Meet Henna, The Nordic Startup Enthusiast (now in Copenhagen!)

In today's spotlight of 6 Degrees of Separation from an Awesome Job, we delve deep into the heart of the Nordic startup world with a dynamic professional, Henna Ker?nen . Her journey is not just about startups and innovation; it's about passion, resilience, and connecting dots across Nordic landscapes.

A number of years back, I met Henna in Stockholm. We both wanted to meet more women working with startups. We had lunch. We talked about how being new to Sweden meant we needed to know the right people.?

Building connections not only enriches the startup ecosystem but also catalyzes progress in any environment.

Recently, Henna posted about her move to #Copenhagen and is looking for her next play. I knew she'd be perfect for this edition of 6 Degrees of Separation from an Awesome Job. (PS, it also goes to show that you never know who is reading when you put yourself out there!)

So let's dive into Henna's incredible career.?

?The journey: From political science to startup enthusiast

Originally hailing from Finland, Henna found herself embracing the thriving startup ecosystem of Sweden. After a degree in political science, her journey with innovation began. Her professional endeavours spanned working on Scania Group ’s corporate entrepreneurship program focusing on sustainable transport to leading partnerships and startup community initiatives at Sting , one of Europe's leading accelerators. Henna's diverse experience also includes a stint at the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra , where she concentrated on digitalization's impact on jobs and society.

Ambitions and aspirations

Although Henna hesitates to pin down an exact dream job, her aspirations are clear: She wishes to operate at the crossroads of the Nordic startup ecosystem, where high ambitions meet innovation. Driven by a desire to solve significant challenges, Henna gravitates towards the fields of #sustainability and #health.

?A skill set tailored for the future

The world of startups requires a specific kind of energy, and Henna has it in abundance (trust me, I've seen her in action). Her innate ability to connect people, her profound knowledge of the startup scene, and her expansive Nordic network make her an asset to any ambitious venture. Some notable feathers in her cap include the successful launch of the Startup Climate Action program and being honoured as a “Global Ecosystem Hero of the Year” in 2021.

?Networking: The cornerstone of growth

Networking has been instrumental in Henna’s career. Her journey from knowing no one in Sweden to becoming a central figure in the startup community underscores the power of building connections. Currently, she's eager to solidify her network in Denmark and broaden her horizon in Europe, connecting with both startups and corporates invested in innovation.?

Even if you don't have an opportunity, reach out and send her a note to connect!

Work culture and environment

Henna thrives in a fast-paced environment, surrounded by brilliant minds with clear organizational objectives. She believes in immersing herself in multiple projects and cherishes a workspace that encourages growth, innovation, and ambition.

Coffees, cars, and candid conversations

Taking inspiration from Seinfeld's "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," I've started asking those I feature: If you could have a coffee drive with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Henna's dream coffee drive companion?

"The Obamas. I'm eager to share ideas on how startups can leave a positive footprint on our planet and bring insights from the Nordic perspective."

And as we drive along life's highway, we always have that one book, podcast, or course riding shotgun, guiding our professional journey. For Henna, it was:

"When I first joined the jury selecting startups for Sting, I was caught off-guard by certain investor terms. It was like hearing a foreign language with terms like MAU and ROI. This propelled me to dive deep, seeking knowledge. I tuned into startup-centric podcasts and discovered "The Secret of Sandhill Road", an enlightening read on Venture Capital. Another gem I recently stumbled upon is "Free" by Lea Ypi – a captivating read."

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Snapshot:

?? Location: Copenhagen ????

?? Type of work: Full-time

?? Visa required: No ?

?? Skills: Communication ??, startup ??, innovation ??, networking ??, and knowledge of the Nordics ??.

?? Languages: Finnish (mother tongue) ????, English ????, and Swedish (fluent) ????.

?? Availability: 1-2 months ?.

Henna is passionate and always on the lookout for new ideas. As she starts her new journey in Copenhagen, her story can encourage us all to chase our dreams. If you have a chance or know someone who might be interested in working with someone like Henna, please share this story.

Give it a like, leave a comment, and let's help Henna shine in her new city!

Connect with Henna on LinkedIn

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Welcome to Tjena's pro-bono service, Six Degrees of Separation from an Awesome Job! ?? Our mission is to empower dream careers through the magic of connections. With this innovative concept, we showcase how the power of networking and six degrees of separation can lead us to exciting opportunities in various industries and fields. Join us on this captivating journey as we unveil the limitless possibilities that lie just a few #connections away! ????

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