Our alum Sonia Mathews: Greatest challenges and rewards in strategy work lie in people management

Everyday work involves many altitudes

Since graduating as a Master of Science in Technology in 2017, Sonia Mathews has held several interesting and responsible positions. Right after graduation, she joined Ernst & Young as a Management Consultant, a role she credits as foundational to her career.

She later held roles as Integration Director and Lean Development Manager at Sanoma, followed by Head of Change at Helsingin Sanomat. In early 2025, she became Vice President of Strategy at Finnair.

“I enjoy working in socially influential industries, and I would describe myself as a transformation leader. Working at Finnair also feels meaningful because I love travelling. During my years at Sanoma, I lived in Milan for almost three years, and in 2024, I travelled around the world with my partner,” Sonia says.

Strategy is the guiding star in Sonia's work, something that steers the work in the long term. Numbers and data are important, but Sonia feels that strategy work is most of all about people – which is both the best and the most challenging part of the job.

This work requires an analytical approach, perseverance and systematic thinking. These are all something I learned during my studies. You also need to be able to simplify complex issues and put changes into practice. My principles as a leader are openness, data-based management, having fun and avoiding micromanagement."

Sonia Mathews

“This work requires an analytical approach, perseverance and systematic thinking. These are all something I learned during my studies. You also need to be able to simplify complex issues and put changes into practice. My principles as a leader are openness, data-based management, having fun and avoiding micromanagement,” Sonia summarises.

Information and knowledge management is many things at once

Sonia’s studies at Tampere University included information and knowledge management, logistics and supply chain management. When asked what information and knowledge management is in practice, she says it is many things at once.

“Information and knowledge management could be described as a kind of modern industrial engineering and management. It covers highly important business skills. I, for one, feel that I learned project management and networking with different people. The studies included lots of practical assignments and case studies – which you also face in working life. I was also very active in student organisations, which I enjoyed immensely and which also gave me useful skills for working life,” says Sonia.

Information and knowledge management could be described as a kind of modern industrial engineering and management. It covers highly important business skills. I, for one, feel that I learned project management and networking with different people. The studies included lots of practical assignments and case studies – which you also face in working life. I was also very active in student organisations, which I enjoyed immensely and which also gave me useful skills for working life."

Sonia Mathews

Sonia feels that her studies helped her to think broadly and deal with complex problems and large amounts of data. Information is everything, and its importance has grown even more since Sonia graduated.

“I feel that my current work is in line with my education. I increasingly feel that my education is relevant and that it enables me to do just about anything,” Sonia says.

Mentors have had a crucial impact

Throughout her fast-paced career, Sonia has had many mentors to guide her. The mentors have had a major impact, especially at the turning points of Sonia’s career.

“My mentors have given me new perspectives, self-confidence and belief in my own potential. Even if you don't know everything yet, there’s nothing you cannot learn. My advice to young women, in particular, is to stay true to yourself and don't hesitate to seek mentors,” Sonia urges.
From time to time, Sonia has also returned to the university and inspired students as a guest lecturer. Traditionally, management positions have often been filled by certain types of people, so there is room for added diversity.

“When I was a student, I would have liked to see examples of people like me. That's why I enjoy lecturing at the university and encouraging students: focus boldly on what you love and what you are good at.”
 

Text: Tiina Leivo

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