Business Manager Johanna Pölönen: The Industry Still Has a Hold on Me After 30 Years

Johanna Pölönen works as a Business Manager at Nurminen Logistics. According to her, her years at Nurminen have involved many interesting projects and wonderful people – read Johanna’s story! 

From summer job to a responsible role 

Johanna Pölönen’s career at Nurminen began with a summer job over 30 years ago. She says she entered the world of logistics without any particular expectations or detailed plans for the future, but the fascinating work quickly captivated her: 

“I didn’t know much about the logistics industry, nor did I have any expectations – but I was completely drawn in! I started out doing support tasks in import forwarding, such as data entry and directing railcars. Gradually, I learned more about both import and export forwarding as well as customs procedures – and I’ve stayed on this path ever since,” Johanna recalls the start of her career. 

Over the years, Johanna’s responsibilities and roles have expanded. She eventually moved into leadership positions, first as a team leader and, in 2008, she was appointed department manager. In her current role as Business Manager, she is responsible for the operations of Nurminen’s Niirala and Vainikkala offices. As a manager, Johanna appreciates Nurminen’s open work atmosphere and encourages her team to remain curious and committed to self-development. 

“No two days are the same. It’s important to be ready for whatever the day may bring,” Johanna says when asked about a typical workday. 

Behind efficient logistics services lies ongoing development work 

As one of Nurminen’s most experienced experts, Johanna works behind the scenes on numerous projects. Constant changes in forwarding and customs processes, along with system updates, keep her busy. 

“Forwarding is the foundation of successful logistics. The industry has changed a lot over the years: regulations have become stricter, digital processes have increased, and ways of working have evolved. For example, we no longer meet and work with stakeholders face-to-face as much – cooperation now mainly happens digitally. Digitalization also demands greater precision in data content: information must be entered into systems in a very specific format. Keeping up with new developments and regulations, and guiding my team through these changes, is an important part of my daily work – and it keeps things interesting!” Johanna says with a smile. 

Working at Nurminen – innovative and people-oriented 

Johanna describes Nurminen as a bold and innovative company that is constantly evolving and doesn’t stand still, even when markets change. She emphasizes that visions always need people to bring them to life – and she is proud to play a role in maintaining the company’s strong foundation and ensuring Nurminen is ready to meet new challenges as a company. 

She finds it especially important that Nurminen recognizes its employees’ strengths and offers everyone opportunities to grow. The staff is encouraged to try new things and develop their skills – something Johanna actively supports and promotes in her own team as a manager. She says she has aimed to create an open atmosphere within her team where knowledge is shared freely. 

“A sense of community and a good work atmosphere are a big part of job satisfaction. Being able to trust your team – and having that trust go both ways – makes everyday work smoother and more enjoyable,” Johanna summarizes the importance of Nurminen’s workplace culture.