The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is delighted to announce that Linda Ratilainen, Service Manager at Tapiola Golf Oy, has achieved the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation.
The CCM is the highest level of professional recognition in club management, awarded to individuals who complete the BMI pathway, demonstrating excellence across leadership, governance, finance, operations, and member experience.
Linda has spent the past seven and a half years at Tapiola Golf, a modern and forward-thinking club located in an urban setting in Finland. Known for its innovative approach and high-quality facilities, the club has provided a dynamic environment for Linda to grow and develop her leadership skills.
Linda’s achievement is particularly significant, reflecting her dedication to professional development while also sitting the exam in a second language.
CMAE CEO Torbjørn Johansson commented:
“Linda’s achievement is a fantastic milestone, not only for her personally but also for the wider club management community in Finland. Her commitment to learning, development, and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone truly embodies the spirit of the CMAE and the CCM. She is an inspiration for future professionals, particularly women looking to progress within our industry.”
Now one of only a small number of female CCMs in Europe and Middle East, Linda is a strong advocate for increasing diversity within the industry. She highlights the importance of visibility, mentorship, and supportive environments in encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles and professional certification.
Q&A with Linda Ratilainen, CCM
Service Manager, Tapiola Golf Oy
Congratulations Linda – You are now a CCM. What is your feeling after working for it for a long time, and also of course not having English as your first language?
Thank you! It feels both rewarding and a little surreal. The journey has required persistence over several years, so reaching this point brings a strong sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Working in a second language definitely added an extra layer of challenge, but it also taught me to not overthink – sometimes you just have to go for it. In many ways, that process has made me a better and more confident professional overall.
Tapiola Golf has been your home/workplace for the last 7½ years. Tell us more about the club
Tapiola Golf is a modern, forward-thinking club located in a dynamic urban environment. What makes it truly special is the high-quality facilities and an ambitious mindset. We are a relatively young club, built on what used to be an old junkyard, and we’re constantly striving to create something unique. That environment challenges us to keep improving and to always look for the next level of excellence, which I find very motivating.
We also have an incredible team, and I feel very fortunate to work with such dedicated colleagues, shareholders, partners, and clients. For me, it has been a truly inspiring place to grow professionally.
For anyone who hasn’t played golf in Finland, how would you describe the culture and what would you recommend people to do and go (besides Tapiola of course)?
Golf in Finland combines high-quality courses with a very relaxed atmosphere. What really makes it special is the setting; beautiful courses surrounded by forests and lakes. During summer the almost never-ending daylight is something magical. Playing late into the evening under the midnight sun is something quite unforgettable. And of course, no visit is complete without experiencing a proper Finnish sauna after your round.
If you’re planning a trip, don’t hesitate to reach out!
You are the second person from Finland who now became a CCM, but more are on the pathway. Why did you decide to try to achieve the Certification?
First, I have to give credit to one of my mentors, Staffan Tuomolin, new CCE, who encouraged me to apply for the bursary and take my first step.
For me, the CCM certification represents a clear benchmark of excellence in club management. I wanted to challenge myself, deepen my knowledge, and gain an international perspective on the industry. It was never just about the title. It was about the journey, the learning, and the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. I also felt a responsibility to contribute to the development of the profession in Finland and to highlight the value of structured education in our field.
You have been on the CCM Pathway for a few years now, what are some of your best memories from it?
One of the highlights has definitely been the people. Meeting colleagues from different countries, sharing experiences, and learning from each other has been incredibly valuable.
We’ve had many inspiring sessions with top-level speakers, and I still find myself going back to my notes from the MDP courses. Those moments where you can directly apply what you’ve learned to your daily work are especially rewarding. I have to mention playing St Andrews Old Course and everything we got to see behind the scene of this legendary place was something I won’t forget anytime soon.
You are the seventh woman to get the CCM in Europe, how can we attract more women to Manager jobs in the industry and get them certified?
I believe visibility and encouragement are key. When women see others in leadership roles, it becomes easier to picture that path for themselves. Mentorship is also incredibly important. Having someone who supports and guides you can make a real difference.
At the same time, organizations need to continue building inclusive environments. The certification pathway should feel accessible and achievable, not intimidating. By sharing success stories and actively supporting development, we can create a more balanced and diverse future for the industry. And most importantly, believe in yourself. You are capable of more than you think.
Any final comments:
I’m truly grateful for everyone who supported me along this journey; Tapiola Golf, colleagues, mentors, and the wider network within the industry. This achievement is not just personal; it reflects the importance of collaboration. I had to go trough a part of it in extreme storms. But when you make it, there’s no words to describe that feeling. Together we are so much stronger.
