Regional manager Johanna Karhu, recipient of the Supervisor of the Year 2023 award, is known for her warm and encouraging management style that inspires improvement. Her team, known by the nickname Karhuryhmä, has proved that the best results are achieved through cooperation and a strong team spirit. The award has been received with gratitude and joy throughout the workplace community.
Supervisor of the Year Johanna Karhu is known by her team as an encouraging and motivating supervisor who enjoys developing things together. This award is not only a recognition of Johanna’s own contribut
ion, but also the shared accomplishments of her entire team and Karhuryhmä. “I definitely felt that the award is not just for me – it’s for the entire Outokumpu and Karhuryhmä teams,” says Johanna.
Her fair and honest management style creates an accepting and inspiring atmosphere in the team, providing an environment where everyone can suggest even wild ideas. “We’ve always had a good sense of humour, and I’ve also received an incredible amount of help and support from Johanna,” says Sanna Niemeläinen, supermarket manager of S-market Ylämylly, who has worked in Johanna’s group for several years.
Johanna’s te
am is proud of their accomplishments and appreciates her support and encouragement. “Johanna has made so many things possible for all of us,” says service manager Maria Hassinen. “Johanna motivates us to keep moving forward and not rest on our laurels. That’s what makes Johanna a super supervisor!” says service manager Mika Leppänen.
Johanna herself emphasises the importance of cooperation, and she is grateful for her team’s commitment and desire to work together on developing their operations. “It would be pretty lonely as a supervisor if you didn’t have people with you who wanted to develop our operations together. I’m really grateful that I’ve always had such people with me,” says Johanna.
The story of Johanna and the entire Karhuryhmä team is a reminder that true success is created through cooperation, caring and a common goal. We can achieve anything when we work together and with passion.