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, The 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

Building a community of aligned leaders with 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 a 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 well-being 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

Driving Change and Transformation

Dedication to a diverse workplace

Tarja’s commitment to fostering DEI within our company has been remarkable. Tarja demonstrated an solid dedication to creating a more inclusive workplace environment. She recognized the importance of representation and belonging across various dimensions of diversity, and she took proactive steps to address these critical issues.

 

By establishing resource groups tailored to different diversity dimensions, Tarja created spaces for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for meaningful change. She didn’t stop at merely setting up resource groups; she also led initiatives aimed at achieving tangible outcomes.

 

Through her leadership, our company set ambitious DEI goals, challenging us to push beyond the status quo and strive for meaningful progress. Tarja’s strategic approach and forward-thinking mindset have been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward. She has a ability for bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and empowering others to contribute to the DEI agenda. Her openness to diverse perspectives and willingness to listen make her a true champion of inclusion, inspiring others to join the cause and become advocates for change themselves.

Successful post-merger change

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Tarja for many years when Nokia Siemens Networks was established. Tarja was key in the post-merger change by designing and developing the global approach for guiding all leaders and line managers in NSN’s mode of operation, leadership framework and the guiding principles for how to lead the change, coined as ‘Creating a Winner’.

The executed change approach involved more than 16,000 people. In addition, she led the training of more than 450 change agents across the globe resulting in a solid grounding of the operating model, high engagement scores of employees and external analysts meriting the integration as a success. 

Niklas Nordling, Leadership Advisor & Consultant. Finland

Auditing HR and communications

Tarja’s commitment to fostering DEI within our company has been remarkable. Tarja demonstrated an solid dedication to creating a more inclusive workplace environment. She recognized the importance of representation and belonging across various dimensions of diversity, and she took proactive steps to address these critical issues.

 

By establishing resource groups tailored to different diversity dimensions, Tarja created spaces for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for meaningful change. She didn’t stop at merely setting up resource groups; she also led initiatives aimed at achieving tangible outcomes.

 

Through her leadership, our company set ambitious DEI goals, challenging us to push beyond the status quo and strive for meaningful progress. Tarja’s strategic approach and forward-thinking mindset have been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward. She has a ability for bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and empowering others to contribute to the DEI agenda. Her openness to diverse perspectives and willingness to listen make her a true champion of inclusion, inspiring others to join the cause and become advocates for change themselves.

Shaping a global culture with care

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Tarja for many years when Nokia Siemens Networks was established. Tarja was key in the post-merger change by designing and developing the global approach for guiding all leaders and line managers in NSN’s mode of operation, leadership framework and the guiding principles for how to lead the change, coined as ‘Creating a Winner’.

The executed change approach involved more than 16,000 people. In addition, she led the training of more than 450 change agents across the globe resulting in a solid grounding of the operating model, high engagement scores of employees and external analysts meriting the integration as a success. 

Niklas Nordling, Leadership Advisor & Consultant. Finland

Coaching and Mentoring

A transformative experience

Working with Tarja Takko as my coach during autumn 2024 was a transformative experience. Her empathetic yet challenging approach helped me achieve a better balance between work and personal life by identifying energy sources and drains, and actively incorporating energizing activities into my routine. 

 

Through reflective discussions and various assessments, we explored my values, strengths, and career aspirations, which provided clarity on the roles where I thrive and the direction I want to pursue. 

 

Tarja’s guidance was instrumental in my journey towards sustainable change, leaving me energized and confident about my future path. As Tarja aptly stated, coaching is not just a process but a journey— and I am grateful for the journey we embarked on together.

Mentoring female leaders

Mentoring has provided me with a valuable space to express my thoughts, ideas, and questions on career related topics at this transitional time in my life.

 

Tarja has shared her experiences, provided feedback and asked me thought provoking questions.

 

I believe that many other young professionals would greatly benefit from having a mentor like Tarja.

                             Corporate Social Responsibility

Courage to spark change

I had the privilege to work alongside Tarja when co-creating Ahlström Collective Impact.


As a value- and purpose-driven leader, I would attribute honesty, empathy, respect, and justice as values that define Tarja, who leads with a soft but firm hand, making sure that everyone’s voice is heard and work is appreciated. 

As a hardworking and committed team player, Tarja is fair and expects as much from herself as from her team.

Maria Ahlström-Bondestam, Chair of UNICEF International Council, Finland

Engaging employees with purpose

Meeting Tarja has been a turning point in my journey towards finding purpose in my work. Her unwavering energy and bold, joyful approach have transformed our workplace into a space where empowerment thrives.

Under her mentorship I have grasped that HR’s core is nurturing individuals to reach their full potential and uncover their purpose, a philosophy that Tarja exemplifies effortlessly.

Nassima Boulaion, Finance Leader & ACI Ambassador, Belgium