WCS Industry Insights: Exploring the Consulting World Through a Lens of Purpose

Nordic Healthcare Group’s Riikka-Leena Leskelä is here to remind us that a career doesn’t have to be just a job; it can also be an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Join us on Women's Career Society's new series, Industry Insights, where we dive deep to uncover trends, phenomena, and insider perspectives with leading industry professionals.

Riikka-Leena Leskelä is a Research Director and Senior Partner at Nordic Healthcare Group, a consulting company focused on solving pressing health and social care challenges in the Nordic countries and beyond.

At Nordic Healthcare Group, meaningful work is a guiding principle. Riikka-Leena highlights their focus on partnering with social and healthcare organizations. The ripple effect of their projects reaches the end-users – potentially all of us. 

"At some point in our lives, we all rely on social and healthcare services. This means that every project undertaken by Nordic Healthcare Group holds the power to affect people's lives. Though the impact may not always be direct, most projects touch lives through an incremental improvement in our social and healthcare system", she says.

Whilst Riikka-Leena’s demeanor radiates confidence and pride in the work they do, her journey into consulting nor Nordic Healthcare Group wasn't exactly a linear one. She once planned to become an academic through pursuing her PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management.

”At some point in our lives, we all rely on social and healthcare services. This means that every project undertaken by Nordic Healthcare Group holds the power to affect people's lives. “

“My path included a lack of passion for my research topic, and, well, Google”, she says jokingly.

In addition to Google, it was her desire to learn fast and focus on the big picture as well as curiosity towards the healthcare industry that led her to Nordic Healthcare Group.

“I googled companies that did consulting in healthcare back in 2009. Nordic Healthcare Group was the only one to come up, and I applied for a job.”

And just like that, she was on her way to a meaningful job.

Passion, Purpose and Positive Impact

As many young professionals are seeking a sense of fulfillment from their careers, consulting might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Most of us have heard the stereotype that consultants only care about the bottom line. However, Riikka-Leena thinks solving significant problems in meaningful industries might actually be the answer to some. 

“Whilst there is often truth to some stereotypes, if both the company and the people working there are passionate about making a real difference, consulting can absolutely be a meaningful and rewarding career.”

It is that true passion and the complexity of the consulting world that keep fueling Riikka-Leena's dedication after 13 years in the industry. The intricate challenges and ongoing evolution in social and healthcare keep her engaged.

"If it was simple, I wouldn't be working on it anymore."

Riikka-Leena feels certain that this complexity does not only spark continuous learning but also underscores the industry's potential for driving positive change. In terms of the effect a meaningful work environment has on the overall growth of the consulting industry, it is all about the business ethics and self-regulation. 

‘’In order to remain a respected industry, you must be ethical about what you do”, she states.

“If you’re working on a project for the public sector and basically billing the taxpayers, it’s not ethical to come up with solutions that wouldn’t be possible to implement, nor plans where implementations would most likely fail.’’

The Road to a Fulfilling Career is Paved with Trial and Error

As most of us are taught that sticking to a plan will get you where you want to go, Riikka-Leena has a different message: one with more empathy for self, trusting the process and living in the moment.

“Having a plan is great, but I believe that embracing opportunities that feel interesting and meaningful will eventually take you where you want to go. So, do what feels good in the moment, seize the opportunity, and don’t worry about what happens in 10 years.’’

Whilst you might think it’s easy for a successful Research Director and Senior Partner to encourage us all to seize the moment, Riikka-Leena is no stranger to fear of failure. However, she has learned a trick or two to keep it under control.

“(If) a project doesn't have the result I was hoping for, it doesn't mean that I’m a failure as a person.”

“I try to remember that even if I don't click with someone or a project doesn't have the result I was hoping for, it doesn't mean that I’m a failure as a person.”

“The simple truth is, if you never try something new or get out of your comfort zone, you will never succeed in a big way”, she reasons.

So, instead of focusing on what could go wrong, Riikka-Leena encourages young people that are looking for a meaningful career, to focus on what brings a sense of fulfillment just for you. Once you have that (even halfway) figured out, it’s time to take action that moves you towards that. 

Stay tuned for more "Industry Insights" from Women's Career Society as we continue to explore diverse sectors and the inspiring stories they hold.