

That mindset naturally flows into my professional life, too. I’m most motivated when I get to grow through collaboration, solve meaningful problems, and help businesses and teams unlock their potential. Just like in life, I believe work is most fulfilling when it’s not just about results, but about growth, impact, and bringing out the best in each other.