As the autumn air settles over Finland, I find myself in a reflective mood, contemplating the incredible journey that has unfolded since I completed my PhD earlier this year. The transition from student to project leader has been nothing short of a significant personal and professional transformation. Today, I stand at the helm of KODECET, an ambitious initiative the European Union co-funded to progress circular economy education.
More details about this project can be found on this blog. Link
This blog post is not just a recap of our recent project management meeting but a testament to the power of embracing change and its profound impact on my career trajectory.
The Leap from Academia to Project Leadership
The leap from academia to leading a major international project like KODECET has been exhilarating and humbling. It's a journey that has pushed me far beyond my comfort zone, requiring me to rapidly develop new skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration. For those contemplating a similar path, I can attest that embracing such challenges leads to incredible personal and professional growth.
Last month, as the leaves began to turn golden, we gathered for our second project management meeting at the University of Jyväskylä. Standing before my colleagues and partners, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and gratitude. This moment exemplified how far I've come and the immense potential for further growth. It's a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and believing in one's capabilities, even when the path ahead seems daunting.
Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges
To those reading this who may be hesitating at the crossroads of a significant career or life change, I encourage you to take that leap. The journey from concept to reality in any ambitious project is challenging, but the personal growth you'll experience is invaluable. Each obstacle overcome and each small victory achieved contributes to building your resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills.
Leading KODECET has given me a unique platform to connect myself with emerging voices in the circular economy, both in education and industry. Through our meetings and collaborations, I've had the privilege of networking with industry leaders and academic experts. These connections enhance the project and contribute significantly to my journey as a bridge between academia and industry in the sustainability sector.
One of the most memorable moments came early in the proceedings when Tiina Hirvanen from 2Loops took the floor. Her presentation on the circular economy wasn't just informative and transformative. Then, the most impactful experience was our visit to Tana Oy. As CEO Kalle Saarimaa and Quality Manager Jarkko Hirvonen shared their insights on advanced waste management, I marvelled at the practical applications of the theories we discussed. Similarly, our time at Betolar with founder Juha Leppänen opened my eyes to cutting-edge practices in reducing carbon footprints. These experiences have been instrumental in broadening my perspective and strengthening my expertise in the field.
Engaging with industry leaders, participating in conferences, and not being afraid to share my insights and experiences through various platforms gives me more valuable perspectives to others in similar situations.
The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The journey with KODECET has reinforced my belief in the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. As we work to progress sustainable circular economy education, I'm constantly inspired by my colleagues' dedication. This experience has shown me that personal transformation often goes hand in hand with contributing to more considerable, meaningful societal changes.
One particularly moving experience during our meeting was visiting the Könkkölä Foundation. Learning about their social enterprise model and commitment to nature-oriented workshops for social inclusion deeply resonated with me. It struck me that sustainability is not just about environmental practices or economic models; it's about creating a more inclusive and harmonious society. This realization has added a new dimension to my understanding of our project's potential impact and has further fueled my passion for this work.
The Power of Collaboration
A crucial aspect of this journey that I want to highlight is the power of collaboration. The success of KODECET and my personal growth in leading it are deeply intertwined with the collective efforts of our fantastic team. The tireless work of project researcher Sirpa Kortelainen, the insights shared by our industry partners, and the collaborative spirit of every participant has been instrumental in our progress.
This collaborative approach has not only advanced our project but has also significantly contributed to my personal development as a leader. I've learned the value of active listening, the importance of fostering an environment where diverse ideas can flourish, and the art of guiding a team towards a shared vision. These skills are invaluable in project management and all aspects of professional and personal life.
I encourage everyone to seek out opportunities for collaboration in their own lives. Whether joining a community project, participating in a professional network, or simply engaging more deeply with colleagues, the perspectives and support you gain can be transformative.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As we move forward with KODECET, developing our curricula and forging new partnerships, I carry with me the energy and inspiration from our gathering in Jyväskylä. This project is not just about education on sustainable circular economy; it's a platform for personal development and impactful leadership in the sustainability field. The road ahead is long and complex, but I am optimistic and determined.
Our work in curriculum development, particularly in harmonizing educational standards across different universities and nationalities, presents ongoing challenges. Yet, it's precisely these challenges that offer the most significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
As autumn deepens and we return to our respective institutions, I am more committed than ever to our shared vision. I am confident that the seeds we have planted in these early days of KODECET will grow into a robust and far-reaching program that will contribute significantly to the global conversation on sustainability and the circular economy.
My transition from PhD student to project leader didn't happen overnight, and your journey of personal transformation won't either. With each challenge I embraced, each new skill I developed, and each connection I made, I've been building a better version of myself—one capable of making a real difference in the world. I encourage you to embark on your journey of growth and transformation, whatever field you may be in.
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