Nuclear power expert Ariel Aatsinki wants to work in a way that promotes sustainable well-being
Ariel Aatsinki sees his work in the nuclear power sector primarily as an opportunity to build sustainable well-being for people—work that combines technical expertise, humanity, and a desire for self-development.
When Ariel Aatsinki talks about his work, his words reflect both analytical thinking and a warm view of humanity. He is a nuclear power expert whose work combines technical understanding with a genuine interest in people.
I want to do work that helps create safe and sustainable well-being for people. I believe nuclear power plays a key role in this—it offers a low-carbon and predictable way to produce energy, Ariel says.
Ariel finds their work meaningful for both nature and human well-being.
From Eastern Lapland to the world of nuclear power
Ariel’s story begins in Salla, Eastern Lapland, where he was born, and continues to Ruokolahti in South Karelia, where he spent most of his childhood. From an early age, he was fascinated by how energy and science can serve people and build a better future.
After high school, Ariel’s interest in physics led him to the University of Jyväskylä. During his physics studies, Ariel was intrigued by fusion technology, but as his studies progressed and climate change accelerated, he wanted to focus on something that could deliver results more quickly. His studies continued in Lappeenranta in the field of nuclear power engineering, and after that, he began working at Fortum’s Loviisa power plant in the operational experience environment—where technical and human expertise go hand in hand.
Coaching-based project management and the power of collaboration
One of the biggest insights in Ariel’s career has been about how to enable people to succeed together. He says he has always been empathetic and a good listener but discovering coaching-based leadership changed the way he operates in working life.
The longer I’ve worked, the more I believe in doing things together and in listening to and empowering people, Ariel reflects.
While working at Fortum, Ariel realized that many traditional leadership models no longer meet the needs of today’s working life. He began looking for ways to build trust, encourage, and develop. One step toward self-improvement was a book club he founded with a colleague at the end of 2023.
The idea came from a Helsingin Sanomat article about Mikael Jungner’s leadership-themed book club. Ariel was inspired by the concept and decided to try the same in his own work community.
I sent a message to my colleagues, and we started reading books on coaching-based leadership and negotiation skills. The discussions have been incredibly rewarding—they’ve created a little positive pressure to read, but above all, they’ve provided tools for working life and insights into how one can grow as a person and as a leader, he says.
The book club has since become a way to maintain a culture of continuous learning, but also a space to reflect on one’s own work and thinking.
Ariel believes that with a coaching and listening approach, people can be motivated and more lasting changes can be achieved within the organization.
A new chapter at Platom
At Platom, Ariel started as an expert and project manager—a role that combines his analytical background with his interest in people. He says he felt welcome from the very first day.
Platom has a solution-oriented approach to getting things done. Things are handled smartly and flexibly, and people are genuinely interested in helping each other, Ariel notes.
Ariel is also excited about the opportunity to develop further at Platom—he will soon attend the YJK course to deepen his technical expertise and sees continuous learning as an essential part of making work meaningful.
I enjoy learning new things, and Platom supports this wonderfully. It encourages you to give your best and create added value for the employer.
Project work offers him the right balance between existing experience and learning new things. Each project is an opportunity to apply a coaching approach and develop a shared direction.
Keys to growth: courage and networking
As guidance for those studying the field and just entering working life, he emphasizes understanding that hard work and diligence alone are not always enough. You also need the courage to network and show genuine interest.
For a long time, I believed that motivation and hard work were enough, but later I realized the importance of networking, Ariel notes.
Work–life balance
Outside of work, Ariel’s life is busy but full of meaning. He is a father of three and draws strength from his family, exercise, and hands-on activities. Running, gym workouts, and swimming bring balance and help him cope with everyday life.
I’m an idealist in the sense that I still believe small actions can create big changes. Sustainable development is not just about technology—it’s also about trust between people and a shared will to do better.