Open and friendly culture in Valmet makes me thrive

Aug 18, 2023

We discussed with Nicola Bobinger, Global Distribution Manager in Valmet’s Flow Control business line, about the work culture in Valmet and about her typical work in her current job.

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What is your background? What brought you to Valmet’s Flow Control business and when? 

I joined the preceeding Metso company in 2010 when I was 20 years old after my A-levels studies. First, I worked as a summer trainee for three weeks, and then I continued as a working student while I was simultaneously studying my degrees in Business Management and Industrial Engineering. During my studies I have worked in various roles from Sales Support and Order Management to leading those teams. Years during 2010 – 2018 were very hectic and busy as I was first studying full-time and working part-time, later working full time and studying part-time, but I managed very well with a well-planned, structured daily schedules. The company was also very supportive allowing some flexibility for my work.

What is your typical workday like? What does your job entail? 

Now as a Global Distribution Manager, I am supporting the company to grow with channel partners. I am working as a Back Office person to help our channel partners in their daily work e.g. giving training in using a quotation tool or supporting the negotiations with new channel partners. My responsibilities vary from establishing a SharePoint site for communicating with our channel partners to support our sales network in planning their upcoming year activities. 

What kind of colleagues/team do you have? 

We have a rather small team where I have one colleague in addition to my supervisor. I used to work in bigger teams earlier, so this is a new experience for me. Now I do not have any direct reports. I feel the work is very flexible and dynamic in a small team. We have a very good team spirit, and we are motivated to deliver success with channel partners. Working is also a lot of fun, with a lot of fresh ideas. 

What inspires or motivates you at work? Any real-life examples of when you have felt this? 

Learning at job motivates me a lot. We are rather new team and I am new at my work so there is always an opportunity to learn new things. I am also surrounded by colleagues who motivate me.  

What is the most challenging part of your work? 

I feel the most challenging part in my work is not to be able to answer things right away, as I am new in my job.  

How would you describe the Valmet’s culture? 

On my opinion the culture is very open, respectful, and very easy going to work with colleagues.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I like to go to travelling and doing sports outside, my interests vary from going running next to the river I´m living at, playing Tennis or equestrian sports. I have now also started certificate studies about renewable energy at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Technology. 

What makes Valmet a great place to work? 

Working at Valmet is very flexible in terms of working time and place; I can work from home or from office. Also, I meet very interesting and friendly colleagues all the time in my work. All colleagues are very supportive. I can speak very openly in my team, we have good discussions and attitude there.  

 
 

This or that

 

Morning meetings or evening meetings? 

Morning meetings as I am most effective in the mornings 

City or countryside? 

City as there is a lot of opportunities to spend my free time in different activities such as sightseeing, sitting in a nice café, having a dinner in restaurant or having a spa moment during a day 

Dine in or dine out? 

Dine out, as I am not good at cooking 

Books or movies? 

Depends whether I am on vacation or not. During my vacations I like to read books, otherwise I like my Netflix account a lot.