WCS People Profile & EY’s Aino Romo – Getting it all: Motherhood and Career Success

Meet Aino Romo, 38, Director of the Finnish Restructuring team at EY-Parthenon. Aino's journey demonstrates how she has been able to build her consultancy career while maintaining a strong focus on her family as a single mother by choice. Aino's self-confidence and drive to inspire others can motivate women everywhere, no matter their chosen field or dreams of family life. Her success in crafting a fulfilling career alongside a balanced personal life is truly commendable.

Aino's route to becoming a Director at EY’s resturcuring team has been far from carefully planned out. Aino initially started her university education at the University of Helsinki.

“It was perhaps a coincidence how I ended up in the business world since first I thought that I want to become a Finnish teacher.”

Within just six months, Aino realized that the field of Finnish studies was not the right fit for her. After her realization, Aino switched directions and applied to the Helsinki School of Economics (current Aalto University School of Business), beginning her studies there in 2005.

”I did not have any idea what I wanted to do when I graduate or what kind of options were available. I just kind of went with the flow.” 

While majoring in Accounting at the Business School, Aino was very eager to immerse herself in the professional world and also participated in various different hobbies. This meant that academics and the networks relating to that were not always her top priority. 

“Thinking back, networking is something I should have used more time on when I was a student. Getting to know different kinds of environments, companies and business models is important.”

After her graduation, Aino initially worked at a small Finnish consulting firm for two years. She then took a leap, becoming a freelance business restructuring consultant. 

“Thinking back, networking is something I should have used more time on when I was a student.”

"I was part of a network of consultants, focusing on restructuring assignments for companies facing financial distress. Our primary clients were banks seeking expertise on managing these disstressed situations. During my four years fo working as a freelancer, I contributed to numerous significant restructuring projects, aiding companies struggling with fiscal difficulties."

In 2016, after completing several remarkable freelance projects in business restructuring, Aino's career took a significant turn. She was invited to join the Restructuring team at EY-Parthenon, marking a key milestone in her professional journey. Adapting to the corporate culture and scale of a Big 4 company was a new experience for Aino, requiring a period of adjustment and learning.

"I think that the first two years were primarily focused on learning and understanding the ins and outs of the corporation."

Proud to be a role model

Aino wants to higlight the importance of role models, especially for women in business aiming for leadership positions in male-dominated fields like consulting. 

“It's crucial for young female professionals to observe other women in leadership positions. Seeing this provides assurance that pursuing a long-term career within a specific organization is not only worthwhile but also achievable."

“My journey over the past five years has been filled with lessons on integrating family life with a demanding career. I've learned it's not only possible, but also fulfilling. “

Aino finds contentment knowing her children are safe and healthy, which gives her the strength to handle any other failures that come her way.

Photo by Marion Käyhty

This motivation has led Aino to become a role model both within her organization and to a wider audience. She openly shares her experience of choosing single motherhood alongside a thriving consulting career, inspiring others with her journey.

"I am a single mother by choice. I have aimed to serve as a role model, both within my organization and beyond, through magazine interviews. My journey over the past five years has been filled with lessons on integrating family life with a demanding career. I've learned it's not only possible, but also fulfilling. By openly sharing my story with colleagues and with others through media, I hope to show that this path is achievable for others as well."

She further highlights how consulting can be a suitable career for those looking to balance parenting or other personal responsibilities.

“I've observed that quite a few people tend to exit the consulting field once they reach managerial positions or when they start a family. I believe, though, that consulting remains a viable option even after becoming a parent. This profession offers substantial flexibility, and you're supported by numerous colleagues who can step in and share the workload.”

Success through communications

With over a decade and a half in the workforce and business sector, Aino possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience beneficial to aspiring professionals. Among her many valuable insights, there's a key piece of advice she wants to give to young professionals eager to progress in their careers:

"Effective communication is paramount as you advance in your career. Whether you're a project manager coordinating with your team, liaising with clients, or discussing strategies with partners, the ability to articulate your insights and expectations is essential. Young professionals, especially those just starting in the company, should seize every opportunity to hone this skill. At internal events, I often observe that junior members remain silent, leaving the conversation to their senior counterparts.

Aino also emphasizes the significance of effective teamwork in fostering a successful career. She believes that collaboration and shared goals are the foundation for achieving remarkable outcomes.

"My favorite project, both as a freelancer and in my career to date, has to be the restructuring of the Nanso Group. The reason it stands out so much for me is that I got to be a part of the management team. We collaborated closely, diving deep into the issues together. We had a shared target - to save the company. And we did it!”

“In navigating career setbacks, I reflect on my core life values, particularly what truly matters to me.”

In her journey through a long and rewarding career, Aino acknowledges the inevitability of facing setbacks and the critical role of resilience in overcoming them. She highlights the invaluable support of managers and colleagues during such times:

“When facing a setback, it's crucial to have a team you can rely on, one that stands with you rather than leaving you to face challenges alone.”

Aino's perspective on handling professional failures is deeply influenced by her prioritization of family. This value shapes not just her approach in the corporate world but also her personal response to obstacles and challenges at work.

“In navigating career setbacks, I reflect on my core life values, particularly what truly matters to me. For me, that's family. As long as my children are safe and healthy, I feel content. All the other failures I can handle.”

Aino's career journey, shaped by resilience and a deep commitment to loved ones, reminds us that true success lies in balancing professional achievements with what matters most at heart.