Your experts in the AI era
We follow AI so you don't need to.
We are passionate about Artificial Intelligence.
The world of machine customers is full of opportunities – but it raises also many questions. That’s why you need experienced guides by your side. On this page, you’ll meet our experts who help you understand, lead, and wisely interact with machine customers and other AI agents. They coach, facilitate, and challenge you to ensure your organisation can develop customer experience and business in a sustainable way – even in the era of artificial intelligence and automation.
At Shirute, we are passionate visionaries and dedicated followers of AI development. We combine strategic insight, creative facilitation, and technological courage with a hands-on approach – so you can navigate with confidence the markets of the future, where even machines are your customers.
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to your AI-first business
Responsibly. Empathically. Resourcefully.
Our Coaches
Sirte Pihlaja (Certified Customer Experience Professional, Trained Lego® Serious Play® Facilitator) is a globally recognised expert in customer experience and a pioneer in integrating Agentic AI into customer and employee engagement strategies.
As the CEO of Shirute, Finland’s first CX design agency, Head of Team at CXPA Finland, and a highly sought-after strategist, she assists global brands in developing AI-driven, customer-centric business models and designing CX and AI governance frameworks. Her work inspires innovation and drives growth through enhanced business processes.
The author of three global bestsellers—Customer Experience 2, 3, and 5—Sirte explores the impact of multi-agent AI networks, digital assistants, and machine customers on business and CX/EX strategies.
Recognised as one of the TOP 25 CX Leaders to Follow in AI, CXM Stars TOP 25 CX Influencer, TOP 50 CX Network Influencer, TOP 150 Global CX Thought Leader, and TOP 33 Inspiring Women in CX, she is a familiar presence on international CX stages and awards juries. Combining groundbreaking research with extensive experience, Sirte provides practical guidance to help organisations in embracing AI-driven transformation while maintaining a strong focus on human-centric customer experience.
Valto Loikkanen is an internationally awarded entrepreneur, AI strategist, and product architect with over 25 years of experience in AI-driven business models, platform economies, and human-centric AI.
Recognized for visionary innovation, including Agentic AI, he specializes in bridging deep technology with real-world applications, ensuring AI is practical, scalable, and seamlessly integrated into business strategy.
He has advised the EU, governments, and major companies on AI, digital ecosystems, and innovation policy.
Having led AI and data-driven initiatives in 33+ cities across all continents, he has developed fintech and AI solutions globally, while mentoring hundreds of founders, SMEs, and UX designers.
His focus is on AI-native business models, multi-agent AI networks, and data-driven ecosystems, helping businesses and policymakers navigate the next era of AI-driven transformation.
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"It's expected that agents will autonomously accomplish real-world tasks. Progression from Reasoners to Agents could happen relatively quickly."
- Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI
Get a quick start
to your AI-first business
Responsibly. Empathically. Resourcefully.
"I think about [agents] as intelligent systems that show reasoning, planning, and memory. They are able to think multiple steps ahead, work across software and systems, all to get something done on your behalf, and, most importantly, under your supervision."
- Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google