FutuStories - Juha-Pekka Juutilainen

11 Jun 2025|Culture

Juha-Pekka Juutilainen was looking for something a little different after a stint in a larger consulting firm and a few years in the insurance industry. What he found at Futurice was a culture of trust, shared ownership, and the freedom to work in a way that felt both modern and meaningful.

So, how did you find your way to Futurice?

I spent 11 years working in a global consulting firm’s strategy team, and after that, four years in the insurance sector. I realized I wanted to return to consulting, but in a different kind of environment—something less hierarchical, with more entrepreneurial energy, and a modern work culture.

Futurice’s culture and the relaxed tone of the interview process immediately stood out. It felt like a place where I could do things differently and in a way that actually aligns with how I want to work.

What kind of work do you do now?

I’m a principal and lead our strategy competence in the Nordics. We support our clients, who are often executive-level stakeholders, make sense of complex challenges at the intersection of business and technology.

The work can cover things like digital strategy, AI or GenAI strategies, or exploring new business models. It’s all about navigating uncertainty and helping companies make smart, future-oriented decisions.

How does working at Futurice differ from your previous roles?

The biggest difference is how collaborative and open-ended the work is. In large consultancies, there’s often a heavy reliance on predefined models: "This is how it’s done because it used to work also earlier." At Futurice, we many times start with a blank slate, explore fresh perspectives, and co-create solutions with the client.

We also work in truly multidisciplinary teams. While many of the client companies are familiar from my previous roles, I now also get to work with exciting smaller growth companies that I wouldn't have reached through a more traditional consulting path.

What keeps you motivated?

The chance to influence the future and success of many Finnish companies. Even if our work isn’t always visible from the outside, the decisions we help shape can have a significant impact, not just for companies but for society as a whole.

On a personal level, I’m driven by continuous learning and the opportunity to challenge myself.

What do you appreciate most about the culture at Futurice?

There’s a strong sense of shared ownership here. Everyone is free to take initiative, and we are encouraged to do so! You can sell and do the kind of work you believe in. No one dictates how you should do things. As long as you make smart decisions and take responsibility, you’re trusted to shape your own path.

What does life outside of work look like?

I’m a middle-aged dad living in Espoo, so most of my time outside work goes into family life and driving the kids to their hobbies. Exercise is a big part of my free time—floorball, running, and snowboarding. I also try to move as much as possible in my everyday life.

Before we had kids, I had more time for cultural events. These days, I have to be a bit more selective, but I still enjoy them when I can.

What would you say to someone considering a career in consulting, especially in a place like Futurice?

This is a great place to be if you want to do meaningful, innovative work in a relaxed, modern setting. A company like Futurice is a fantastic alternative to larger, more rigid firms. You get to work with real people, use your expertise, and stay creative without unnecessary limitations.

Is there something you wish we talked about more in working life?

Gratitude and human connection. In the rush of everyday work, it’s easy to forget to say, “Well done” or “Thanks for this.” While I think we’re better at this than many others, there’s always room for improvement.

At Futurice, we celebrate diversity and cherish everyone's unique journey. Are you interested in reading more stories about us and our people? Check out our Careers page for insights into our culture. If you want to work at Futurice, check out our open positions.