Navigating new horizons: Maria Frilund likes to step outside her comfort zone
In her 16 years at Sofigate, Maria Frilund has fearlessly transitioned through diverse roles, learning by doing every step of the way.
More and more people are pursuing multiple careers throughout their lifetimes. Maria Frilund is one such person – having already navigated several different roles. What’s particularly interesting is that many of these roles were with the same employer, Sofigate.
Maria joined us in 2008 as a Financial Assistant after working for an insurance agency. At the time, the company was still small, so her responsibilities were diverse. As Maria describes it, she did “everything from ordering pens to organizing parties.”
As the company grew, her role expanded, and she began taking on HR duties. Eventually, she transitioned into HR full-time, eventually rising to the position of HR Business Partner.
Over time, Maria’s interest in the business side of things grew. In 2018, she made another leap, and started working on client projects.
“For a while, I considered other opportunities and companies. Fortunately, Sofigate and my supervisors were extremely supportive. I was thrilled to have the chance to embark on yet another new career while staying with the company where I had already spent ten happy years,” Maria says.
“There is nothing more rewarding than learning by doing”
Maria Frilund currently works as a Senior Advisor at our Helsinki office, specializing in Way of Working and Change Management. In her client projects, she frequently draws on her extensive HR experience.
“I’m not a technical person, nor do I see myself solely as a project manager. I prefer to focus on the human and cultural aspects of things. In technical transformations, it’s crucial to lead people and ensure everyone is engaged. I work closely with many HR professionals on the client side, and they appreciate that I understand their challenges and can speak their language,” Maria explains.
Increasingly, however, Maria finds herself involved in projects that have little to do with HR management.
“I remember how nervous I was when I first started working on a CRM project without any prior CRM experience. But what drives me is stepping into roles that are slightly beyond my comfort zone. It can be a bit unnerving at first, but there’s nothing more rewarding than diving into new challenges, learning by doing, and having the support to do so. I like to constantly keep my eyes and ears open for new opportunities.”
Working from a boat
Maria Frilund also met her husband, Markus, at the office – and both still work for Sofigate. Their workplace romance began so long ago that their children are now 9 and 11 years old.
“When we first started dating, we told our superiors about it. They were very supportive and only mentioned that if we ever broke up while still working here, we should be adults about it,” Maria says, laughing.
The arrangement has worked well for everyone involved. The only professional adjustment they’ve made is avoiding working simultaneously on the same projects and clients. On the plus side, it’s easier to support each other during busy times on client projects when they’ve both been through the same experiences.
Another benefit is that Maria and Markus can flexibly balance work, family life, and their shared passion for sailing. Every year, the Frilund family, based in the coastal countryside west of Helsinki, spends months on their boat – not only enjoying holidays but also working remotely. They’ve sailed in different parts of the Baltic several times. Next year, Maria is eager to explore even further.
“It’s all about doing new things, isn’t it?”
There is a productivity leap hiding in Finnish companies – here's how to get started
Power to the people – Five things I learned about taking people along on the digital transformation journey
