"A Conversation with Eljas: Compost, Councils, and the Circular Future"
Translated from Finnish // Interview by Martta Ristimäki
Eljas performing with Up With People in the 90s. "It all started with a bus and a suitcase," he recalls.
Martta: Eljas, you've had quite the career — from Nokia to city council via, well… compost. How did that happen?
Eljas: [laughs] It all started with a bus and a suitcase, actually. I was in Up With People in my twenties — we'd sing, dance, clean parks, build trust. You learn fast how to work with strangers, lead through shared values, and turn chaos into coordination. That's the root of everything I do now.
Martta: Including running for city council?
Eljas: That wasn't planned. I gave a talk about sortition assemblies and how we could organize better conversations across the community. I supported a small local party for fun. Next thing I know, I'm elected.
Martta: What's surprised you about local politics?
Eljas: That it works. Sort of. If you actually listen, people do incredible things. You just have to give them space, give them coffee, and give them time. I've spent half my term convincing committees to try walking meetings. It's catching on.
Quick Facts About Eljas
- Age: Mid 50s
- From: Espoo, Finland
- Current Role: CEO of Clean Shit, a compost-to-energy company turning waste into watts
- Past Life: Former CEO of Nokia ("back when phones still had character")
- Political Accident: Elected to city council while advocating for democratic reform
- Mission: "Turn leftovers into leadership"
- Catchphrases on his shirts:
- This is powerful shit
- Circular vibes only
- Shitty strategy is still strategy
Martta: Tell us more about "Clean Shit."
Eljas: We take compost, municipal waste, biosludge — all the forgotten leftovers of modern life — and turn it into clean, renewable energy. We work with most major Finnish cities now. The IPO prospectus literally started with: "Clean Shit accelerates the global shift toward a circular economy…" I made sure of it.
Martta: And yet you're still biking to meetings?
Eljas: Yes, I fold up my electric Brompton and take it on the train. If I could bike onto the council floor, I would. It clears the mind.
Dirty Secret
What Eljas doesn't say out loud at council meetings? He's building a secret garage-museum beneath his farmhouse — filled with restored vintage cars. "My compost is clean, but my hobby is… chrome."
Martta: Last question. Why are people so drawn to your leadership?
Eljas: I think it's because I'm not trying to win. I just want everyone to work. Work with nature. Work with each other. Work with what's left.