Leader in spotlight Minna Lindholm: Awarded Power Woman and Modern CEO

Visionary Minna Lindholm, awarded power woman and modern CEO

Minna Lindholm, an eMBA graduate from Henley Business School Nordic, is the new CEO of HiQ Finland and Poland. In 2025, she received the Microsoft Power Woman Finland award, given to women driving progress in digitalization and technology. At HiQ’s Helsinki office, I meet Minna Lindholm whose calm and cheerful presence sets the tone.

What has Minna’s career journey been like? What inspired her to take on the role of CEO? And during the conversation, what memories bring out her emotions?

A modern CEO who brings purpose to work

When Minna Lindholm became CEO of HiQ Finland and Poland in the summer of 2024, the company was navigating a period of post-acquisitions and mergers. Once a Helsinki-only technology firm, HiQ is now owned by a private equity company and has offices across Finland. With clear growth ambitions, Minna is steering this expansion guided by her own vision.

“The opportunity to serve as CEO is a profound honor. My path here has been built over many years, grounded in the diverse experiences I've gained across different businesses and through eMBA studies. Each role has contributed to my ability to lead large-scale projects and support our people. It's a journey I am grateful for, as we move forward together toward accelerated growth” Minna says.

“I was not starting with a clean slate; rather, I inherited a beautiful opportunity. Through various acquisitions, we had accumulated a wealth of talent and diverse structures that were to be unified. My role has been to consolidate these strengths and build something truly exceptional together with our team, while meeting the expectations of our owners, customers, and staff”. Minna reflects on her early days in the role.

She explains that every superior, both good and bad, has shaped her as a leader. Today, meaningful work, humanity, and confidence in her vision drive both her and HiQ forward. By linking the company’s strategy to the broader role it plays in society, she brings a sense of purpose to everyone at HiQ. Her goal is that each employee understands the significance of their work, because that understanding inspires people to give their very best every day.

"Our work is the bedrock of this nation's function," Minna Lindholm says, her voice a mix of passion and conviction. "We are now stronger than ever, and our mission has never been more vital.”

From eMBA studies to vision: tools for leadership

She highlights how deep strategic thinking grows through reflection. Each year of the studies included creating a personal development plan, and Minna realized how her answers changed over time. The process became more than an academic exercise—it was also a journey of self-discovery, deepening her understanding of herself as a person.

“In my studies I discovered that black and white disappear—there are rarely absolute answers, and that was the most valuable insight for me,” Minna reflects. “As you deepen your knowledge, new perspectives emerge, and gradually you build your own vision that pushes your thinking further.” Today, she draws on those lessons from her eMBA to guide her work as CEO.

Sunlight pours into the conference room, bringing out the warmth of the wooden surfaces. She talks passionately about the importance of people and execution, which she sees as her
own superpowers.

“Motivation always comes from within,” she says. “A leader’s role is not to motivate, but to create the conditions that allow everyone to perform at their best.”

People who believe in the future apply for the studies

As part of the eMBA program, Minna traveled with her study group to South Africa, where they visited slums. Remembering the trip brings back strong emotions for her.

“I realized how vital hope is in a person’s life—even when there seems to be nothing, there is still hope for the future,” Minna reflects, her hands falling still. “I also discovered that business and business opportunities exist everywhere. My trip to South Africa was eye-opening, both for my studies and for me personally.” As part of the program, she carried out learning assignments in South Africa and Germany, Munich, gaining experience from real projects with real companies.

On study trips, you spend a lot of time with your own study group, which gives you time to discuss and exchange experiences about work, studies and life in general. People who are curious and believe in the future, themselves and organizations apply for studies. Peer support is definitely the best thing in addition to the actual studies, and the network lives on even after the studies.
“Starting your studies is a big decision, but you won’t regret beginning your eMBA journey.

The program strengthens your belief in yourself and the future, and above all, helps you discover your own potential. Soon after, you’ll notice how you can turn what you’ve learned into reality within an organization,” Minna reflects for those still hesitating.

Minna graduated in 2020 from the Henley Executive MBA global.