Esko Oja | Team Director, MU Finland
What motivates me most about working at MU is the opportunity to do meaningful work that has a real impact on organisations and society. By collaborating with clients to acquire and develop effective leadership, we help create more inclusive workplaces and enable success across a wide range of industries. That sense of purpose has always been important to me.
I am also inspired by the diversity of our client projects. Every assignment is a chance to understand a new business, a new market, or a new leadership challenge — and to deliver results that truly matter. One of the things I value most about MU is that we are an international company, yet agile in the way we work. I am proud that we can partner with Finnish companies as they expand internationally, support international organisations investing in Finland, and work with global companies developing their operations across markets.
Another important reason why MU has been the right place for me is our culture. We are a team of highly skilled and results-driven experts, but at the same time open, flat, and kind in the way we work together. That combination is quite special.
What makes MU a great place to work is not just one thing, but the combination of many. We have a collaborative culture, the freedom to act, and trusted expert colleagues across client industries, functions, service areas, and markets — both locally and globally. Together with our science-based and proven solutions, this gives us something we can stand behind with real confidence.
At MU, we take our work seriously because what we do matters. We understand the responsibility we carry in helping clients make important leadership decisions. At the same time, we are also good at enjoying the journey together. Over the years, many strong friendships have been built with both current and former colleagues.
In the end, what makes MU special is that you can truly be yourself here — and still have every opportunity to succeed and make a meaningful impact.
When I reflect on the highlights of my career, I do not only think about the biggest projects or the highest results. Very often, the most memorable moments have been the first times I accomplished something new.
Early on, I was proud to open a new client relationship and quickly develop it into multiple projects. Later, it was exciting to lead my first international assignment for a Finnish company taking its first steps into a new country. The first CEO and Board-level assignments also gave me a great deal of energy, as did working with colleagues on a large international leadership advisory project for the first time.
Over time, my role also grew. I developed from delivering assignments myself to opening and developing client relationships, bringing opportunities to the team, and building expert teams around specific project needs. Another major part of my journey has been growing as a leader. That is something I am proud of, but also something I approach with humility when I think about the talented colleagues and teams I have the privilege to work with every day.
There have been many milestones along the way: becoming a Partner, taking on the role of Country Lead for MU Finland, contributing to strategy and development projects, and serving as part of both the Nordic Leadership Team and our Global Senior Leadership Group. Each of these experiences has helped shape my career and each has also reminded me that growth at MU comes through both individual effort and collective success.
One of the MU EVP cornerstones is For Opportunities Without Limits, and that is something I have seen proven in practice throughout my more than 13 years with the company.
There are many different ways to build a successful career at MU. Some colleagues have developed deep expertise within a specific industry practice. Others have grown by leading and developing major international clients. Some have become highly trusted experts in particular service areas. And there are many other paths as well.
What connects all of them is not one fixed career model, but a shared commitment to delivering high-quality work and creating real value for clients, colleagues, and themselves. That is what makes MU such an inspiring place to grow. There are no predefined limits — when you are capable, deliver results, and continue to develop, you can shape your own path forward.