“I walk alongside people in companies when they are looking for direction, renewing themselves or wanting to strengthen the strength of their community.” Growth Partner – Anu Kyllönen, Milanu Oy

My first years of work were spent growing and learning. I worked as a teacher and instructor, building groups and meeting young people whose stories stuck in my heart. I learned that every person has a need to be seen and to be a part of something meaningful. I started my career in my home village of Moisiovaara. Later, as my family grew and my life situation changed, I moved to Kuhmo, where I was able to continue teaching at village schools and later at a city school. The importance of the work grew when I was given responsibility for promoting community and well-being among both students and colleagues. In addition to teaching, occupational health and safety and trust duties, leading the occupational well-being team, guiding after-school activities and the student union motivated and committed me to the school world for over twenty years.

I am a lifelong student and in 2014, my studies in occupational well-being and management already led me towards a new career. In 2021, I fell in love with solution-focused thinking through my brief therapy studies. However, the right time for a career change came in 2023, when I moved from working as a classroom teacher to becoming a change coach and then becoming a full-time entrepreneur in August 2024. I promised my students that at some point I would be involved in developing their well-being and the well-being of school personnel. I didn’t leave because I was bored with my job as a teacher, but because the attraction to promoting well-being was so strong.

Today, I walk alongside people in companies when they are looking for direction, renewing themselves or wanting to strengthen the strength of their community. I graduated as a resource-focused work supervisor and process consultant in April of this year and now I help managers, HR professionals, teams and work communities to build smooth working days together, take care of work ability and shared safety. I enjoy service design and the developing approach to work that entrepreneurship entails when I tailor solutions to suit clients.

The most meaningful time in my life has been the moments of becoming a mother. Motherhood has taught me more about leadership, interaction and presence than any other education. Motherhood has not slowed down my journey in working life. It has deepened it. It has given me the ability to look at things from multiple perspectives, appreciate the small successes of everyday life and meet people more authentically. Motherhood has brought more empathy to my work, but also clarity – the ability to recognize when it is time to listen and be flexible and when it is important to set boundaries and stick to them.

Why Kainuu?

Kainuu is a place where doing work in itself is still a value. Here you can study and advance in your career while living a unique, balanced life. The work culture here is fair and open. Responsibility and achievement motivate the majority of employees. This is reflected in productivity and the spirit of working together.

Living in Kainuu means space to breathe, time to think and the opportunity to be present in everyday life. Nature surrounds us everywhere. It calms, inspires and reminds us of what is essential in life. Even though the world is in turmoil and life is stressful, nature lowers the pulse and creates peace of mind. In Kainuu, you can enjoy culture, various hobby opportunities and participate in various networks. It is only up to you what opportunities you seize in your life.

I hope that diversity is seen as a resource here too – a wealth that brings depth to communities and working life. I would like to hear more stories: authentic, human stories about what it is like to build work and life in Kainuu.

Text and photos: Anu Kyllönen