From building websites as a kid to leading tech teams today, Janette brings a mix of quiet confidence, sharp instinct, and a distinctly Finnish approach to work: more grounded, more balanced...and ultimately happier. As CTO at Refined, she leads with clarity and care in an industry often defined by noise and speed. Let’s hear her story.
Bio
Janette Hagerlund is the CTO at Refined, where she builds customer-focused, scalable products for the Atlassian Marketplace. With over 13 years in the tech industry, she combines ambition with curiosity and lifelong learning, bringing a bit of healthy nerdiness to everything from architecture discussions to exploring new tools with the team. Janette values authenticity and encourages everyone to bring their whole selves into their roles, creating a space where engineers can experiment, learn, and grow without leaving who they are at the door.
The Conversation
Janette, thanks for joining HERpower. Let’s start from the beginning. What sparked your interest in tech?
Janette: I actually got into tech quite early. I think I was around 10 or 11 when I started building websites—like those very simple, basic HTML ones. At first, I was actually more into photography and animation. But I ended up studying business information technology, and that’s where I found my love for programming.
It wasn’t easy in the beginning. I struggled to understand how things worked. But once I got the hang of it, it clicked — and I loved it.
My path wasn’t linear. I started as a software engineer, moved through a range of leadership roles, and eventually stepped into the CTO position. I’m originally from Finland, lived in Sweden for five years, and then came back. I’ve been with Refined for almost eight years now, which feels like a lifetime in tech years. What’s kept me here is more than just the chance to grow. I’ve had a front-row seat as the company grew from 8 to over 70 people, and I’ve been able to move into different roles along the way. But just as important are the values and the culture here — it’s a place where people care about each other, about doing good work, and about doing it together. That’s made it a place I’ve genuinely wanted to stay.
What was it like entering the tech world as a woman, and how has that experience evolved over time?
Janette: In my class, there were five women out of sixty students. This was about 15 years ago, and while things are definitely changing now, tech still feels more male-dominated. I faced prejudice—subtle and not so subtle—especially early in my career. At the time, I didn’t always feel confident enough to challenge certain behaviors. I worried I’d be seen as “difficult” or “too sensitive.” When you’re the only woman in the room, it can be hard to speak up. Looking back, I regret not standing up more often.
But those experiences didn’t deter me from pursuing this path. I’ve since realized how important it is to challenge those behaviors, even when it feels uncomfortable.
The turning point for me was finding the right environment. At Refined, it’s been very different. I’ve been here almost eight years, and it’s one of the healthiest cultures I’ve seen. No “tech bro” energy. It’s humble, supportive, and values people.
What role does leadership play in shaping a company’s culture?
Janette: I think company culture isn’t something you force—it grows naturally, but leadership can shape it by setting an example and by rewarding certain behaviours.
At Refined, our founders really set the example. They actually take parental leave themselves, which sends a meaningful message about what we value. It’s not just lip service—they walk the walk.
That mindset is also baked into our hiring. We don’t just look for impressive résumés. We look for people who value collaboration, care about the team, and align with our purpose.
This isn’t just feel-good thinking—it makes business sense. When people feel they belong and are valued for who they are, they do their best work. That’s good for everyone.
What does your role as CTO involve day-to-day?
Janette: My main focus is aligning our technical direction with business needs. Refined helps teams work better with Atlassian tools, so our tech has to serve that mission clearly and consistently.
I manage six direct reports and stay close to their work. I want to know what motivates them, how I can support their growth, and how we’re doing as a team.
Another big part of my role is ensuring we stay compliant with the standards and expectations of our customers, especially in regulated industries.
At the same time, we constantly think about the future: What do customers need tomorrow? What frameworks or integrations should we prepare for?
The challenge is always balancing technical advancements with practical delivery. You can’t just chase the latest shiny technology—everything needs to serve our customers better.
What advice would you give to someone early in their career who aspires to leadership?
Janette: Start with self-reflection. Do you really want to manage people—or do you thrive more as an individual contributor? There’s no “better” path—they’re just different.
Being a good leader means helping people grow, making tough decisions, and carrying responsibility for others’ careers and well-being.
If that resonates, be ready to stretch yourself. Step into uncertainty. Take on roles that push you, even when you’re not 100% ready. The truth is, no one ever feels completely prepared for the next level—you grow into it.
But be honest with yourself. Not everyone wants to keep climbing the corporate ladder, and that’s okay. What matters most is finding the level where you feel fulfilled—and staying there as long as it fits you.
What personal traits or mindsets help someone grow into a strong leader?
Janette: Vulnerability. Authenticity. You can’t fake these; people see right through it.
Being able to get things right is way more important than always being right from the start. I’d rather have someone who admits when they don’t know something and figures it out than someone who pretends to have all the answers.
The hardest part of leadership is balancing decision-making with active listening. You need to genuinely hear different perspectives and really listen to your team, but you also need to be able to make clear decisions when needed. It’s a constant learning process.
How do you balance such a demanding role with your personal life?
Janette: I’ve found it really helpful to have hobbies that are completely unrelated to work. Horseback riding, hiking, yoga— it helps me turn off my brain and recharge.
At work, I’m very conscious about prioritizing impactful tasks and deliberately deciding what not to do. You can’t do everything, and trying to will just burn you out. I focus on what will move the needle and try to let go of the rest.
The key, for me, is keeping an honest internal check-in: How much of myself am I willing to give to work? I try to be intentional about how I divide my energy between my career and the rest of my life.
Tell us something people might not know about Finland.
Janette: Finland is great for work-life balance. You’re never far from nature—there’s always a lake, a forest, a quiet path to walk. It grounds you.
But it’s not just the landscape. Our systems support people.
Parental leave is generous and used by both parents. Education is free. Healthcare is accessible. These things remove daily stress that many people just live with elsewhere.
You see the impact on everyday life. People respect boundaries. No emails at midnight. Vacations are taken—and valued. There’s an understanding that rest isn’t laziness. It’s essential for long-term productivity and well-being.
I think that’s something the world needs more of: the belief that you can have a meaningful career without giving your entire life to it.
And yes, the winters are real here. The dark days are long – especially tough if you come from a warmer, sunnier country. But you learn to keep yourself warm, get cozy indoors, invest in good boots, and embrace the sauna culture.
Thank you, Janette! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you.
Connect with Janette
If you wish to connect with Janette and learn more, seek advice, or share similar experiences, feel free to reach out to her via LinkedIn.