Meet Lauri Ogawa

Understanding the rapidly changing world of digital media and customer needs were the keys to success during past year, says Lauri Ogawa, Bonnier Sales Awards Field Sales Representative of the Year finalist. "The recession was a huge hurdle everyone faced in different businesses, but understanding the customer business, believing in our media solutions and having a good spirit led to the great result," he says.

Ogawa started at MTV3 as a trainee three and a half years ago and gradually worked his way up in the sales department to be in charge of key accounts. Last year Ogawa was sponsored by his employer to study an IDM Certificate in Direct and Digital Marketing, which he says was essential for deepening his professional expertise and understanding about the digital playground. "It's important to keep developing individual know-how in digital marketing because the environment keeps changing all the time and it affects the business environment and customer needs," he says. "I'm supposed to sell, it's my job, but it all starts from listening and understanding. That's the core of the business."

In his time at MTV3, Ogawa has experienced different hurdles, but his positive attitude and persistence have driven him to produce strong numbers. "The key is your attitude," he says. "Life is full of ups and downs, and it's the same thing in business. It all depends on what you believe in, and if you work hard for it, the results will follow."

How does Ogawa feel to be nominated? "I'm very honored," he says. "I was happily surprised to be selected and very excited to meet other finalists and share experiences about their markets and successes."