Challenges and solutions on a global scale

Ludmila Seppälä works at the forefront of the global maritime industry and lives on an island, 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre. That, she thinks, is the best thing about Turku, Finland.

You are from Russia. Why did you come to Finland 12 years ago?

I came for the job specifically. I decided to try it out for a year or two, and I liked the way it went. I got a social network going and started feeling at home here. Then I met my husband, and it just naturally followed that I stayed for good.

You work at Cadmatic, a software solutions company that has clients around the globe. Who uses the software?

Mostly shipyards, engineering companies and shipowners. We make specialized software for ship and offshore maritime design from the very beginning of a project, through 3D design and engineering up to facilitating production and manufacturing.  Often there is a whole network of companies involved in the design, and the software acts as a common platform for design and information sharing.

You work as a Product Owner. What do you do in practice?

I take care of product marketing and documentation. I ensure that all our software versions and new products are well documented so that users know the benefits and can start using them right away. My work involves a lot of cooperation with other people inside the company and traveling to meet clients.

Ludmila Seppälä’s job at Cadmatic is taking care of product marketing and documentation. She enjoys the company’s friendly atmosphere.

What is important for you in your work?

I like challenges in a global sense. I enjoy working with people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. I have a lot of freedom, but also the opportunity to test my ideas with others. A friendly and cooperative atmosphere and cocreation are essential parts of our business culture.

What is the best thing about Cadmatic?

It is great to be among people who are passionate about what they’re doing. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, the people are professionals and they respect each other. There are no bureaucratic constraints or a shortage of challenges from clients.

Ludmila Seppälä from Cadmatic thinks it is very rewarding to see a Meyer cruise ship finished, knowing that Cadmatic’s software has been used in many phases of its design and production.

What is special about the marine cluster in Southwest Finland?

There are great possibilities here for people to develop and to do new things. There is a big, innovative shipyard in Turku and there are lots of companies around it. The government supports the maritime sector, and the support is not only for the shipyard, but for the whole ecosystem.

What do you see in Cadmatic’s future?

We’re growing, and there are lots of opportunities to do things now, which were not possible before. The mission of our company is not only to support current ways of working, but also to bring 3D modelling straight into production and to skip the drawing stage. This step would bring an enormous change to the whole industry.

How have you integrated into the Finnish culture?

It is said, that integration is successful when you can benefit from both cultures without losing your personality. The Finnish language is perhaps the only difficulty I faced. I travel too much to focus on polishing my language skills. Besides this, I feel fully embedded into life here.

What is the best thing about living in Turku?

I live nearby the city, yet close to a forest. It is peaceful and calm. Every day I come to the office and cooperate with people from different parts of the world. We are doing things that are highly innovative and are at the forefront of the maritime industry.