When AI began breaking boundaries in the workplace, Bergström made a decisive choice: instead of watching from the sidelines, she jumped fully into the change.
Today, she promotes the use of AI in leadership and the development of teaching as a Principal Lecturer in Digital Business at the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk).
’AI should be adopted responsibly in ways that genuinely improve the flow of expert work, decision-making, and collaboration without increasing workload or confusion.’
What fascinates her about AI is its controlled unpredictability and rapid evolution, which constantly challenges people to keep learning. The same theme has defined Bergström’s long career: she completed her master’s, licentiate, and doctoral degrees as an adult alongside her work.
Bergström earned her Licentiate of Science (Technology) degree from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at the Helsinki University of Technology in 2006 and her Doctor of Science (Technology) degree from Aalto University in 2011. Her doctoral research focused on the fluency of expert work and the leadership of knowledge workers.
’Studying as an adult is incredibly rewarding because learning is directly connected to practice. I’ve never done a single assignment or thesis merely to get a degree; everything has supported my work and its development.’
A legacy gift to Aalto University is, for Bergström, an act of value and impact.
Heli BergströmI want my assets to support long-term development that truly matters to society. Doctoral education is a driver of new knowledge and renewal, but it also cultivates the quality of thinking, deep expertise, and the ability to solve complex problems.
Bergström completed her doctoral research exceptionally quickly, in just one and a half years.
’The research question related to expert work was already very clear in my mind, as I had worked on the topic for a long time. The research didn’t feel like a burden, but an inspiring learning process. Of course, it required discipline and prioritization, but it was genuinely inspiring.’
The research process reinforced her understanding of how important clear practices, good supervision, and a sense of community are in a researcher’s work.
’When doctoral education is developed, the impact is seen not only in researchers’ daily lives, but also in the quality of research, the renewal of working life, and Finland’s overall knowledge base.’
Education is close to Bergström’s heart. She hopes that doctoral studies will become more accessible in the future, regardless of a person’s background or financial resources. She herself has financed her studies since upper secondary school without a safety net to rely on.
’I find it important that the doctoral degree continues to develop to become even more diverse and flexible, without compromising its high quality.’
Bergström encourages those already in working life to pursue doctoral studies.
’If you notice a recurring phenomenon at work that affects people’s daily lives or a company’s results, that already offers a good research question. Doctoral studies are also a way to make an impact. Research provides the tools to articulate, measure, understand, and develop things based on knowledge. For me, the doctoral degree has opened doors to teaching and development roles.’
As an experienced expert in leadership development, coaching, and research, Bergström remains inspired by how work can be made smoother and more meaningful.
’It’s rewarding to see change in practice: when roles become clearer, collaboration improves, and workload decreases, productivity grows and well-being at work improves. I want to help leaders succeed in a rapidly changing world where human strengths and the possibilities of artificial intelligence complement each other.’
Bergström’s learning journey did not end with her doctoral degree. She has continued to expand her expertise through international education, an MBA, and investment service qualifications with Aalto EE. She encourages today’s students to follow a similar path.
’A degree is not the endpoint but just the beginning. The world changes quickly, and you can’t stand still. Set goals, follow your interests, and challenge yourself bravely. Curiosity and continuous learning will take you far.’
Text: Marjukka Puolakka
Architect Annikki Paasikivi Scholarship Fund operates actively at Aalto University. Every year, dozens of scholarships are awarded to students of architecture from the fund established in the 1950s.
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