Career story: Maria-Teresa Lahti

“When you do what you love, work often doesn’t feel like work”—Maria-Teresa Lahti works with her passion and found her place in the sim racing industry

Maria-Teresa Lahti, Simucube’s Key Account Manager, has always been passionate about motorsports. She has competed in various racing categories for over 10 years, from rally sprint to rally and folk race. After graduating with a double degree in International Business from SEAMK and Business Administration from Škoda Auto University, she knew she wanted to work in the automotive industry. She then started her master’s in International Business at the University of Vaasa while keeping an eye out for opportunities.

Simucube felt like home

Since there are no car manufacturers in Finland, she had to do a deep search of her options. She had been using her own racing simulator to practice for races, but at this time in 2021, she had never heard of Simucube before.

“I came across by chance a company called Granite Devices (Simucube), and they were looking for an Account Manager. The company was small, with only 18 people. During the recruitment process, I got so motivated by the company that I said I would even come for free,” Teresa chuckles.

“I knew the role and company were just my thing. I gave everything to get in. And now I’m here.”

She has now been working at Simucube for four years, and she’s now a Key Account Manager. She recalls her first impression of the company being shaped by the warm and friendly people and a cozy, home-like atmosphere.

Maria-Teresa has seen Simucube grow significantly—from being a small company of 18 people, to an around 60-person workplace. Yet she still believes the company has stayed loyal to its original spirit.

“Despite the growth, we have managed to maintain the same spirit that existed already in the early days of Granite Devices.”

Building strong B2B partnerships as Key Account Manager

In her role as a Key Account Manager, Maria-Teresa connects with B2B customers through emails, phone calls, video meetings, and on-site visits. Overall, her primary responsibility is to build and maintain strong relationships with B2B partners.

“I believe B2B sales are fundamentally driven by personal connections. While it’s important that customers appreciate our brand and values, it’s equally essential that they feel we are approachable and easy to engage with.”

Maria-Teresa feels proud to represent Simucube products, since she knows how well they are made. She feels confident selling them due to the quality manufacturing, design, and more extended warranties than required by law.

“As a salesperson, I can fully stand behind the product we sell.”

She has noticed that few women work in sales within the sim racing industry. At Simucube, the roles are assigned based on skills and fit for the job.

“What sets us apart in the sim racing industry is that we have many highly skilled women, top professionals in their work.”

Simucube as a safe and inspiring workplace

Maria-Teresa describes the work culture inside Simucube as inspiring, and she’s amazed by the talents of her colleagues, both inside and outside of work.

“People here inspire me in many ways,” Teresa says.

She also feels that Simucube is a safe space to put yourself outside your comfort zone and try new things. The atmosphere in the company is encouraging. Maria-Teresa has always disliked giving presentations but at Simucube she felt supported enough to face her fear and even surprised herself with this.

Simucube is completely owned by its employees, and Maria-Teresa is one of the minority shareholders of the company. She feels involved in the entire company’s operations and therefore gets a strong sense of belonging.

“Being a partner for Simucube gives me commitment to the company and gives also meaning to my work.”

Passion for sim racing industry

Maria-Teresa has always loved motorsports, and today, sim racing has become a source of motivation and inspiration in her daily work.

“People in the sim racing industry are highly motivated and passionate. Our B2B and B2C customers are inspired by the products, and they inspire me, and their enthusiasm fuels my own. There’s a strong sense of community and shared spirit across the industry.”

After four years in the field, she is confident that this is where she’s meant to be. The motivation she sees in the whole sim racing community is what keeps her going.

“When you do what you love, work often doesn’t feel like work.”  