Lassila & Tikanoja, familiarly known as L&T, is recognized as a multi-service company that is making circular economy a reality.
Antti Hynynen has been with Lassila & Tikanoja for over eight years. An enthusiastic advocate of lifewide learning, he started the Diploma in Commercial Excellence program shortly after transitioning from his role as Regional Director of Facility Maintenance Services to Sales Director for Strategic Sales in Facility Services.
“Aalto EE’s training has already been highly beneficial. It has helped in effectively commercializing our new innovations in facility services and in clarifying our competitive advantage across different customer segments,” Hynynen says.
Hynynen underlines that in order to evolve, the facility services industry also requires new innovations. Lassila & Tikanoja’s Facility Services division has long been developing new services that can effectively support its customers’ sustainability goals through practical measures.
The training has helped in effectively commercializing our new innovations in facility services and in clarifying our competitive advantage across different customer segments.
“For example, we have successfully commercialized new services such as data-driven cleaning and the Smartti Automaatio energy management system at L&T’s Facility Services,” Hynynen explains.
“We have simultaneously developed a smart property concept around these services. With it, we can deliver the benefits of comprehensive service solutions to the market. Our new services have been well received, and the advantages for customers have been substantial,” Hynynen notes.
Hynynen has already shared many insights gained from the Diploma in Commercial Excellence program with his colleagues.
“It’s also quite possible that some of my colleagues will be refreshing their skills under the guidance of Aalto EE’s top instructors in future Diploma in Commercial Excellence programs,” Hynynen ponders.
Rewarding and useful group projects
Hynynen has a lot of praise for the program’s content. Planning a company turnaround program as a group project was especially rewarding.
“It was an eye-opening exercise. While I have extensive experience with change initiatives, I now feel better equipped to structure all the aspects that need to be considered in such projects. I would highly recommend this Aalto EE simulation exercise to anyone leading a change project,” Hynynen states.
I learned the key elements of creating a growth story and refreshed my skills in strategy, sales, and customer orientation.
The practical Strategic Marketing module also left a strong impression on Hynynen.
“I learned the key elements of creating a growth story and refreshed my skills in strategy, sales, and customer orientation. The module emphasized a live case in which we collaboratively innovated a new product and its launch for Olvi Plc,” Hynynen remarks.
“Our group finished second in the competition. We received great feedback on our innovation and the product’s sustainability. The winning proposal was very impressive as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if Olvi Plc decides to launch it as a new product.”
Valuable tools for a new role
The Business Model Development module provided Hynynen with significant benefits, including improved skills to leverage Lassila & Tikanoja’s updated strategy, innovations, and competitive edge in the market.
“I gained strong insights into how we should commercialize comprehensive service solutions and foster growth through sustainability.”
“The module offered me a new perspective on utilizing digitalization and technology to drive growth. I’m thrilled about this opportunity; we can significantly enhance our customers’ sustainability efforts through IoT technology, innovative facility services, and the circular economy. This establishes a strong foundation for creating differentiating factors in attracting new customers,” Hynynen points out.
The Diploma in Commercial Excellence program also includes two elective modules. Hynynen selected the Essentials of Marketing and Sales Online module and the Power and Influence module.
I gained strong insights into how we should commercialize comprehensive service solutions and foster growth through sustainability.
“My expectations were high, but they were exceeded. In terms of my own work, Power and Influence was possibly the most interesting part of the entire high-quality program.”
“In sales, information is important, but emotions play a significant role in purchasing decisions. In the Power and Influence module, I learned the key factors for effectively influencing others – and also how to choose the most appropriate method of influence for different situations. It was valuable communication training for change management scenarios and negotiations with customers,” Hynynen highlights.
Strategic and practical skills
As Sales Director, Hynynen is responsible for strategic sales in facility services for the private sector.
“My job has many great aspects. First and foremost, I have to mention my wonderful and skilled colleagues. Working with them is always motivating,” Hynynen says.
“We have very strong sustainability expertise at Lassila & Tikanoja. The best part of my job is the opportunity to delve deep into the customer’s strategy and sustainability goals. It’s a great feeling when you find solutions that help customers achieve their ambitious sustainability targets through practical actions,” Hynynen describes.
Over the years, Hynynen has gained extensive experience in pursuing executive training while working.
“As a young man, sports and travel appealed to me more than school, but as an adult, I’ve been quite dedicated to my education. I’ve participated in JET studies, obtained an EMBA, and consistently sought out the latest information from high-quality management training programs,” Hynynen explains.
It was a beneficial, high-quality, and rewarding experience that equipped me with new skills to drive commercial success.
“I discovered Aalto EE a few years ago when I wanted new knowledge about financial matters, and I completed an investment services qualification purely out of personal interest. It was a high-quality and positive experience – so I opted for Aalto EE again, when I wanted to refresh my skills while transitioning from regional director to sales director.”
Hynynen affirms that the Diploma in Commercial Excellence program was exactly as good as he had anticipated.
“It was a beneficial, high-quality, and rewarding experience that equipped me with new skills to drive commercial success. I already know that when I want to learn something new again in a few years, Aalto EE’s website will be the first place I check for a relevant program.”
“If you hold a commercial leadership position, the Diploma in Commercial Excellence program will provide you with excellent strategic and practical skills to enhance sales, customer value, and overall commercial performance. The program’s various modules also include participants from programs like Global Leader and Aalto EMBA, which enriches group dynamics and interaction. I warmly recommend participating.”