Annele's background positions her perfectly for this role. Years of experience working with people and understanding their dynamics within organizations have honed her coaching and development skills. Now, at Boliden Kokkola, her focus on psychological safety and fostering a culture that respects individual differences is proving invaluable.
"Our employees are incredibly dedicated and passionate about sharing their knowledge," Annele explains. "However, we often underestimate what we know. By prioritizing psychological safety, we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves, asking questions, and contributing their expertise."
Annele cites the mentorship program launched in Kokkola as a successful example. "The willingness of senior employees nearing retirement to share their knowledge was truly heartwarming. This program underscores the value of recognizing and capitalizing on the existing knowledge base within the organization. It's also a fantastic way to boost employee engagement. Not only is knowledge transferred, but enthusiasm is contagious as well."
A passion for learning organizations
Annele's genuine interest in people and their role within organizations is evident throughout our conversation. A registered psychiatric nurse with a master's degree in health science, Annele has always been drawn to education. This passion led her to a role at the Finnish National Agency for Education, where she developed curricula for vocational education and spearheaded development projects.
"Throughout my career, I've been passionate about coaching, mentoring, igniting curiosity in others, and fostering a culture of learning. Although I previously worked with organizations focused on learning and development, the opportunity at Boliden to combine strategic industry work with coaching and supporting individuals truly resonated with me. I knew this was my calling."
