This year, the Curious Alumni Award was given to Kati Pallasaho, alumna of business administration and industrial engineering and management, at LUT University’s DS Science Conference on 20 May 2025.
“I first and foremost want to thank LUT for the excellent education I’ve received. The university has given me a tremendous amount of expertise and an exceptional community. Team spirit is at the heart of what it means to be part of LUT,” she acknowledges.
Pallasaho works as the senior vice president of strategy and sustainability at Lindström and sees the award as a reflection of the shared contribution of both the university and its alumni.
“In my point of view, the Curious Alumni Award is about how the university has succeeded in passing on something uniquely its own to its graduates – something that continues to evolve and create impact in work and business,” Pallasaho explains.
From research and consulting to leadership
Pallasaho’s career so far can be divided into three parts: research, consulting, and leadership. After graduating with a master’s degree in economics and business administration in 2007, she worked briefly as a research assistant and consultant before taking a break from the working world to go backpacking in Asia. During the trip, she developed a focused goal to pursue further studies.
“I decided to take a personal break from the professional world and went backpacking in Thailand and Indonesia for over six months. During that time, the idea crystallized that I wanted to continue doing research and pursue doctoral studies,” Pallasaho recalls.
Upon returning to Finland, she was offered a research position at the regional unit in Kouvola and began studying business ecosystems and their dynamics for her doctoral dissertation. She conducted research not only at LUT but also at Hanken.
“Doing research was a significant phase at the start of my career. I learned to look at the big picture and make complex topics understandable. During one research project, I started wondering, why I was just watching from the sidelines when I could have been making an impact myself. That thought led me to consulting,” she explains.
During one research project, I started wondering, why I was just watching from the sidelines when I could have been making an impact myself.
As a consultant, Pallasaho worked on strategic projects with many growing companies. She also became familiar with innovation and the development of new business models.
“Consulting taught me that you always need to focus on what truly creates value. You can always find a hundred things to fix, but often there are no more than five real game-changers. Once those core challenges are addressed, you’re already on a strong path forward,” Pallasaho describes.
Eventually, her path led from consulting to Lindström.
“I’ve enjoyed working at Lindström for nearly five years now. For the next five to six years, our focus will be firmly on growth: developing the company together and making sure that in the future, Lindström will be even bigger and more beautiful,” she sums up.
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At home in challenging and complex situations
Pallasaho enjoys leading change and navigating complex situations. She thrives in moments that require finding effective solutions for diverse challenges.
“I’m curious by nature, so I’ve always actively sought out places where new problems need solving. The more complex the situation, the more at home I feel,” she says.
Curiosity, courage, and kindness are also core values that guide her actions.
“I had just been talking about the importance of curiosity, courage, and kindness when I received the call about the Curious Alumni Award. The news instantly warmed my heart confirming that my values really do come through in my work,” Pallasaho reflects.
I’m curious by nature, so I’ve always actively sought out places where new problems need solving.
Lindström’s business model and circular economy-based services form an important foundation for Pallasaho’s current role as the senior vice president of strategy and sustainability. She’s also inspired by the company’s courage and hunger for growth.
“We have ambitious growth targets, and we’re working toward them together. In essence, it’s all about drive and courage – it’s important that the organization operates on the same principles that I personally value,” Pallasaho explains.
Courage to create sustainable growth
Pallasaho leads the sustainability working group of the industry association European Textile Services Association (ETSA), which aims to find responsible and sustainable solutions for providing textile services. According to her, companies and organizations should dare to shift into a higher gear and to do more cooperation when it comes to driving sustainable business growth.
“I want to inject more courage into Finnish business to encourage sustainable growth. There’s no need to compete in sustainability. Finland needs growth to remain a viable society in the future,” Pallasaho emphasizes.
However, change isn’t something you need to go through alone. Pallasaho highlights the importance of collaboration – a hallmark of the LUT community.
“There’s so much strength and potential in the alumni network. Let’s share knowledge and learn from each other. Let’s make the most of everything this kind of network can offer us,” she urges.
Devoting time, support, and action to benefit others
In addition to curiosity and courage, Pallasaho also advocates for kindness. She emphasizes that she’s received help along her own journey and now wants to pay it forward.
“It’s important to help others whenever possible. I’ve advanced in my career because people have helped me. I’ve been given opportunities and trusted to grow, even when I wasn’t fully up to the responsibility yet,” Pallasaho says.
One of her warmest memories comes from the time leading up to the public examination of her dissertation at LUT.
“We held a practice session before my actual examination to help me prepare for the big day. The community made sure that a colleague could shine on such an important occasion,” she recalls.
It’s important to help others whenever possible.
As an alumna, Pallasaho has participated in events organized by the alumni association Senioriklubi and has also visited the university as a guest lecturer for example in the international business course at LUT Business School.
“Giving time to the university is truly important because I’ve personally experienced those same things as a student and researcher. That’s why it feels natural to now give back,” Pallasaho emphasizes.
Her message to students is very clear: seize opportunities boldly.
“Take advantage of different opportunities when they come. Rarely do they lead you in an entirely wrong direction, and you never know when a certain experience might turn out to be useful,” Pallasaho says.
Donation to children
The Curious Alumni Award includes a 500-euro donation to a charity of the award-winner’s choice. Pallasaho wants her prize money to go to UNICEF.
“Right now, not all places in the world are safe for children. That’s why I want to direct the donation to UNICEF and children, so we can help provide a better future for the younger generations,” Pallasaho explains.
UNICEF is the United Nations Children’s Fund. It carries out long-term development cooperation, advocacy, and emergency relief work for children, and it is the world's largest and most influential children's organization.
Kati Pallasaho
- Alumna of LUT Business School and industrial engineering and management; graduated from LUT University with a master’s degree in economics and business administration in 2007 and earned a doctorate in technology in 2013
- Senior vice president of strategy and sustainability at Lindström since 2022; joined the company in 2020 as a director of strategy
- Junior and post-doctoral researcher at LUT University and Hanken in 2010–2016
- Has worked as a consultant for Tikura, Talent Vectia and Reaktor
- Has served on multiple advisory and leadership boards and is currently involved with Arctia Oy and the European Textile Services Association (ETSA)
- Originally from Valkeakoski, currently lives in Helsinki
Curious Alumni Award
LUT University’s Curious Alumni Award celebrates the university’s curious and courageous alumni who work toward a better future and act as positive ambassadors for our university in their professional lives.
The entire LUT community is invited to nominate candidates for the award. The tradition began last year for Homecoming Day, and the award is presented annually.
The entire LUT community is invited to nominate candidates for the award. The tradition began last year for Homecoming Day, and the award is presented annually.
