MBA success stories: Salla Sandberg, Aalto University Executive Education

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your career?

I’m a lifelong learner and a proud mother of two wonderful children. I joined the commercial team at Spinnova (a Finnish textile material innovation company) in 2022, where I now serve as director of partnerships and interim director of marketing. Before Spinnova, I spent many years at Marimekko, one of Finland's iconic lifestyle brands, where I honed my expertise. This journey expanded my understanding of the industry and deepened my experience working for both a well-established brand and in an innovative start-up environment.

What does your current role involve?

I oversee our product strategy and lead partnership management, ensuring we build meaningful, long-lasting connections. I’m also involved in shaping and executing our marketing strategy, bringing our brand’s story to life. These two areas complement each other seamlessly and in my daily work they’re closely intertwined, fuelling one other as we press forward.

Why did you want to study for an MBA and why did you choose this particular school?

I studied for my MBA at Aalto University Executive Education in Helsinki (pictured above) between 2021 and 2023. The Aalto MBA is highly valued and recognised both in Finland and globally, so choosing Aalto was the easiest part of the decision process.

I wanted to expand my horizons by learning from different industries, ensuring I didn’t limit myself to a single perspective. Aalto offered a wide range of modules and networking opportunities with people from various backgrounds. I also saw an opportunity to grow my skills and refine my leadership mindset. Above all, I wanted to show my daughter it’s possible to balance a fulfilling career, continuous learning and motherhood without compromising on any of these elements.

What is the most interesting thing you learnt from your MBA?

If I had to pick a few modules, I’d say that self-leadership, communication and strategic management were the ones that genuinely resonated with me. These areas sparked my growth and shaped how I approach my work. On the other hand, financial and managerial accounting pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to stretch my skills.

What were some of the challenges you faced when studying for an MBA?

My biggest challenge was finding the balance between work and a newborn – plus of course the MBA programme. To make things even more interesting, I switched jobs halfway through my studies to add another layer to the already complicated puzzle. But looking back, it turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons I could have learned. It taught me how to manage my time and, more importantly, prioritise what matters most in life.

How has the MBA made a difference to your career path?

It opened my mind to the idea that every industry and company presents a unique opportunity. Along the way, I’ve met many incredible people and heard their stories and experiences – these hold immeasurable value beyond any metrics or targets.

I’m still constantly learning and evolving. The Aalto MBA programme encourages deep self-reflection, pushing you to assess your strengths and growth areas. This kind of self-awareness should be a non-negotiable part of the journey for leaders. It keeps you sharp, challenges you to grow and ensures you're always striving to improve.

In what ways have you taken what you have learnt in your MBA into the organisation you work for?

The tools and theories I gained from the various MBA modules definitely come into play in my day-to-day work. But more than that, the MBA reshaped how I approach everything from problem-solving to decision-making. The experience has given me a broader perspective, allowing me to tackle challenges more strategically and thoughtfully.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying for an MBA?

As Nike would say, just do it! If this is something you feel you need to invest in, don’t hesitate. The return on that investment will come in countless ways, both personally and professionally. I also must highlight the excellent opportunity to network with exceptional people and keep that connection even after finishing your studies.

What are the next steps on your leadership journey?

I see myself continuing to work towards a more sustainable world surrounded by innovative and inspiring individuals. I’ve set a personal goal to step into the corporate board world, where I can help companies grow, connect, navigate their go-to-market strategies and share my knowledge. Becoming a certified board member is likely my next step. At the same time, Aalto offers fantastic modules that will keep me sharpening my skills and staying up to date in this ever-evolving landscape.