Geni Raitisoja

About me

I’m Geni Raitisoja (JEN-ee rye-TEE-soy-ya), an Engagement and Communications Strategist based in Finland. I am passionate about getting things done and working towards a goal that benefits us all.  I would love to work with you on your next project (cool ideas that will make the world better preferred but not required.) 

Life

I’m Finnish by way of the Philippines. I’m a native English – it’s one of the official languages of the Philippines – writer. I have a problem-solving mindset and an entrepreneurial spirit, which help me strike the right balance between what’s achievable and what’s realistic. To me, hard work is second nature, thanks to my Asian work ethic and Catholic guilt 😉 

  • I live in the happiest country in the world
  • I believe that we are capable of transformative change
  • Dogs love me, but the two cats at home are still uncommited

Work

I bring expertise in marketing, communications, public relations, and relationship management gained from working in organisations worldwide and across diverse industries. My mission is to forge meaningful connections, inspire positive change, and leave a lasting impact through strategic engagement and communications. 

  • Not A Droid (2021 - present)
  • Open & Agile Smart Cities (2021-2022)
  • Tulus Oy (2019-2020)
  • Vectia UK LLC (2015-2017)
  • FutuVision Media (2006-2014)
  • Engagement and Communications Strategist (2003 to present)
  • Self-employed / Entrepreneur (2008 to present)
  • In the Philippines: Member, English Faculty (José Rizal University), Assistant Managing Editor (Corporacion de Padres Dominicos), political strategist (various parties in Makati and Mandaluyong)
  • Freelance writer and editor (1990 to 2003)

Education

I graduated from the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the oldest university in Asia, with a degree in Literature.

Why did I decide to major in Literature? Because reading, which literature is at its core, teaches us to think critically, to use our imagination, to anticipate what’s going to happen next, to emphatize with others, to connect the hidden dots, and to look deeply into who we really are.

Oh, I also have multiple professional qualifications in Finnish.

  • Bachelor of Arts (Literature), University of Santo Tomas
  • Professional qualification in digital media production (in Finnish) – Tampere Adult Education Centre
  • HubSpot inbound certified
  • SCRUM Master

Languages I speak, think and dream in

  • English (mother tongue) CEFR C2
  • Finnish Yleiskielitutkinto Level 4 CEFR C1
  • Filipino (fluent)

Five Fun Facts

& a joke

  • Childhood memory:

    after-school afternoons in the university library stacks, reading whatever took my fancy

  • First career setback:

    told I was too short to be an Air Force pilot

  • Secret weapon:

    Don't make me use my 'mom' voice!

  • In a nutshell:

    big picture view + problem solving mindset + project-driven approach + patience of a saint

  • Promise:

    Gets sh*t done, with a smile and a cookie

How many surrealists does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A fish.

Cornelia Dinca - Sustainable Amsterdam / Amsterdam Smart City
I met Geni when I joined Open and Agile Smart Cities. At the time Geni was Head of Communications but was soon asked to take over as Executive Director´ and navigate the organization through a difficult period. Geni did an amazing job under very challenging circumstances. Geni’s motto is “whatever needs doing”, and that’s 100% true - there’s no task too big or too small for her. Geni is one of the best professionals and managers I’ve ever worked with, and I learned a lot from her.
Tomasz Odrobinski - Manager in SaaS enabled Marketplaces
It is always a pleasure to work with a marketer who understands the commercial side of online media business - Geni is undoubtably one of those persons. Geni combines strategical vision with ability to execute. Her knowledge of digital marketing is impressive. She is an excellent team member and a brilliant writer. She has been highly respected by the management and other team members. I would like to give Geni high recommendations for her further career.
Kersti Jääskeläinen - Key Account Manager, Tampere university of Applied sciences
I was impressed by Geni's extensive and thorough understanding of business models. She saw the importance of digitisation in the strategy of a successful company so many years ago. Geni is very skilled at building networks; because of the work she has done in the past, she works smoothly on a global level. She is very good at visualising the whole picture,is an excellent presenter, mastering traditional and social media interaction skills as well as the latest digital tools. Geni also impressed with her emotional intelligence and is an excellent team player. She proved to be an innovative, customer-oriented actor who quickly connects the company's operational activities with digital services. She also has modern marketing skills. I can recommend her to any company seeking success.
Johanna Luotolinna - Marketing and communications professional at Kumppania Oy
I´ve had the pleasure of working with Geni in various projects ranging from social media to PR & communications. Geni brings light into any team and leads projects into great results with her motivation and passion. Geni is a versatile media professional who can produce innovative solutions and implement them into the entire organization.
Anu Lohk - TMSI
Geni has been the best supervisor I have ever had. She's resourceful, patient, kind, encouraging and always ready to lend you a helping hand. Not to mention her unique skill set that has allowed her to excel in many different positions. Plus, she bakes her team cakes, you can't ask for a better boss than that.
Slavica Kalaba - Fiesta Subject doo Beograd
Geni was always available to help me and she always had a good solution for all problems. Excellent team worker.
Reijo Nyberg - Front-end web developer
I had the pleasure of working under Geni for three years, she became both a friend and someone whom I hold in very high regard. It's truly rare that you come across a standout talent such as Geni, who -despite pressure- keeps a smile on her face while balancing a plethora of projects very efficiently and successfully.

While handling anything thrown at her expertly, she still manages to keep a very humane touch to the way she goes about things, and makes you feel like an integral part of the team; anyone would be lucky to have Geni as their manager.
Manu Karppelin - Head Of Product Management at HappyOrNot
Geni is true professional in journalism and content marketing. She also really knows what social media means and she is always willing to share her knowledge to others. Geni is also very kind and thoughtful person and it has been is honour to work with her.
Daniel Ernult - Corporate Communication Manager chez IBA
Geni is resourceful and energetic, and can lead a project from A to Z. full of energy and always moving forward. excellent writing skills.
Mika Kalmi - Dealer Network Development Manager at Nissan Motor Corporation
Geni is truly a wonder of efficiency; I have very Seldom meet any one as efficient worker as Geni is. I had pleasure to work with Geni several years and I was amazed how one can be so efficient. Once I asked Geni how she can keep continuously so high-performance level and she replied “Mika it's only a matter of prioritizing”. Simple and true, but really few can prioritize under heavy workloads and tight deadlines and still deliver results, Geni surely can.
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we are all stories in the end.

- Dr. who

On my bookshelf

great things happen when awesome people get together

Drop me a message and let's get the ball rolling!

Build from experience

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What happens when awesome people get together? I'll tell you when I see you.

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