Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
I help organizations elevate their software testing and QA capabilities, especially at the company and departmental levels, through strategic advisory, leadership development, and tailored training. My focus is on real-world impact: better skills & processes means better quality and better business. Awarded Tivia's ICT Influencer Award 2025 in recognition of leadership and advocacy for software testing and quality in the ICT industry. I provide hands-on support in: ✅ Developing and refining QA handbooks, strategies, and processes (direction & structure for testing) ✅ Delivering high-impact trainings and keynotes ✅ Guiding teams through change and continuous improvement in testing practices I’m the co-author of 'ACT 2 LEAD – Software Testing Leadership Handbook', a practical guide for both aspiring and seasoned leaders looking to strengthen their testing leadership. It’s available in English and Finnish. 👉 Get your copy: https://www.act2lead.net/p/order-book.html Services via Marko Rytkönen Oy: 1️⃣ Leadership Advisory, Coaching & Mentoring 1:1 or team advisory for test leadership, contract reviews, strategy sessions, assessments, and project/test plan assessments. Fits for all leadership levels, and to the co-founders and companies offering testing services. 2️⃣ Keynotes Perfect for team days, leadership meetings, community events, or project kickoffs - designed to energize, inspire and align your people for testing. 3️⃣ ACT 2 LEAD Trainings Practical, real-world sessions, e.g. 'How to Lead Subcontracted Testing' and 'How to lead testing at the organizational level' to equip leaders with the tools they need. 4️⃣ ACT 2 LEAD Study Groups Facilitated discussions built around the ACT 2 LEAD book - ideal for deeper learning and peer exchange, and to implement learnings into daily work. ❤️ Giving Back to the Community For over a decade, I’ve served the Finnish Software Testing Board (FiSTB) as a board member, and co-founder and organizer of Testing Assembly, Finland’s largest testing conference. I share insights through public talks, helping to advance awareness and understanding of testing as a discipline. 👉 Let’s connect! Whether you're looking to collaborate, level up your testing and quality, or just chat about testing and leadership - I’d love to hear from you. ✉️ [email protected] 📱 +358 50 5066 405 #teststrategy #testing #qualityassurance #QA #testprocessimprovement #agile #leadership #johtajuus #johtaminen
I provide tailored advisory, coaching, mentoring and training services on test leadership, based on my book 'ACT 2 LEAD – Software Testing Leadership Handbook' ('Ohjelmistotestauksen johtamisen käsikirja'). My services include: 1️⃣ Leadership Advisory, Coaching & Mentoring 1:1 or team advisory for test leadership challenges, contract reviews, strategy sessions, assessments, and project/test plan assessments. Fits for all leadership levels, and to the co-founders and companies offering service testing services. 2️⃣ Keynotes Perfect for team days, leadership meetings, community events, or project kickoffs - designed to energize, inspire and align your people for testing. 3️⃣ ACT 2 LEAD Trainings Practical, real-world sessions, e.g. 'How to Lead Subcontracted Testing' and 'How to lead testing at the organizational level' to equip leaders with the tools they need. 4️⃣ ACT 2 LEAD Study Groups Facilitated discussions built around the ACT 2 LEAD book - ideal for deeper learning and peer exchange, and to implement learnings into daily work. See more: ✅ https://www.markorytkonen.fi/ Let’s build stronger test leadership to improve your business - together!
As a seasoned software quality and testing professional, I specialize in helping organizations overcome complex quality challenges and elevate their testing practices—across teams, departments, and entire companies. Here’s how I drive impact: ✅ Comprehensive QA Assessments – Identifying strengths, gaps, risks and opportunities for growth. ✅ Collaborative QA Strategy Design – Tailored, actionable strategy to align with your business goals. ✅ Leadership Coaching and Mentoring – Guidance on managing in-house and outsourced testing efforts effectively. I'm also actively contributing to sales, recruitment, and team growth within Hidden Trail. At Hidden Trail, we challenge conventional thinking in QA. As part of Sevendos, Reaktor Ecosystem and the Bravedo supergroup, we bring cutting-edge expertise and resources to every client engagement. Let’s connect if you're looking to modernize your QA and testing practices, to build better business with better quality practices. 🔗 Learn more: hiddentrail.com
Over the years, I've been actively engaged in voluntary work within the testing community. Here are some key highlights of my involvement: Co-founder and organizer (2012-2022, 2025-) 2012, I co-founded Testing Assembly, Finland’s leading software testing conference, and have continued to organize it since its inception. Conference manager (2015-2017, 2025) During 2015-2017 and 2025 onwards, I assumed the role of Conference Manager, taking on the responsibility of leading all aspects related to the organizing the Testing Assembly. Under my stewardship on 2016, the seminar experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a one-day event with approximately 200 attendees to a two-day gathering attracting over 400 participants. Track chair In 2022, I took on the role of Track Chair, hosting the seminar for an audience of 400 attendees. These voluntary contributions reflect my deep commitment to the testing community, its growth, and the dissemination of valuable insights and knowledge. See: testingassembly.fistb.fi
Voluntary contributions to testing community. I am honored to have served as a board member at the Finnish Software Testing Board (FiSTB), which serves as the national board for the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB). See: www.fistb.fi
During my tenure at TietoEVRY, I held a pivotal role as the leader of the global testing business, overseeing operations on an international scale. This encompassed line management for a dedicated team of 50+ testing professionals based in Finland, where my responsibilities included recruitment, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative work environment. My impact extended beyond management, as I played a crucial role in the development and enhancement of our testing offerings. I was instrumental in supporting our sales teams in positioning and promoting our testing services, contributing to significant growth and client success. At the heart of my role was the leadership of global testing business and competence networks. I also actively engaged with our internal testing community, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. I participated in customer projects, where my expertise was directed toward shaping and implementing test strategies and improving testing processes. My contributions focused on delivering tangible value to our clients through efficient and effective testing solutions.
During my tenure at Elisa, I held a key position responsible for building and enhancing the testing ecosystem within the Company IT-department. This department oversaw a substantial portfolio of 100++ IT applications and collaborated with numerous vendors and development teams. I took pride in coaching, training, and guiding development teams and vendors on testing best practices, as well as fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This included instilling expertise in Kanban and Scrum methodologies to optimize workflows. One of my most significant contributions was in establishing and fortifying the core pillars of testing excellence. This encompassed the implementation of test management tool and streamlining robust testing processes. These efforts were undertaken in close collaboration with the Head of Testing at Elisa, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. My journey at Elisa was marked by a relentless pursuit of elevating the quality and efficiency of testing practices, ultimately contributing to the success of numerous IT applications and projects.