Annukka Mannerkoski:
“I joined KPMG in 2011 having returned from France, where I had lived for the previous 11 years. I was looking for an organisation that would allow me to combine the knowledge I’d gained from my previous positions and studies, and I felt that working as a consultant would provide a great opportunity to do this.
Currently, I am responsible for the Government business area at KPMG’s Tax & Legal function. My team has grown steadily over the years, and at the same time, I’ve been allowed to grow into the role of a Performance Manager.
In this regard, I’d like to highlight the value of constructive feedback as one of the most important tools for me.
Open and honest discussion between myself and the other team members always leads to a good work environment – and that, in turn, leads to a great team spirit, which I view as the core prerequisite for everything. When people enjoy time spent at work, they take on new challenges, broaden their responsibilities and interact more freely.
At the beginning of my Performance Manager career, KPMG’s Leadership Coffee events were also very useful, as they helped me see things from different perspectives and hear the opinions of more experienced Performance Managers.
KPMG has also offered me tremendous flexibility in many ways, from moving and growing within the organisation to fulfilling my potential. I’ve been able to maintain a healthy balance between juggling the demands of family life with working in leading positions and progressing in my career.
This is also related to a cause that is close to my heart – mentoring other women. In my opinion, women should be encouraged to believe in themselves more and to courageously take on new challenges without having to worry about potential sacrifices. At KPMG, it is completely possible to combine work and family life.
For me, the key to success is letting everyone truly be themselves. All of us have our own unique style and recognising this should be the basis for leading and motivating others. My own team consists of people who are very different from each other, but we value diversity – there’s no need for everyone to be the same, as long as we all work well together.”
