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From War Correspondent to Global CEO and Author: Meet Kristiina Helenius, Leader in International Business and Policy
In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud to highlight Kristiina Helenuis. Kristiina serves on the boards of the Global Fairness Initiative and International Women’s Forum, DC. She holds a master’s degree in economics and business administration. Kristiina is a published author. Currently she is working on a book of the rivalry between China and the United States, which will be published in May 2025. Kristiina also sits on the board of Arctic Drilling Company.
You hail from Finland, but you've lived and worked on three continents and now lead a global organization. What’s your story?
I started my career as an economics and business reporter, serving as the Brussels Bureau Chief for the Finnish Broadcasting Company from 1999 to 2001. Between 2001 and 2007, I was the Press Secretary at the Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C., where I won several international awards, including for my collaboration with First Lady Laura Bush. From 2007 to 2017, I served as CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Finland, based in Helsinki.
From 2017 to 2024, I was at the helm of the U.S. business of the Nordic consulting house Miltton Group, advising Nordic companies on their U.S. strategy and growth. In spring 2024, I started as CEO of the International Sanctions and Export Control Society.
I’m a war correspondent turned international executive—that’s the short version! I began my career as a television journalist and news anchor, covering everything from business news to European Union politics. But I also reported from conflict zones in the Balkans and Somalia, where I learned how to communicate effectively in high-pressure situations.
Afterward, I became the Press Secretary at the Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C., starting in September 2001, just as the U.S. was hit by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. From there, I moved on to serve as CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Helsinki, before returning to Washington, where I took on leadership roles at Miltton, a Nordic consulting firm, and the International Sanctions and Export Control Society.
My husband Mika and I have been married for 34 years. He’s a journalist based in Beijing—yes, we currently live on opposite sides of the world! Early on, we decided our goal was to lead an exciting life, filled with adventure and discovery, rather than chasing money or prestige. Our guiding principles have always been a global perspective and generosity. We’ve strived to take the road less traveled and stay true to ourselves, which has made all
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
From a young age, I’ve always had a burning desire to explore the world. As a teenager, I began a series of adventures that helped shape my global perspective. I worked as an au pair in Paris, London, and even in the heart of America, in Oklahoma. I also spent time on a kibbutz in Israel, where I got a firsthand look at communal living and agricultural life. Later, I interned at a French company’s office in Beijing.
Throughout my career, I’ve often worked in male-dominated environments, and on five occasions, I’ve been the first woman to hold a particular position. While this has been a privilege, I see it as a responsibility, too.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors—people who recognized potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. Their support, often behind the scenes, has been crucial in shaping my path.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion to serve comes from a deep-seated sense of justice and a desire to be a fair leader. Growing up in Finland, one of the world’s most democratic and equitable societies, I still witnessed instances of privilege and exclusion. Coming from a modest background, I sometimes found myself shut out of opportunities simply because I lacked the right connections.
As a leader, I’ve made it my mission to seek out talent and drive, building diverse teams whenever possible. I’m proud to say these teams have been highly motivated and successful, which has helped me build one high-performing organization after another.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
GlobalMindED is an opportunity for me to give back. When I was young, I could have been one of the students. Now, I hope to be a resource to them by offering industry exposure, job opportunities, and global access. I believe in the principle of reciprocity—what goes around, comes around.
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