After five years at Foodello-Fiksuruoka, Olli Syrjälä, our Procurement Development Manager, is setting out on a new career adventure. Olli’s career has been a whirlwind of growth but most of all, it’s been about making an impact. From joining our team straight from university to taking part in major projects like new market openings and building a team, Olli has been a true champion of our mission to fight food waste. So, what’s next, Olli?
In March 2020, Olli Syrjälä joined our team as the 13th employee with no idea of what would happen in the next five years. Now, Olli is leaving to follow his career aspirations – also revolving around making the world a better place.
We sat down with Olli for one last conversation before he moves on to exciting new career challenges. It’s always a little bittersweet to say goodbye to someone who has been such an integral part of our story.
Here are five lessons he’s taking with him from his years fighting against food waste!
Over his years at Foodello–Fiksuruoka, Olli learned about how the food industry works, from suppliers to consumers and everything in between.
When Olli joined our team, he started as a Procurement Manager, buying all the goods for our store from our supplier and handling the store inventory. Lastly, as a Procurement Development Manager, he has been taking responsibility for the over-all development project in procurement, pushing the team to move forward and try new things.
“Being part of this kind of business fighting against food waste has shown me how different parts of the supply chain connect. I’ve had the chance to work with amazing professionals, from Finnish suppliers to international partners during our expansion. Each step has taught me how much potential there is to reduce waste and build smarter systems”, Olli says.
Another key realization for Olli has been how dynamic life in a growing company in this industry, trying to do something different, can be. “Nothing is ever a smooth ride. Change is the only constant. But I’m grateful for how much trust I’ve been given to show what I can do”, Olli smiles.
For Olli, working with people has always been at the core of his role. Whether he was engaging with suppliers, collaborating across internal functions, or leading international teams, his ability to forge connections became a defining skill.
“In procurement, you’re constantly working with so many stakeholders – colleagues, warehouses, suppliers, and all their partners. When I started, even sending a message to a supplier felt a bit nerve-wracking. Now, it’s completely different. I understand how to approach different people and work with all different kinds of stakeholders around the world”, Olli says.
Starting his career at a rapidly expanding startup meant Olli had to get comfortable juggling multiple priorities. “At first, it felt like I had to do everything all at once,” he laughs. “But over time, I realized how important it is to focus. Knowing where to invest your time and energy, and making sure the team is aligned, has been one of the most critical lessons I’ve learned.”
This skill became especially valuable as we grew. “When the team was smaller, it was easier to understand what everyone was working on. But as we’ve scaled, keeping the bigger goal in focus has been far more important than knowing every single detail. That’s where clear priorities and communication come in”, he points out.
When asked about the most rewarding milestone in his career at Foodello-Fiksuruoka, Olli doesn’t hesitate. “The market expansion to the Netherlands and building a team there – it’s the highlight of my time here,” he says proudly.
Opening a completely new market was no small feat. From creating processes to assembling a group of talented individuals, Olli embraced the challenge head-on. “Seeing the team in the Netherlands come together and how well they work now is something I’m incredibly proud of. Building something from scratch and watching it grow into something great is so rewarding,” he shares.
More than anything, Olli learned that communication is at the heart of leadership. “Building a team taught me the importance of clear communication. Whether you’re guiding a project or mentoring a group, being transparent about goals and expectations isn’t just about efficiency but about making people feel heard and valued,” he explains.
While he’s excited for his next step, Olli carries with him the lesson that the people around you can make all the difference. “The people and culture here have set a standard for me,” he says and adds: “I will miss the people. From the very beginning, what made me stay was the energy, the determination to take on crazy challenges, and the excitement about our mission to fight food waste”, Olli says.
Olli says that he has always been the kind of person, who really values the relationships between colleagues. “The culture here has always been about doing things together and truly believing in what we’re working towards. I’ll miss working alongside people who are so energetic and ready to go all-in”, Olli says.
While we’ll miss Olli dearly, we’re excited to see everything he’ll accomplish in his next role.
In the beginning of 2025, Olli is moving on to Rebl Eats, where he’ll be stepping into an Operations Manager position. “I’m really looking forward to working closer to food production and exploring new challenges on how to make an impact on the food industry”, Olli says.
How do you feel now, Olli?
“It feels bittersweet,” Olli shares. “I’ll miss the amazing people, the culture here. But I also feel ready for this next step and I’m grateful for everything I’ve experienced with this bunch. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’ll take all these lessons with me into the future.”
When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting out their career, Olli doesn’t miss a beat. “Follow your instincts,” he says. “When I started at Foodello, I had the option of taking a more traditional role in my field, but I wanted something different, something meaningful. If you’re even a bit curious about trying a startup or growth company, I say go for it. The work is hands-on, the impact is real, and you learn so much more than you’d expect.”
Thank you, Olli! We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see what lies ahead. Good luck, you’ll always be #AwesomeAsF! 💚