Tanja Mushik’s journey from celebrity security teams to lobby services

Tanja Mushik, Entrance Hall Manager at Espoo Cultural Centre, has been working at the Cultural Centre since August 2023. Her job description as Entrance Hall Manager is diverse.

“My main task is to lead the lobby services team. I develop the customer service process, prepare instructions for the property and participate in the events,” Tanja says.

Tanja has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Security, and she has completed several continuing education programmes, including Aalto EE’s Diploma in Safety and Security Management. Tanja started working in security back in 1998 and ended up in the field by accident.

“I dreamt of being a beautician and studied the field. I also thought about applying for nursing school, but I accidentally checked the wrong box on the online application. The next thing you know, I was working as a security guard and started training in the field,” Tanja laughs.

Before moving to the Cultural Centre, Tanja had the opportunity to work in many different security tasks and to train others.

“I’ve worked at the Pori Jazz festival for several times, the U.S. Embassy, alarm centres of security companies and done emergency planning at Verkatehdas, Logomo and Finlandia Hall,” Tanja recounts.

Her long list of security gigs also includes working as a security trainer at a golf centre in Spain, guiding Real Madrid players for FIFA, safeguarding U.S. rappers during their European tours, travelling with international actors and artists visiting Finland, and protecting heads of state. Some have even managed to get a glimpse of Tanja inside the Presidential Palace in the Independence Day broadcasts!

Finally, Tanja’s journey took her to the Prime Minister’s Office as Service Manager and from there to the Espoo Cultural Centre. She has felt part of the team from day one and is especially proud that the Cultural Centre was chosen as Seure’s Workplace of the Year in 2025. Seure Personnel Services Ltd is a personnel services company operating in Uusimaa, through which thousands of professionals work every day.

“When they called me before Christmas, our win came out of the blue, as I thought the decision wouldn’t be made until spring. Otherwise, I wasn’t surprised by it, as I’ve seen how much people like it here. We’ve received thank-yous by email, and you can sense the good atmosphere at work,” Tanja says.

Seure’s employees have been excited about the award. Tanja wants to thank all the other parties working at the Cultural Centre and says that the win was a group effort.

“I would also appreciate feedback. If there are problems, let’s get them fixed,” Tanja specifies.

Read more about Seure’s news: Espoo Cultural Centre is the Workplace of the Year – Seure(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)

On the eve of International Women’s Day (8 March), the discussion also turns to gender equality in the world of work. While working in safety and security, Tanja was often the only woman in the work community.

“I’ve had to prove myself in ways I wouldn’t have had to if I were a man. After a security gig, someone might ask whether the personal protection was done by a woman, for example. And everyone knew it was me,” Tanja explains.

At times, it has been difficult to intervene in discussions that you wouldn’t necessarily want to hear. In her current position at the Cultural Centre, Tanja does not think about gender in the same way. However, her nickname “Tane” has led to some gender-related misunderstandings in different work communities.

Tanja feels that Culture Espoo’s principles for safer space are a good guideline for staff, performers and customers alike.

“The principles for safer space are always in the back of our head, and we have zero tolerance for name-calling, for example,” Tanja says.

Read more about Culture Espoo’s principles for safer space. 

A sudden brain infarction in 2011 and the resulting partial paralysis forced Tanja to focus on the most important things in life. These include her adult children and grandchild. Otherwise, much of Tanja’s free time centres around culture and her greatest passion, ice hockey.

Choosing cultural highlights for March was no easy task, as a lot is happening in Espoo. In the end, Tanja narrowed it down to these five:

Hurri and Tosi Hurri – Stand Up show | City of Espoo (Thu 5 March, Kannusali)

“I watched Dumb and Dumber when I was young. There are many Finland-Swedish people in my family and friends, including my mother-in-law. I don’t usually like stand up, but this one caught my eye. Both performers (André Wickström & Janne Grönroos) do much more than just stand up. I’ve been to music gigs in Kannusali before, and it would be nice to see how stand up works there.”

Singing Bowl Meditation | City of Espoo (Fri 6 March, Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora)

“This sounds wonderfully soothing! I have wanted to visit Aurora, especially as I’ve been in touch with them a lot for work.”

Robin Packalen – extra concert (SOLD OUT) | City of Espoo (Sat 7 March, Sello Hall)

“We used to listen to Robin around the clock when my daughter was young, so this concert in Sello Hall would be a throwback to 15 years ago and a trip down memory lane. I know all the old songs by heart!”

40 Watt Sun solo (UK) | City of Espoo (Sat 21 March, Espoo Cultural Centre)

“I’m a big fan of metal music and listen to all kinds of different styles. I like good guitarists. Louhisali is one of my favourite gig venues, and I’d be there all the time even if I didn’t work at the Cultural Centre.” 

&FEST: Zona Franca | City of Espoo (Wed 25–Fri 27 March, Espoo Cultural Centre)
Brazilian street dance meets contemporary dance, performance art, contact improvisation and TikTok choreography (&Espoo Theatre in Louhisali).

“There’s a bit of everything here, and you can't be sure what to expect based on the description!”

See what else is going on in Espoo: Cultural events in Espoo.

Check out our previous cultural tips on one page at: espoo.fi/fi/kulttuuritarpit

Text: Sanna Uuksulainen