Gubbe: Bringing strategic clarity and increasing the level of trust of an elderly support startup
The challenge
Gubbe is a startup based in Helsinki that provides services and support to elderly and disabled clients, promoting independence, well‑being, and social connection.
I was invited to bring in seniority, leadership skills, and product-design understanding to build common ground between different teams, improving product relevance, delivery speed, and internal alignment.
The solution
Introducing lean structures and rhythms that reduced reactive overload and enabled clearer focus on business-critical work.
B2C pricing model and helper employment model transformation, increasing profitability and strengthening the long-term viability.
Simplifying and clarifying OKR structures and implementing data-driven tools and practices, enhancing visibility and real-time decision-making.
Strengthening team psychological safety and leadership culture by embedding transparent communication, collaboration and open feedback practices.
My role
Interim Chief Operating Officer
Length of the assignment
1 years and 2 months
“When Suski started in our interim COO role, the goal was to strengthen collaboration between tech and the operations team, as well as bring more seniority and transparency to management. Along the way, it quickly became apparent that our original perceptions of the challenges were only scratching the surface.
Suski succeeded in identifying where the real need was and helped us direct our focus to the right things, namely interpersonal trust, leadership structures, and creating clarity.
Suski challenged both the leadership and teams boldly yet gently. Her perceptiveness regarding people and organisations is exceptional. The change she brought about far exceeded what we initially considered even possible.”
Meri-Tuuli Helin, Founder & CEO of Gubbe
