References and testimonials

Organization and Culture Development

A Strategic Partner in Transformation and Leadership Development

Tarja brings profound experience from global organizations and complex transformations and that’s what sets her apart. We welcomed her at Stora Enso, where she played a key role in our transformation and took good ownership in supporting our Culture Development efforts.

She also significantly contributed to our Leadership Development portfolio renewal. Tarja brought fresh ideas, constructively challenged our thinking, and aligned her work closely with our strategic priorities.

Tarja has been and continues to be a great sparring partner to many of our senior leaders at Stora Enso. She’s a good listener, pragmatic, and always provides feedback that helps develop our strategic thinking.

Hans Sohlström, President and CEO | Stora Enso

 

Trusted, Strategic, and Hands-On Leadership Support

Bringing in Takko Advisory was an excellent decision. Tarja came in with seniority and experience that commanded instant respect. We didn’t need to hand-hold; she immediately started navigating, connecting, and delivering value. Her ability to go from scattered to sharp, capture our voice, and bring clarity to complexity was impressive.

She’s a rare combination of hands-on and strategic, with speed, prioritization, and a calm power that earned the trust of our most senior leaders. Tarja supported and continues to support our transformation not as a consultant, but as a true partner.

I would absolutely recommend her to any organization navigating complex change.

Katariina Kravi, Chief Human Resources Officer | Stora Enso

Driving Unity and Change Through Remarkable HR Leadership

While working at Ahlstrom as Divisional President, Tarja supported the organization profoundly with her remarkable ability to understand complex business needs and translate them into actionable HR strategies.

Through project ‘Unity’, she sharpened a tailored approach to unify the organization from different corners of the world, accepting their cultures, habits, and behaviours.

Tarja can do this in such a unique way that each employee feels valued and moves toward a common purpose. Her ability to listen and foster open communication truly made a huge difference in the organization.

Thanks to her effort, Ahlstrom became a much stronger and more cohesive workplace.

Tarja’s main attributes stand for trust, direction, and driving change.

As current CEO of the VITA Group, we continue to build on her services and support.”

Omar Hoek, Group Chief Executive Officer | Vita Group

Managing Change Successfully for Complex Strategic Transformation 

When you meet Tarja, you can be sure that she will listen to you and come back with her well-articulated advice. Tarja has passion for what she does and she consistently shows it. You know that she always sticks to her commitments.

We worked on project ‘Unity’ at Ahlstrom, a complex strategic transformation for a company with a high number of geographies, sites, different business: Change Management for the most critical challenge, and our great achievements would have not been possible without Tarja’s leadership!

Marco Levi, CEO, Spain

Creating a community of leaders aligned around a common organizational purpose 

When Tarja was the EVP for People, we worked together to design and deliver an organizational development program targeted at the senior leader population of a large cap stock-listen company.

 

Leadership Learning works when there is psychological safety and honest conversation. Tarja understood this and in this context we created a learning journey that delivered a powerful community of Leaders aligned around a common organizational purpose.

 

Tarja provided expert direction when we were lost, supported us when we experienced the unexpected and was clear in her communication. She is an excellent partner and accomplished expert in the field of learning, personal and organizational development.

 

Jon Morton, Leadership Learning Director, Spain

Getting things done in fast-moving environment

As a leader Tarja saw the needs of the organization and was able to balance them with the resources available to her. She improved the company culture and created an environment where employee wellbeing was considered.

 

She knew how to work in a fast-moving environment, and get things done. Her style of communication was inclusive and open. As a person Tarja is deeply empathetic and an excellent listener. She understands people, when to listen, and when to offer advice. This combined with her direct approach to solving the issues she sees, makes her an exceptional leader and person.

 

I have had Tarja as a mentor for several years, and the questions she has asked and the support she has provided have been invaluable.

 

Tero Kojo, ICT Specialist, Finland