Doctor of Technology, elected as Metsä Group's Climate and Circular Economy Director in August last year Maija Bottom Rock says he is at his best when building the big picture, as part of a functioning team.
“When I saw the job advertisement for this job, I felt like they were looking for exactly me; a technology expert for the public relations team,” Pohjakallio laughs.
"The work has proven to be diverse and multidimensional. A lot of stakeholder activity, along with monitoring the operating environment and legislation, and also more strategic work within the company. My knowledge of chemistry helps me understand what we do and what is happening at a technological level. For example, when considering how to better utilize various side streams, it is useful to understand what that stream consists of – right down to the molecular level."
Maija Pohjakallio summarizes her interests as building a more sustainable lifestyle and society. At Metsä Group, she is inspired by the broad business area from the procurement of wood raw materials to a variety of services and end products, as well as a shared value base.
"We have a large part of the wood value chain under the same umbrella, which brings a long-term vision to the work. I am also motivated by the company's values that support my own personal choices: cooperation, renewal, reliability and responsible profit-making."
As the Director of Climate and Circular Economy, Pohjakallio sees the forest sector and the bioproduct industry as significant players in building a more sustainable world. The molecules in the forest are formed through natural processes and at the same time bind carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
"Companies are increasingly expected to participate in social dialogue. In moving many things forward and in everyday activities, there is a strong need to combine expertise and examine things from different angles. We look at things at the level of technologies and molecules, but also at global operating environments - how can we shift the social model more and more towards a circular economy."
We need different people, views and opinions around a common table. Pohjakallio urges both companies and students to do so.
“It’s good to combine skills. It’s smart to acquire one strong area of deep expertise, but also something from other areas so that you can understand others in common networks and dialogues and bring your own views to the table. Interaction skills are important. By working together, we have the opportunity to turn things around in a direction that makes the Earth’s carrying capacity sustainable. The wood-based circular economy plays a big role in this.”
Text: Tuija Holttinen
Photo: Metsä Group
