Natalia Vuori: At Aalto, we’re not just transferring knowledge from teacher to student—we’re growing game changers

Natalia Vuori's research examines how AI is transforming the way companies strategize, and compete. Her work highlights that successful AI transformation depends not only on algorithms and data, but on leadership that builds trust, emotional readiness, and an AI-positive culture. By integrating insights from strategy, psychology, and change management, she provides a framework for understanding how leaders can turn technological disruption into strategic advantage. 

'At Aalto, we’re not just transferring knowledge from teacher to student, we’re growing game changers,' Vuori says.

For Vuori, the goal is not simply to teach theories, but to teach students how to think critically and solve complex problems. This, Vuori believes, is how future leaders are developed in a world that is constantly changing and in need of new solutions. The classes are built around this principle, which means hands-on, interactive practice, and Vuori brings it alive by working directly with companies on specific projects.

One of the most exciting courses Vuori has taught is Global Strategic Management, where the class collaborated with a then-emerging startup that was still relatively unknown: Wolt. Today, of course, Wolt is a household name in Finland and far beyond. At the time, Vuori’s students worked on a project exploring how Wolt could expand into the Swedish market. Together with restaurant owners in Sweden, they conducted interviews to identify the factors that could either drive Wolt’s adoption or create barriers to entry. What impressed Vuori most was that the students did not stop at an academic exercise. Instead, they went beyond theory and actively helped Wolt shape its strategy.

'That was extremely fascinating to me. This is what makes Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) unique: we don’t just talk about innovation, we live it.'

Learning from Industry Leaders

Industry collaboration in IEM doesn’t stop there. Vuori mentions several other examples from her lectures: Ilkka Paananen from Supercell, Tuomas Syrjänen from Futurice, Johanna Pynnä, former Head of Corporate Strategy at Kemira, and Petru Huurinainen, former Managing Director at KONE Austria and Switzerland, among many others.

'These leaders share invaluable real-world insights and bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical world of business,' Vuori emphasizes.

What also makes IEM truly special, according to Vuori, is its community and network. The ties within IEM extend well beyond graduation. Alumni remain connected and engaged, which is one of the reasons why the program is so deeply linked to industry. Students not only get to meet and collaborate with alumni during courses, but also have the chance to build long-lasting professional and personal relationships.

'These connections often resurface years later,' Vuori notes.

Vuori recalls a recent moment at the AI Success Summit in Helsinki, organized by AWS, NVIDIA, and Firemind. During a coffee break, Vuori met two of her former students, now making waves in the AI field. They came to say hello and share their latest insights on AI adoption.

'Moments like these remind me how the connections we foster at our department last far beyond graduation,' Vuori reflects.

This sense of belonging is also nurtured through annual events such as the Prodeko seminar, organized by IEM’s student guild, where current students, alumni, and faculty gather to exchange ideas and strengthen ties. Vuori sees this as one of the clearest examples of how IEM maintains its unique community spirit.

'This is a place where you don’t just dream about your future, you start building it right now. Our program isn’t just about gaining theoretical knowledge; it’s about developing the skills to solve complex problems, drive change, innovate, and create the future. The future students will be surrounded by world-leading professors, cutting-edge research, and an incredible network of alumni who are actively shaping industries and creating opportunities, not just in Finland, but around the world.'

'I want students of IEM to look back on their time here with a profound sense of pride, knowing they didn’t just graduate with a degree, but with a community of friends, mentors, and a sense of purpose that will stay with them forever.'