Born in Michigan, USA, Laura has travelled widely from Brazil to Spain and Germany, before eventually moving to Finland for family reasons. One of the first things she did after arriving was head straight from the airport to an Open University class.

Laura believes Finland offers an incredibly efficient environment for people with innovative ideas, a place where you can test, build, and see things work. With everything digital and fast, she feels the country empowers creativity.

Throughout her professional journey, Laura has worked as a researcher, communication director, and teacher. Across all these roles, she has been searching for an answer to one big question: how can we improve the situation for people?

In this episode of Helsinki Friends Podcast we explore her story, her insights, and her passion for creating better systems for everyone.

If you want to connect with Laura, you can find her on LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraelizabethsmith?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android

episode 3

Video description:

🎙️ Episode 2–Featuring Alba Kokki

In our second episode, we welcome Alba Kokki, who shares her journey from moving to Finland for a summer job to staying for over a decade. Coming from sunny Spain, Alba was excited to experience the snow in Finland. This spring, she celebrated 13 years in Finland and has built her life and family here. Alba is currently working as a teacher at Taitotalo, helping immigrants integrate into Finnish society. She is also studying cognitive psychotherapy and will soon begin taking clients. You can reach out to Alba about her therapy sessions on her LinkedIn: https:/

/www.linkedin.com/in/albakokki/

In this episode, we discuss how to navigate working life in Finland, learning the Finnish language, and tips for successful integration.

🎙️ Episode 1 – Featuring Jonas Rothlaender
In our first episode, we welcome Jonas Rothlaender, who shares his personal experience of moving to and living in Finland. Originally from Germany, Jonas relocated to Helsinki ten years ago for family reasons.
He is a film director and relationship counselor who specializes in helping international couples navigate and overcome intercultural challenges.