An expert in functional (digital) daily life
Piia Niilola
Piia Niilola
With digitalisation present in our everyday life, we need to talk more about people.
Everyone has the right to live in a digital world that really works for them and supports the well-being.
I can act as an interpreter and mediator between people and technical implementations. I talk, train, facilitate and help to grow digital courage.
Feel free to contact me!
My career
I have been among the first to develop measures to increase digital inclusion in the daily lives of vulnerable people and people with special needs. My professional history has revolved around issues of rehabilitation, digital inclusion and functional everyday life.
I have worked as a senior specialist in The Finnish Digital and Population Data Services Agency, as a digital inclusion and client support services developer. I'v worked as a project manager in NGOs, as a specialist in housing support services and in my early days as an occupational therapist in the emergency department of the City of Helsinki acute hospital.
Recently I worked as a business development expert at Pirkanmaan Setlementtipalvelut Oy. I also consult for a tech-company, developing digital rehabilitation solutions and technologies.
From 2025 I work as a team manager in the City of Helsinki, Urban Environment Division.
The digital environment is made to ease and help our daily living- not to complicate life!
What makes my work and my thinking so impressive is my bold and people-centered approach. The digital world is not separate from normal personal needs and activities, but a important part of everyone's daily life.
For me, people-centricity means, in practice, that decisions are made with people and their needs in mind when working within different digital ecosystems.
In people-centred work, it is important to make sure that the issues we address are understandable to everyone. Using clear language, popularisation and positive emotions helps us to work together.
I am involved in developing a more equal and digital society for all of us!
I produced the closing event of Digital Week 2023 - Watch the event from here!
I scripted and hosted a studio discussion on humanity in the digital world - Digital skills week 2022
Education
My educational background is perhaps unusual for the "digital sector". I am a Master of Health Care - Occupational Therapist, with a degree in Social and Health Services and Business Management. In my Master's thesis, I dived into the strategic and day-to-day management of digitalisation in health and social care organisations.
In addition, I have further studies in communication and speech communication. I have grown my knowledge in current topics such as artificial intelligence, game design, robotics in health care, service design methods, co-creation, facilitation and social science. I am also a certified (IPMA) project manager.
Studying, learning and curiosity are a constant state of being for me. What you don't know yet, you can learn quickly. That is why I am interested in collaborating and experimenting with a wide range of professions and skills.
I was awarded as Occupational Therapist of the Year 2022, by the Finnish Occupational Therapy Association, for being a courageous developer and a pioneer in my field.
Clear and engaging speaker, without forgetting the humour!
I work together to create an inspiring enviroment for us to experiment and learn. I can deliver the same high quality remotely or face-to-face.
I offer expert support, consulting, sparring or brainstorming to help you in your endeavors.