This week, we’re spotlighting Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen, Co-founder and CEO of DAIN Studios Finland – a Finnish-German data and AI consultancy – and a collaborator with the Harvard Data Science Initiative.
With a background in economics and a history of leading data science teams at Nokia and Sanoma, Ulla brings over 20 years of expertise to the evolving AI landscape. Today, she focuses on moving AI beyond the experimental “pilot” phase and into the heart of scalable, everyday business operations.
In this Practitioner Spotlight, Ulla discusses the shift from statistical prediction to modern AI, the tools currently powering her workflow, and why the Nordics are uniquely positioned to lead in real-world AI adoption.
Hyperight.com: What’s the best way to describe your job to someone outside tech?
Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen: I help organizations use data and AI to make better decisions and build smarter products and services. My role is essentially a bridge between advanced technology and everyday business needs – making sure AI solves the right problems, is implemented responsibly, and delivers measurable value. I work closely with business leaders to turn AI from experimentation into a capability that genuinely transforms how companies operate.
Hyperight.com: What originally sparked your interest in AI/data, and what keeps you inspired today?
Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen: I began my career as an economist, working with statistical prediction methods. About 20 years ago, as digital services and devices started producing large volumes of behavioral, transactional, and sensor data, I moved into what was then called “Big Data” and advanced machine-learning techniques. I went on to lead data-science teams at Nokia and Sanoma, where we developed solutions to critical business challenges across areas such as logistics, customer service, and sales. Around ten years ago, we decided to start our own company to help organizations apply AI across industries. What continues to inspire me today is seeing AI move beyond pilots into scalable, everyday use that delivers clear business impact.
Hyperight.com: What is one challenge you’re trying to solve, and why does it matter?
Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen: The most critical challenge I focus on is closing the gap between AI’s potential and real business value. Many organizations invest heavily in AI but struggle to operationalize it and create long-term impact. This matters because AI should be a dependable capability that delivers measurable outcomes.
Hyperight.com: A tool you can’t live without (tech or not)?
Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen: Beyond our core team tools, I rely heavily on AI tools in my daily work. I switch between ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini depending on the task, and I’ve been impressed by tools like Nano Banana Pro. I’m also a big fan of Lovable. I haven’t yet tested the latest simultaneous translation tools, but I believe they will fundamentally change global communication in the coming years.
Hyperight.com: What trend in data or AI do you think will shape the Nordic region the most?
Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen: The Nordics are well positioned to lead in AI adoption. People here are innovative and generally open to new technology. While much of the global investment is currently focused on AI infrastructure, the Nordics could differentiate by leading in real-world adoption – especially in the public sector, where strong foundations like electronic health records and high-quality public data enable high-impact, responsible AI use.
Hyperight.com: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to others entering the data and AI field?
Ulla Kruhse-Lehtonen: My advice to anyone entering the data and AI field is to experiment hands-on. Use AI tools to boost your own productivity and start with small, concrete projects. In organizations, focus on redesigning real workflows with AI agents. Don’t look for the perfect use case but improve one process step by step. Design with scalability in mind, but don’t worry about getting everything right the first time.
