Teaching and facilitation have become an essential extension of my design practice. They create space for dialogue, for curiosity, and for collective transformation—something design alone can’t always achieve. Whether I’m guiding a workshop, mentoring students, or facilitating conversations between innovators and creatives, I see teaching as a form of design in itself: shaping experiences, crafting environments for growth, and making meaning together.
In these sessions, I’m not just sharing knowledge; I’m building spaces where people feel seen, heard, and inspired to create. Teaching keeps me grounded in empathy, connected to emerging ideas, and constantly challenged to rethink how creativity can serve communities.
This blog is my place to document those moments—what I learn, what I unlearn, and what happens when people come together with the intention to grow.
My Journey in Teaching & Facilitation
What began as occasional speaking engagements has grown into a long-term, multidisciplinary teaching practice—spanning entrepreneurship, creativity, wellbeing, diversity, and design thinking. Below is a look at the sessions, workshops, and mentoring programs I’ve been part of so far.
2026
JAN–MAY 2026
Mentor to two students in the Aalto University Mentoring Programme.
2025
MAY 2025
• Co-Speaker, “Fearless & Funny: What We Learned Through Laughter,” with Svetlana Sharifulina – WIFT TALKS, WIFT Finland – Oodi Library – 26.05.2025
• Speaker, “Towards Systemic Change: Diversity Training Module,” Globe Art Point – 23.05.2025
• Speaker, “StopHatredNow,” Globe Art Point – 12.05.2025
JAN 2025
Co-Speaker, CreativeMornings Helsinki — “Journey with Cansu Pylkkänen & Svetlana Sharifulina” – 31.01.2025
JAN–MAY 2025
Mentor to one student at the Aalto University Mentoring Programme
2024
OCT 2024
• Workshop Facilitator, Helseed Workshop – Pitch Clinic, Helsinki Think Company – 24.10.2024
• Workshop Facilitator, Helseed Workshop – Legal Q&A, Helsinki Think Company – 17.10.2024
MAY–NOV 2024 — WorkWELL Workshop Series
Co-Producer & Teacher, Helsinki Think Company
Team: Cansu Pylkkänen, Svetlana Sharifulina, Tiina Paakkunainen, and Angela Boyajian
Designed and led a workshop series for entrepreneurs focused on wellbeing and work-life balance with a team of experts.
Topics included:
– Happiness & Stress Management (31.5.24)
– Work-Life Balance & Boundaries (7.6.24)
– Accountability & Prioritization (24.9.24)
– Mental Health & DEI (23.10.24)
– Physical Health & Vitality (26.11.24)
APR–DEC 2024 — Designer’s Desk
Producer & Design Consultant, Helsinki Think Company
Organized monthly mentoring and feedback sessions, offering creative guidance to founders and early-stage entrepreneurs.
APRIL 2024 — Helseed Workshops
Facilitated:
– Build – Measure – Learn (23.04.2024)
– Find Your Customers (16.04.2024)
– Create a Business Plan (09.04.2024)
FEB–MAR 2024
Mentor, Pathways Pre-Incubator Program by Helsinki Incubators & Helsinki Think Company.
JAN–MAY 2024
Mentor to two students in the Aalto University Mentoring Programme.
DEC 2023
Event Host, Särö Showcase, University of Helsinki – 13.12.2023
2023
NOV 2023 – Present
Organizer & Teacher, Stand-Up Comedy Writing Workshop, Helsinki Stand-Up League.
NOV 2023
Mentor, AMIS Winter School 2023 – Entrepreneurship & Pitching Program, Aalto University.
OCT 2023
Producer & Host, Creative Nights, Helsinki Think Company – 30.10.2023
A relaxed public-speaking event for storytelling and connection-building.
AUG 2023 — Podcasting
Host, ThinkPod (Helsinki Think Company):
– “Preventing Depression?” with Niklas Ziliacus
– “Is DEI the Lifesaving Key to Enhancing Workplace Innovations?” with Dr. Svetlana Sharifulina
Guest on, ThinkPod (Helsinki Think Company):
– “How Do You Build and Nurture Connections as an Immigrant in Finland?” with T. Mahmud
MAY 2023 — Pitching Workshops
Facilitated pitching workshops for:
– Circulator 2.0 by Helsinki Incubators
– Health X, with Walid O. El Cheikh as the main speaker
APRIL 2023 — Helseed Workshops
Facilitator for:
– Market Research workshop (27.04.2023)
– Business Models workshop
– Problem-Solving workshop, Circulator 2.0 event
MARCH 2023
Keynote Speaker & Panelist, “Been There, Done That”, HITP (HelsinkiUNI International Talent Programme)
Earlier Work
NOV 2017
Speaker, “How To Get Cities Sustainable?”, Korjaamo Design Market, Helsinki
A Practice Rooted in Care, Dialogue, and Design
Across all these roles—mentor, speaker, facilitator, producer—my goal stays the same: to create spaces where people can grow with confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Teaching isn’t separate from my design work. It is design work.
It’s the invisible architecture of a conversation.
It’s the emotional experience of a safe learning environment.
It’s the choreography of ideas moving between people.
And it’s one of the most meaningful things I do.
Invite Me to Speak or Facilitate
I’m available for speaking engagements, workshop facilitation, and guest lectures.
If you’re curious about bringing more intentionality into your workshops, events, or educational spaces, let’s collaborate.
Whether you need a facilitator, a guest speaker, or a creative partner to reshape the learning experience, I’d love to be part of that process.
