Portrait: Elisa Rouhiainen

Angi: Hi, Elisa, and thank you for taking the time to answer some questions.

Elisa: Hi, and thank you for the opportunity.

Angi: I suggest we start with the first question: Where do you live, and what do you like about that place?

Elisa: I live in Kangasala, a small town near Tampere in Finland. Usually, I work remotely from home, but I try to visit our Lustenau office once a quarter. Kangasala is a nice small town between two lakes, close to nature and forest. Everything needed is at a close distance, which makes life with a family easy. Our house is perfectly located between a small lake, where we can go swimming and some farming fields, which makes you feel like you live in the middle of the countryside, even if we are less than a kilometre from the town centre.

Angi: That sounds very familiar and lovely to me, hahaha. Here in Austria, we also have a couple of lakes and a lot of fields between the mountains.

Elisa: It is great to clear your mind from work after a long day of tasks.

Angi: I like that as well. Speaking of work - tell me a bit about your career.

Elisa: I was introduced to the container handling business in 2004 when I did my master’s thesis for Kalmar about identifying and evaluating business opportunities and automation in the container handling industry. It is interesting that many of the topics highlighted in my thesis are still valid in 2024. Since then, I have spent most of my career in this industry, enjoying the global business, getting to know the different stakeholders, making friends around the world, and embracing the opportunities I have had for relocation, first to Singapore and then later to India.

Angi: Wow you gained a lot of experience in the last 20 years, so you are an expert in the container handling industry now. Back to today. What do you do at Identec Solutions?

Elisa: I’m responsible for the Marine & Ports vertical sales in the EMEA region - so in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Angi: And when did you start?

Elisa: I started on 1 July 2023, so exactly a year ago!

Angi: Tell me what you do like the most about your job.

Elisa: I like the international environment; I work in a business that is important and impacts all of us. Our products bring real value to our customers, so I enjoy selling them.

Angi: Sometimes I have to remind myself again how big of an impact those industries we work in have in our daily life - crazy. Do you have a guiding principle at work?

Elisa: Be respectful and open-minded, taking the time to understand the other point of view. Look for thoughtful and creative solutions to any issues that arise, and once a decision is made, execute the plan with precision and attention to detail.

Angi: There is a saying in Austria: "When you shout to the forest, it comes back the same as you shouted." This means you should always be careful how you treat others and, in my opinion, to be respectful so you get that respect back from others. What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

Elisa: Of course, getting a new customer and keeping our existing customers happy. Interacting with terminal professionals from around the world and helping them maintain containers moving efficiently makes me happy. It’s not visible to everyone, but the maritime supply chain is often a critical part of the goods journey to us.

Angi: Sometimes, it is more critical than we think from day to day when we are grocery shopping. Back to Identec Solutions, we have five core company values – Visionary, Open, Responsible, Leading and Global. Which one is the most significant for you, and how do you live it?

Elisa: I have to say global. I enjoy tremendously working with people from different backgrounds and cultural settings. This is the best way to learn more about life and work. It’s not always easy, but it’s rewarding, and I feel that I have developed as a person because of it. As mentioned before, I’m proud to say that during my 20 years in this business, I have made many friends from all around the world and from every continent. Behind the business, there is always a person, and despite your professional positions, potential disagreements and business outcomes, you can still enjoy discussions and see the person behind the job.

Angi: I also like that we here at Identec Solutions have such a diverse culture. You learn a lot just by working in the team and getting to know the person behind the job and their culture, as you said.

Angi: Has there been a project you wished never ended or one that you almost couldn't finish due to obstacles?

Elisa: Many. I have been involved with many projects involving new products and processes. In these types of projects, obstacles are common. Some projects take years to finish, whereas some take months. I think it’s always important in these types of projects to focus on the goal and keep moving forward, even if it sometimes feels like a snail's speed or step back or sideways.

Angi: What has been the most remarkable learning for you while you were travelling on your job?

Elisa: Be open-minded, and take time to understand. It’s always about people & business – In that order. 

Angi: Now to you more personally. What do you do in your spare time - do you have any hobbies or passions?

Elisa: Most of my free time revolves around my family. I have two boys whose hobbies have become part of my weekly routine as well. I enjoy swimming in natural waters throughout the year—yes, also during winter. My weekly pilates class has been on my schedule for seven years now.

Angi: That's a great variety for you every day. Thank you so much Elisa for answering those questions - it has been wonderful to get to know you more!

Elisa: Hahaha, yeah, it never gets boring. Thank you for asking me.