In April, Draivi welcomed a new team member: Nina Uhlenius, our first-ever Head of People & Culture. Nina brings experience in developing people & culture function in small, growing companies but also insights from larger organizations. Her mission is ambitious yet simple at its core: to shape a people function that grows with us and supports our international expansion, without compromising the culture that makes Draivi unique.
But before building anything, she started by listening.
Learning about the People & Culture
“During my first month I met with everyone one-on-one,” she says. “It was important to me to understand each person’s role, their goals, what motivates them and who they are as a person. That’s the only way to build something meaningful.”
From those conversations, one truth stood out. Draivi is not just a high-performing company. It’s a place where people feel trusted, supported, and free to thrive.
“Our slogan is “Courage to fail. Freedom to thrive.” It’s not just something we say. It’s something we live.” she continues.
How people describe life at Draivi?
When asked to describe the culture, people consistently mentioned flexibility in how and where they work, freedom to experiment and learn and a strong sense of ownership and trust.
The company’s sense of community and great team were especially praised; a team that supports and celebrates each other. Employees feel that their work contribution is valued and that they have the freedom to do and try new things. People trust each other and there is no room for micromanagement. Instead, people are encouraged to take initiative, ask for help when needed, and explore better ways of doing things. This creates a foundation for employee commitment and well-being.
Real balance between work and life
Flexibility at Draivi is more than a benefit. It’s part of the culture. Whether it’s stepping out to run an errand or working during your most productive hours, the focus is on outcomes, not presence. We believe that when employees have the freedom to do their work in the best possible way, it increases the meaningfulness of work.
As our CEO Ville Kymäläinen puts it:
We believe in focused, meaningful work and in logging off with energy left for the things that matter outside of it. That balance helps us show up strong again the next day.
That kind of clarity creates space for people to take care of life without guilt, which makes work more focused and sustainable in the long run.
Related: Empowering Financial Growth for Our Employees
Growth, challenges and a culture that moves with us
Draivi is growing quickly. With that comes change, and sometimes a little chaos. But the team knows how to move forward together. With the right mindset and trust, even unexpected turns are easier to navigate.
The culture is often described as fair, inclusive, and international. People come from different backgrounds and bring diverse perspectives. That’s one of the things that keeps Draivi agile, curious, and always learning.
See also: Draivi’s Annual Spring Conference 2024
Final thoughts
Draivi is a company that values its people and puts real focus on building a work environment where flexibility, ownership, and support are part of the everyday. Employees are trusted to do their jobs well, encouraged to bring ideas forward, and given the freedom to work in a way that fits both their role and their life.
“It’s not about big words or policies. It’s about how people feel when they show up to work, and at Draivi, and based on the discussions with all, that feeling is positive, motivated, and real.” Nina sums up.
This kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built one conversation, one decision, and one shared direction at a time, always towards a common goal.
Want to be part of the growth story?
We’re always curious to meet people who share our mindset. Check out our open positions or reach out directly if something resonates.
