Jukka’s Work at Symbio: Technical Leadership and Teamwork
Effective leadership combines technical skills with people management, requiring the ability to see the big picture and find practical ways to move forward.
Jukka has been with Symbio since 2018, when he was recruited to join the Elysian team to help build an in-car entertainment system and associated platforms. The Elysian project is based on a Linux platform, integrating features such as Android AutoPlay and CarPlay. However, Jukka’s first experience with Symbio dates back even further, as he previously worked as an intern and a Software Developer at Flander, Symbio’s predecessor.
In his role as Principal Engineer, Jukka oversees technical project management and serves as a direct supervisor for his development team. His responsibilities include guiding the technical direction, managing personnel, and handling project administration. His days are filled with diverse tasks like project planning, client communication, team task organization, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Connecting People and Processes
Jukka officially stepped into a supervisory role at the end of 2021, although he was already accustomed to significant responsibilities in his previous position as Lead Developer. He feels this role suits him well, as he enjoys managing large projects and working closely with people. Effective leadership combines technical skills with people management, requiring the ability to see the big picture and find practical ways to move forward.
“In my previous job, I once said I’d never become a team leader. But people change, and I’ve found this role really suits me—the mix of handling the big picture and engaging with people. It’s not just about leading people or focusing on technical aspects but combining the two.”
As a leader, Jukka aims to be open, honest, and fair. He emphasizes that a genuinely interested leader is visible to the team, and showing he cares is important to him. Jukka’s role has expanded to include representing Symbio to clients, and he has had opportunities to shape company processes and influence workplace culture.
Running as a Source of Personal Time
During his time at Symbio, Jukka has also returned to his running hobby. After a few years’ break, running has once again become a central part of his routine over the past three years. He runs multiple times each week, with runs of at least 10 kilometers. For Jukka, running is mainly a way to relax and spend time with himself:
“Running is, above all, personal time for me—putting on some music and just being with myself.”
For Jukka, running is driven by intrinsic motivation, something he genuinely enjoys. He believes everyone should find a way to stay active and relax without feeling pressure to perform. Jukka even integrates running into his workdays, as Symbio’s flexible schedule allows him to go for a run midday, which re-energizes him for the rest of the day.
For anyone considering starting running, Jukka recommends a gradual approach. It’s best to build aerobic fitness with walking and gradually add running. The key is to find one’s own pace and increase intensity slowly.
01.11.2024 | Career stories