Founding Member

Authentic Executive and Leadership Coach – Team & Systemic Coach – Balance-focused Emotional Intelligence Coach – Compassion-focused Life Coach

Finland, Espoo
Verified
EMCC, ICF certified
English
Nationality🇫🇮
Videos
Bio

I’m not your typical leadership and team coach – and that’s by design.

I combine thoughtful insight with a courageous, creative spark to help leaders and teams work in deeper, more connected ways. My approach is warm, honest, and sometimes a little unconventional, designed to strengthen relationships, communication, and shared purpose. And that’s where the real work begins.

I believe coaching is about finding the spark within you – the things that drive you, light you up, and give you the courage to act. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your values, clarify your goals, and take meaningful steps toward what truly matters to you. Emotional intelligence is at the heart of my work, shaping how I support you.

Whether you're leading a team, going through a career transition or organizational changes, shaping your leadership style, or seeking out your true purpose, I trust that you already hold the answers. My role is to walk beside you, meet you with gentle curiosity, ask good questions, and help you uncover the insights and direction you need.

I support leaders and teams in building self‑awareness, strengthening relationships, and acting with authenticity and purpose. I focus on being present, listening deeply, and creating space for reflection, growth, and courageous action. Every coaching journey is custom made for you and designed together with you.

The way I coach is rooted in presence, compassion, and non‑judgment. A long‑standing mindfulness practice and study of Buddhist philosophy shape how I show up. They help me meet people with curiosity and patience, and see both the person in front of me and the wider system they’re working in. This creates a space where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and let insights spark real, lasting change.

If you’re looking for a coach who will walk beside you, meet you with gentle curiosity, ask good questions, and support your growth with care, I’m here for that. I love helping people grow in ways that feel true to themselves and their values.

How I can help you:

Life and work can feel overwhelming – whether you’re dealing with stress, burnout, imposter syndrome, big career changes, or team friction. These challenges often show up as self-doubt, unclear communication, or feeling stuck in old patterns. But you don’t have to figure it out alone! Here are some of the things we could work through with coaching:

  • Managing stress and emotions in healthy ways
  • Overcoming burnout and finding balance
  • Building confidence and clarity during career or role changes
  • Working through imposter syndrome and self-doubt
  • Setting meaningful goals and staying accountable
  • Making clear decisions about the future
  • Breaking old patterns and creating new habits that support growth
  • Strengthening trust and collaboration in relationships and teams
  • Creating emotional safety and improving communication
  • Managing organizational change while staying true to your values and culture
  • Awareness of how work and communication translate across cultures

How I work:

  • Coaching conversations that help you uncover your own answers and strengths
  • Practical tools and reflective exercises to support clarity and confidence
  • A warm, supportive space for exploration, growth, and honest reflection

The impact I hope to create for you is: more confidence, stronger relationships, and sustainable growth – both personally and professionally.

My ideal clients:

Teams: I support teams that want to improve communication, strengthen emotional intelligence, deepen trust, and work together in more connected ways. This includes addressing team friction, aligning on shared purpose, and creating healthier ways of collaborating — especially in multicultural or hybrid environments.

Leaders, Executives, and Founders: Executives, board members, founders, and leaders that want continuous personal development and are looking to be authentic, servant leaders. Whether you're managing change, shaping your leadership identity, or building emotional intelligence, I offer a reflective, supportive space to grow. I especially enjoy working with diverse and inclusive leaders that aren't afraid to challenge the norm, lead with integrity, and be true to themselves as well as others. I welcome newly promoted leaders, especially women and minorities, who might be facing imposter syndrome.

Professionals seeking growth and performance: Not all coaching is about change — sometimes it’s about going deeper where you are. I work with professionals who want to sharpen focus, build confidence, and improve relationships. Whether you’ve received feedback and want to grow from it, are struggling with prioritization or burnout, or simply want to show up more effectively, I offer a supportive and challenging space to reflect, recalibrate, and move forward with intention.

