Working from the outside in

Avarana is the result of our professional experience and personal passion for people and planet.

About us

I have worked across Asia, Africa and Europe in the areas of sustainable development and environmental protection since 2000. I have come to the conclusion that working with business, public sector, other organisations and individuals on their reason for existence and putting that to work will also make this world a better place. My purpose and interests remain unchanged. I want to see a better world for everyone and ensure that the planet is able to sustain us into the future. What is different in Avarana is the approach.

I have worked across Asia, Africa and Europe with people and organisations ranging from communities, small and multinational companies, governments, high-level politicians, academics, NGOs and activists. My employers range from UN to WWF, small NGOs to sustainability technology start-ups. From Ethiopia to Myanmar, regardless of location, my professional efforts have been directed at securing a better future for the planet and people. This has not always been easy, but throughout the years I have remained optimistic. I’ve led programmes and teams in different parts of the world, and large initiatives that aim to solve some of the biggest environmental and governance challenges faced by human-kind. Conclusion of all this is that everything boils down to people.

Practice of yoga has been an important part of my life for a long time, alongside with stydying and practicing Tibetan Buddhism. I have continued to develop and deepen my practice of yoga and meditation, as well as understanding of Buddhist traditions. In 2018, we decided to take our practice to the next level by completing a Yoga Alliance Certified 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Paul Dallaghan at Centered Yoga, Thailand. Since then, I have continued my studies and practice with several prominent Budhhist teachers, and history and philosophy of yoga traditions at the University of Oxford, amongst others. This process has played a key role in informing my approach to work, and helped me to centre my purpose in working-life. I have tought yoga for several years in different studios and organised trainings using different yogic methods with businesses and their personnel.

In 2018, I returned to Finland, my home country, and set up this company. Avarana is part of the evolution of my journey. I want people and business to prosper, while taking care of the Planet. Solutions and pathways to get there exist. I am ready to work with you to uncover them and put them into action. Mind your business – operate from a place of purpose. That’s Avarana.