Ari Rantalainen joins Firemind as a Solution Manager

Hello and welcome, Ari to Firemind! For our viewers, could you share a bit about yourself and your professional journey?  

Sure! I’ve been fascinated by computers from a young age. Whenever my mother had to work and couldn’t find a babysitter, I would join her at her office. While she worked, I got to play with and colour on punch cards – those early memories sparked my interest in technology. 

Living in Finland, I spend many summer weekends at our lake house, enjoying tinkering with anything I can get my hands on. Last summer’s project was setting up IoT sensors for our lakeside sauna. 😊  

Professionally, I’ve always been passionate about building systems that are efficient to create and operate. I enjoy talking to people, understanding the challenges they face, and finding ways to solve them. 

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with big and small companies, both in product and consulting roles, and across organisations in various stages – from top-performing industry leaders to those in growth phases. Joining Firemind now feels like the perfect opportunity to bring my passion and experience to support the team and, most importantly, our customers. 

How did you hear about Firemind, and what made you apply? 

I had been discussing new opportunities with a former colleague, and when I heard the story of Firemind, I immediately felt drawn to it. I wanted to be part of that story and help drive it forward here in Finland. 

What’s your new role at Firemind? 

I’ll be working as a Solution Manager, right at the crossroads of customers, sales, and delivery.  

Which areas of our business excite you the most?  

I’m really excited about new technology, especially AI. It’s so broadly applicable that it has become a crucial tool for companies of any size, in any industry. 

What are your main objectives at Firemind? 

My goal is to support Firemind’s growth in this new market. Through my experience, I aim to find ways to make customer deliveries faster and more cost-effective. 

Which part of your role are you most excited about?  

I’m looking forward to focusing on specific solutions in a rapidly changing environment and collaborating with a new team. 

What do you hope to achieve in your first year? 

By the end of the year, it would be great to have established a thriving Finnish customer base. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Having three kids happily consumes most of my time outside of work. Together as a family, we love hiking and cross-country skiing. 

I do have a competitive streak, which previously led me to travel the world playing and coaching Ultimate Frisbee. After some injuries, I’ve transitioned to enjoying Beach Volleyball and Badminton. I’m also working on picking up a habit of cycling and running. 

What’s your favourite song right now?  

At home, I hear “Isi Maksaa” a lot because my daughter loves it far too much! Personally, I use music to set the mood, often to unwind. For that, I enjoy chill tracks like “Tule Kesäyö” by J. Karjalainen or “Crash” by Chris Malinchak. 

If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

“Makaronisotkotus” with a salad on the side and a large glass of milk. Makaronisotkotus is my grandmother’s own recipe – a family dish not known outside, but a favourite of all the kids.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?  

To take my kids to experience other cultures, such as Japan, India, the USA, and more.  

What’s one skill you’d love to learn?  

I’d love to learn design – it’s a skill I’ve always admired and would enjoy developing further.  

How do you wind down after work? 

Listening to audio books while running.