Career changers and pivot-seekers: I work with people managing career pivots, burnout, midlife shifts, and big questions like “What’s next for me?” We’ll uncover your strengths, clarify what matters, and create a roadmap toward work that feels aligned and fulfilling.

Individuals seeking purposeful life change: Maybe you’ve lost your spark or feel like you’ve outgrown your current path. Coaching with me creates space to explore what truly matters, and to begin taking intentional steps toward a more meaningful life.

I have DEIB training, I'm anti-racist, and welcome adults of all ages, abilities, cultures, and genders. LGBTQ+- and ADHD/neurodivergent-friendly.

I’m looking forward to being a part of your growth journey — and for you to be a part of mine!

Experience

Before coaching full‑time, I spent 20 years in brand, marketing, and communications – most recently as VP Marketing at a Finnish software company. I spent five years on the global executive team, working closely with engineering, product, and business leaders to shape marketing strategies, brand reputation, and company culture. I led a creative team of seven through acquisitions, hybrid- and remote-work shifts, and brand transformations. I also facilitated retrospectives and team sessions to strengthen collaboration. Diversity, inclusion, and well‑being guided how I led, and our team reached 90% career‑satisfaction. I also understand the pressure leaders face to deliver results. My work in storytelling and communication helped support revenue growth from €14.1M to €25.1M during my years in executive leadership.

Outside of client work, I stay actively involved in communities. I serve on the Board of EMCC Finland, where I support ethical practice and professional development among coaches. I also coach pro bono through the Herizon Community, helping international professionals in Finland find direction, confidence, and a clear voice.

Across all my roles, one thread is strong: I thrive on helping people uncover that certain “spark” that lifts them up. In my coaching practice, this looks like deep listening and reflective inquiry that inspires insights and purposeful action. It also means noticing how your environment shapes your reactions and relationships, and helping you work with that awareness in a healthier, more connected way.

My core skills include leadership and personal development coaching, team and organizational coaching, emotional intelligence, active listening, warmth, excellent communication, and cross‑cultural collaboration. I also share my work through public speaking and meaningful storytelling.

Qualifications

My coaching is supported by professional training and accreditation. I hold a Professional Executive Coaching Certification from Henley Business School (2024), and I’m accredited as both an ICF ACC (2028) and an EMCC EIA Practitioner (2030).

I’ve also completed Henley’s Professional Certificate in Team & Systemic Coaching (2026), which deepens my work with groups and organizational dynamics. Earlier in my career, I earned both BSc (Environmental Studies) and MA (Geography) degrees from Michigan State University, USA.

To complement my knowledge of executive leadership and board challenges, I completed Certified Board Member (HHJ-CBM) training through the Finnish Chamber of Commerce (2025).

Reviews
Image of author
Anonymous

Looking for a coach who truly understands your journey and helps you unlock your potential? ✨ Sagan doesn’t just listen patiently, they dive deep into your worries, fears, strengths, and goals, helping you overcome challenges in the most meaningful way, which is helpful for you both in your personal and professional life. I wholeheartedly recommend Sagan to anyone looking for a coach who genuinely cares and is dedicated to helping you achieve your best self! – Sonia A.

Image of author
Anonymous

I had 2 sessions with Sagan, both were professionally built and the conversation had a great flow. I always felt safe to share anything during our conversations and Sagan always found the perfect questions that led me to the right direction. 100% would recommend them to anyone! :) – Dorka

Image of author
Anonymous

Meeting regularly with Sagan helped me to explore my career's ambitions, but also to reflect upon what priorities should lead my life. Their questions pushed me to think deeply about my core values and their remarks helped me clarify my ideas. I would recommend them with pleasure. – Noémie H.

Image of author
Anonymous

It was my first experience of working with a coach and I'm grateful that it was a really good one. I appreciate Sagan's efforts and ability to create a supportive space where I could safely share my thoughts, ideas, frustrations, and experiences. Sagan also asked questions that helped me to see things from a different angle, to see my potential, and to overcome some of my fears. – Anna V.