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Behind the Scenes: Balancing Strategy and Life

Sep 6, 2024 • 3 min

Deep dive Behind the Scenes with us as we explore unique stories of women in leadership at RELEX.

Anni Tuulos recently stepped into the role of Senior Vice President for Strategy and Corporate Development at RELEX, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for both professional excellence and personal well-being. Despite her initial reservations about joining a company so densely populated with industrial engineers, Anni saw an opportunity to contribute her diverse background and unique perspective to RELEX’s mission. 

A Passion for Balance

Anni’s life is a testament to her belief in maintaining a balance between hard work and personal fulfillment. “I enjoy doing a lot of sports,” she shared, “I would say my passion is to work hard while maintaining a good work-life balance.” Tennis, running, sailing, and skiing are just a few of the outdoor activities that Anni pursues with enthusiasm. She believes these activities not only make her a better person but also enhance her performance at work. 

An Engineer’s Journey 

With an engineering background, Anni’s career path has been anything but linear. She has accumulated a broad range of experiences from working at an industry company, a management consulting firm, and in private equity. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged, “Despite my initial hesitation, I believe I have something valuable to contribute now.” Anni’s diverse career has equipped her with a unique skill set that she now brings to RELEX. 

The Role at RELEX 

At RELEX, Anni is responsible for the strategy process, including creating and following up on strategies with the leadership team and handling potential mergers and acquisitions. She also oversees investor relations, a role she finds particularly engaging due to its project-based nature. “I find this work very interesting because it’s project-based and not a standard day-to-day routine,” she explained. Her role involves brainstorming with colleagues, analyzing internal performance, and seeking areas for improvement—activities that align perfectly with her problem-solving nature. 

Proud of Her Path 

Anni takes pride in her non-linear career path, emphasizing the importance of finding a company with matching values and the opportunity to make an impact. “Finding a company with matching values and creating an impact is very important to me,” she said. She appreciates the opportunity to work with smart people inside and outside RELEX, gaining different perspectives and collaborating with professionals from various backgrounds. 

Learning and Leadership 

One significant lesson Anni has learned throughout her career is the importance of taking charge of one’s own professional journey. “Nobody else thinks about your career as much as you do,” she noted. Her advice is to pursue what you enjoy, as passion often translates into excellence. “I’ve realized that if you enjoy something, you’re usually good at it, and you can achieve what you want if you stay optimistic,” she added. 

Choosing RELEX 

Anni decided to join RELEX because of its unique potential on both a Finnish and global scale. She was drawn to the company’s strong culture and values, which resonate deeply with her own beliefs. “The culture and values are at the core of the company, which I find important for my career and personal fulfillment,” she explained. 

Delivering Measurable Value 

Among RELEX’s values, Anni’s favorite is delivering measurable value. “I translate this into making an impact,” she said, emphasizing the importance of meaningful work. She also values the flexible culture at RELEX, which provides both responsibility and freedom. “You can work where and when you want, as long as you get things done,” she noted. This flexibility is especially beneficial when collaborating with global colleagues. 

Anni Tuulos’s journey at RELEX is just beginning, but her commitment to balancing hard work with personal passions, coupled with her diverse professional background, promises to make a significant impact on the company’s strategic direction and overall success. 

Interested in joining the team? Explore our careers section and dive into the RELEX experience!

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