Role Model Blog: Ida Toivari, Nokia
Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:51:04 +0000
Technology definitely helps us get better. It brings inclusion and equality into the world, especially when access to technological solutions is extended to more people. That’s something that deeply motivates me to stay in the IT field. For me, work needs to have a purpose. I need to feel that what I do contributes to something meaningful.
About me
My name is Ida Toivari, and I work at Nokia as a Transformation Manager. For the past five and a half years, I’ve been part of Mobile Networks global R&D, specifically focusing on the Radio Access Network area.
My role in internal communications and transformation involves creating the frameworks for communications, innovating new ways of doing things and reaching people in a meaningful way. A lot of my time goes into meetings and connecting with people to stay on top of what’s happening across the organization. That helps me understand what needs to be communicated and how to make complex topics more understandable.
Joining Nokia
I joined Nokia by chance. I was pursuing my master’s degree in international business management and was considering a career in management consulting. But then a Communications Trainee position at Nokia was opened, and I decided to apply. During the interview, it just clicked—it felt like the right fit.
Since then, I’ve grown a lot in my role. I started as a trainee and worked across internal communications—planning, content creation, leadership support, and innovating ways to communicate. As the years have passed, I have taken on more responsibility in coordination, strategic planning, and transformation projects.
Ida Toivari, Transformation Manager, Nokia
Skills necessary to succeed in my role
One of the most important skills is listening—really listening—and being able to read situations and people. That has helped me adapt, especially coming from a business background without prior knowledge of mobile networks. Since the beginning, I’ve been asking a lot of questions and actively learning from the people around me. Building relationships and maintaining open communication across teams has been essential. Beyond that, project management and coordination skills have been key to succeeding in my role.
Effective communication enables clarity, alignment, and change
Sometimes people assume that communication is a minor or secondary function—something on the side rather than something that drives change. I find it important to show that effective communication enables clarity, alignment, and change. I’ve been lucky to work with people who do see the value, especially within my team.
What comes to stereotypes, I do think that many stereotypes overall are interconnected. So, it is important to keep in mind that being a woman is not the only thing that provokes a reaction. Being proud of your identity is important in facing such situations.
Finding the balance
For me, balance is key. I work with passion, but I also value my free time. I recharge by doing things I enjoy— like sports, music, and cooking. Taking cooking as an example, it helps me relax because it’s something I can see the results of and enjoy right away. Additionally, nature is very important to me. Being in nature reminds me of what matters; it clears my thoughts. And I could even say it’s my way of meditating.
Combining nature and strategic thinking with orienteering
I also run and go to the gym, but my long-time hobby is orienteering. It’s a very Finnish sport—running through the forest with a map and compass, finding checkpoints. Orienteering reminds me that even the best can get lost, and it teaches humility as we are all equal out there in the woods. An interesting aspect of orienteering is that it requires strategic thinking – you make a strategy to find your checkpoints, follow that, adjust and make quick decisions on the go.
Working at Nokia
At Nokia, we enjoy an environment where the hierarchy is quite low. Everyone’s opinion is valued. It doesn’t matter if you’re a trainee or an executive leader – if you have something to say, it is heard. I feel that I can have an impact on things.
We have a lot of flexibility on how we work, but I actually go almost every day to the office. I feel that I get more when I go there. I get to build relationships. But it’s good to have the feeling of flexibility, that if one day I want to work from home, it’s simply fine and there’s no hassle around it.
My motivation to continue in the IT field
Technology definitely helps us get better. It brings inclusion and equality into the world, especially when access to technological solutions is extended to more people. That’s something that deeply motivates me to stay in the IT field. For me, work needs to have a purpose. I need to feel that what I do contributes to something meaningful.
Keeping yourself up to date
For me, loads of learning happens simply through other people. There’s so much valuable, unwritten knowledge you pick up through conversations and collaboration by being active and open. I also stay updated by actively following trends and developments, e.g. through LinkedIn. I read articles, updates in social media and books. I do enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction, especially books related to leadership and personal development. One of my favorite books is The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, exploring the role of confidence in women’s careers.
My favorite quote
My favorite quote is “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” I love this quote because it applies to every situation, both in personal life and at work. I believe we do need more kindness, and that doesn’t mean avoiding conflict or saying yes to everything. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: it means being honest, stepping up for others, and respecting both your own and others’ boundaries.
The post Role Model Blog: Ida Toivari, Nokia first appeared on Women in Tech Finland.
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