As we step into a new year at Hecksher, it’s the perfect time to highlight the people who keep our operations moving every day. One of them is Sirpa, Operations Specialist in our Finland office, who brings more than two decades of experience in forwarding – along with a genuine appreciation for variety, teamwork, and human connection.
“I have worked more than 20 years in the forwarding branch, doing both air freight and ocean freight,” Sirpa says. She began her career in air freight before moving into ocean freight around 15 years ago. Now, with her role at Hecksher, she feels she has come full circle. “Here at Hecksher, I’m returning back to my roots and doing both air and ocean freight.”
From early on, it was the nature of the industry itself that drew her in. “Doing business with people from other countries and cultures sounded very interesting to me as a young person,” she explains – an interest that still shapes her day-to-day work in an international environment.
When Sirpa decided to join Hecksher, the choice was driven by something simple but powerful. “People,” she says. Since starting, that first impression has only grown stronger.
Her role as an Operations Specialist is defined by constant movement and change. “Every day is varying, which I like very much,” she says. “I don’t think I have typical days.” Even when shipments are planned and scheduled, there is always something new. Alongside daily operations, she also works with customer quotations, which “gives a bit of extra” variety to her days.
That unpredictability is also what she finds most rewarding. “Every working day is different, and even when we have scheduled shipments, I don’t necessarily know what the day will give me ahead,” Sirpa says. It’s this dynamic pace that keeps the role engaging and meaningful.
Asked about the culture at Hecksher, Sirpa’s answer is immediate. “Very welcoming and warm.” She has also been positively surprised by how much care is taken when it comes to employees. “I am really impressed by the way people are taken care of at Hecksher,” she says. “Every single colleague I have met so far has been extremely helpful and kind.”
When things get busy, Sirpa keeps her approach refreshingly simple. “Actually,” she says when asked about productivity hacks. “Just doing my best and trying not to stress.”
And outside the world of freight and operations, there’s a side of Sirpa that might surprise some. “I love singing,” she shares, “and I’m currently a member of a vocal group of seven ladies.”
As we step into the year ahead, Sirpa’s story captures Hecksher’s most valuable asset – its people.
Get in touch with Sirpa and the Finnish office here:
