Michaela Kettner - that's me:
I am originally from Germany and moved to Helsinki in February 2019. I came to Finland alone, because I have always liked the country and wanted to find a cool job here to push my career to the next level.
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​Nowadays I work as a manager in one of Finland’s biggest corporate companies. I enjoy it a lot to lead my own team, to help people grow and to inspire them with my ideas, while I also have to take a lot of responsibility to present the work of my team to the entire company and stand my ground in challenging discussions.
My professional journey in Finland
I have worked my way up to a manager position during the last years by constantly improving myself – not only knowledge-wise, but especially regarding my personal development.
Since my first job in Helsinki, that I got even before moving here, I have changed companies three times. I was always looking for the next opportunity to grow.
And I got the jobs I had applied to, because I was able to present myself and my competences in the best possible way!
But I have not always been like that!
This picture shows me in 2008 right after graduating from school. I was a shy, invisible and highly insecure teenager. I did not dare to raise my hand in the classes whenever teachers asked questions, even I knew the answers. Because I was too afraid what the other students could think about me. I was a nerd, later I decided to study physics and always felt most comfortable when I could hide behind my books or a computer screen.
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But when I started my career in a financial institution in 2014, I slowly realized: other colleagues are not valued more than me, because they are more intelligent or have much better skills than I do. No! They simply manage to present themselves and communicate their competences in a proper way!
Personal development
Moving to Finland on my own definitely boosted my self-confidence! I realized that I am able to create my life in the way that I want it.
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Nevertheless, I faced a very challenging time during the pandemic. Living alone, I struggled with the isolation from social contacts. The only coping mechanism I saw for myself at that time was to consume knowledge – I started studying about psychology, personal development and communication. I participated in coachings and I found great mentors who brought me mentally ‘back on track’. I have found the right tools to find stability in myself, to strengthen my self-confidence, to manage my emotions and to develop the courage to share them with others.
NLP Certification and Public Speaking
Since May 2022, I am a certified NLP* Practitioner, an alumni of the Public Speaking Academy of Tobias Beck, one of Germany's most successful key note speakers.
In August 2022, I became a member of the Toastmasters International organization for public speaking and leadership and joined the club "Stadi Talkers", which is based in Helsinki. Since July 2023, I have a Vice President position in the club's board to support our new members on their public speaking journey.
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In November 2023, I have won the Toastmasters International contest between Finland and the Baltics in improvised speaking.
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* NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming and is a subfield of psychology with focus on communication and the influence of words on the own mind.
Professional success is no coincidence!
And you can have that as well!
I have experienced myself, what a big boost the own personal development is for the career. And that it’s not enough to just have knowledge and skills – but you have to present them and make them visible!
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My professional experience together with the additional educations that I have done besides my main job have brought me clarity about the right tools that a person needs to get visible to have a successful and fulfilling career. And with what I have learned about NLP and public speaking, I was able to get my dream job as a manager and to perform great in it.
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At the same time, I see so many others struggling – either in finding a job at all or in being seen and recognized at their workplace. I want you to understand: it is not just about your CV, it is not just about your skills, but it is about how you present all that to your (future) manager and colleagues! It will be the game changer, when you start to spotlight your true self: your competences, but also – and especially – your authentic personality!
My mission with the "Spotlight your TRUE self" podcast
Empower yourself to build a successful, satisfying and fulfilling career by embracing your authentic self! Join me for practical tips, motivational boosters, and expert advice - based on my own professional experience from quickly finding a job in Finland and being a (hiring) manager nowadays. In plus of that, I am inviting the most valuable interview guests for this topic to the podcast regularly.
If you're tired of feeling overlooked, undervalued, or stuck in the wrong job - get the tools to express your true potential and finally land your dream job! Unlock your strengths, gain recognition, and cultivate a sense of fulfillment in your career. It's time to make your mark in the workplace!