Jussi Rissanen

Jussi Rissanen is a Professor of Practice at LUT Business School since 2024, appointed through a historic donation by Jalo and Anja Paananen. His role combines academic expertise with practical sales leadership training. Previously, he served as Sales Director at Barona (2018–2022) and founded Frontliners (subsidiary of Barona) in 2023. Rissanen is also the creator and host of the Myyntiradio sales podcast, launched in 2020, now Finland’s most popular corporate sales podcast. His career spans over 20 years in sales coaching, informed by roles at companies like Mercuri International, Woikoski, and Veho Autotalot.

Education includes a Master of Science (Econ. & Bus. Admin.) from LUT University (2008) and military leadership training at the Finnish Military Academy (2000), culminating in a colonel (retired) rank. His military background in infantry and leadership pedagogy deeply influences his coaching philosophy.

Rissanen is spearheading LUT’s Executive MBA program (launching autumn 2025), emphasizing leadership and sales in digitalized markets. His research interests center on evolving sales methodologies driven by AI, digitalization, and interpersonal dynamics. He advocates for sales as a teachable skill rooted in empathy and team cohesion.

Hobbies include exploring Finnish national parks (currently 16/41 visited) and weightlifting. Family life includes a wife, three sons, and a daughter.