Never stop dreaming.
Julius Telaranta
IE Connection: Proud Parent
CURRENT LOCATION: Berlin, Germany
ABOUT JULIUS:
Julius Telaranta brings over 20 years of international, entrepreneurial, and business experience growing software and business services companies. Previously, he held the position of CEO of The Seasam Group, a digital marketing and IoT company for intelligent transportation systems and digital solutions as well as various Director level positions in Cisco leading Nordic sales. He also serves as an Investor and Board Member of a number of start-ups and young companies in a diverse range of sectors. Julius holds a BBA in International Business and MBA in Finance and Marketing, Swedish School of Economics.
Q&A WITH JULIUS
As a Proud Parent, what attracted you to IE?
Entrepreneurial approach combined with a good academical reputation globally.
If someone was considering going to IE, what would you tell them?
Go there. You will learn a lot and your international network will go through the roof. Take part in different activities and be active yourself.
What is one thing you wished you knew, when you were a student? What advice would you give to students who are about to begin their studies at IE?
Be international and question the status quo around you. Don’t study what you just think is good. Study what you have a passion for because that keeps your motivation high and don’t forget to dream big things. Learning is a lifelong process and try to learn at least one new thing every day.
How has your experience been interacting with the IE Community? Why do you think it’s important to engage with the IE Community?
Interacting with the IE Community has been a great experience. I have always felt a warm connection with the people I have been dealing with at IE. To me personally, it has created new business opportunities and partners in my processes. Also, I have learned a lot when talking to different people from different cultures.
Have you had any mentors or great sources of inspiration during your career?
Yes, two and I still appreciate a lot how willing they were to help me, when I was at the beginning of my career. Both were CEOs at very large enterprises, and I’m still amazed how supportive they were. I avoided many mistakes because of them.
As one of the first contributors towards the Illuminated Bricks campaign, how does it feel?
Well, I’m glad that I can help. There are very bright young people who are capable to change the world if we give them a chance.
What made you decide to give your first gift?
Because we had a call with Carmen and she forced me to… just kidding J
I’m impressed by the quality of IE education and I think getting more young people through that process, is good for all of us.
In your opinion, why is it important to give back? Why does this cause matter to you?
Giving back is giving an equal opportunity to those who may not have financial resources otherwise to have that opportunity. I think it is very important to make this world a better place. Personally, it makes me feel good when I know that I have been able to support other people financially or just by giving another opinion for different things.
What can we do within our IE Community to create an impact and support education?
To create an IE platform that could support students when they have questions. Some people could “donate” a little bit of their time of their expertise. After 5-10 years it would be valuable data and an AI powered software could come up with an answer in a second if the question has been answered before.
What would you tell someone who was thinking about contributing?
Go for it. It is never too late to give someone an opportunity to move on.
If you had a billboard you could display to the entire world, what you would put on it?
Never stop dreaming.