Tell us about your career journey?

I spent five years at Morgan Stanley in London, gaining invaluable experience. But over time, I felt the learning curve started to flatten, and the scale of the organisation limited flexibility in career progression. When Mandatum Asset Management approached me, the opportunity resonated strongly. Mandatum was in the midst of becoming a standalone, listed company, with ambitious growth plans and a dynamic culture. Transitioning from a global investment bank to a smaller – though regionally significant – organisation meant greater responsibility and broader opportunities, which was exciting.

Moving from sell-side to buy-side also brought a shift in mindset that I welcomed. I appreciated the long-term perspective of investing, rather than focusing solely on an annual P&L of the advisory business. Importantly, maintaining an international dimension in my career remains a priority, and I continue to collaborate closely with former colleagues in London and abroad.

What were some defining moments that shaped your career?

Several moments have shaped my career, some intentional and others purely coincidence. One such decision was whether to stay with the equity syndicate team or to pivot into the debt capital markets team focused on FIG – a space I knew virtually nothing about. I was drawn to the dynamic nature of syndicate but also felt a pull toward being more involved in the strategic discussions and pitches. Though fixed income and credit were rather unfamiliar from my studies, I embraced the challenge and grew to appreciate the complexity of the evolving credit landscape, especially with private credit’s rise. I hope business schools are adapting curricula to prepare future professionals for these shifts.

What inspired you to pursue this career path?

I enjoy the balance of macro perspective and micro analysis, and how credit markets reflect broader global dynamics. Banks represent roughly half of the high-quality credit market, and during my relatively short career, their outlook and prospects have been shaped by a series of significant market events – from Covid-19 pandemic and Credit Suisse takeover to the rapid pace of interest rate hikes.

I’ve been fortunate to meet people who not only deepened my understanding but also inspired me through their passion and expertise. Their support and insights made the industry feel both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding.

What is your proudest moment in your career?

Morgan Stanley offered me a full-time role ahead of schedule during my internship, a gesture that underscored the value of senior support – something I aim to pay forward. Later, leading Mandatum’s bond refinancing project as the issuer was both exciting and rewarding, giving me a unique perspective after years of advising clients.

What advice do you have for female students?

Don’t just follow the crowd, find what genuinely excites you. Network intentionally and apply boldly; curiosity and drive often matter more than ticking every box of the job description.

What are some challenges you’ve had to face in your career?

From self-doubt to setbacks, challenges have tested my confidence and resilience. Speaking up, advocating for myself and others, and learning from mistakes have been key to growing stronger.

​​How are women represented in your field?

While gender diversity has improved at entry levels, senior roles still lack representation. There are encouraging signs of progress, but there’s still a long way to go to achieve meaningful and lasting change.

What skills do you think are most important to succeed in this career?

Curiosity, strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong communication are essential in credit investing. However, there’s no single formula for success, and diverse skillsets make the field intellectually rewarding.

Career Aspirations showcases the goals, inspirations, and experiences of women through written format.