Giant Leap Blog Series 2: Fresh Ideas and Impressive Results

Now that we have shared with you some Giant Leap history from an HR perspective, we wanted to give you some insights about how those working closest with the Giant Leapers – their supervisors – feel about Giant Leap. We interviewed our Chief Strategy Officer Hannu Talvitie and Research & Development Manager Riku Hakala to share their Giant Leap memories.

How many projects have you managed in Giant Leap and what were they about? 

"I have had two Giant Leap projects", Hannu says. "One was about digitalization as a megatrend. In this project the focus was on understanding what digitalization really means, and what our status as a company is regarding it. The other one was about mapping the market and growth potential for weather-impact information services."

"I have also guided two Giant Leap projects so far", Riku continues. "Both were more or less related to software. The first one was about studying new communication protocols that we were not familiar with, and the second one was system testing development for our Controlled Environment products."

How would you describe the real-life business and research importance of the Giant Leap projects?

"In our case, the Giant Leap projects have given strong directions for our future development plans. They have also helped us to see what kind of competencies we need in the future. In addition, both of my Giant Leapers stayed on to work at Vaisala after they finished their Giant Leap projects, so we also benefit from getting qualified people to join our team", Riku explains.

"The projects we choose for the Giant Leap program are really in the core of Vaisala's strategy and development focus", Hannu says. "The Giant Leapers bring in fresh viewpoints with high level of energy and talent."

What is your favorite Giant Leap memory?

"There are so many that it's really hard to pick just one!" Riku says. "I guess it could be related to the final presentation events, where all Giant Leapers get to present their work to the management and everyone else interested in the topic. They summarize all the hard work done during the summer in a nice way."

"One of the best memories for me as well has been to hear the whole group of Giant Leapers present their project outcomes. The presentations are full of new ideas and passion", Hannu adds.

What have you learned through Giant Leap?

"I have learned that today's students are really well educated, talented young people who are ready for any demanding project that is well enough specified", Hannu says.

"I have learned that impressive results can be achieved in a short time when there is a clear task, enthusiasm and special talent involved!" Riku concludes.

This was the second part of our Giant Leap blog series. Stay tuned for the final part in a couple of weeks, where we hear insights from former Giant Leapers themselves! 

Interested in becoming a Giant Leaper.