Sari Vuohtoniemi
Leadership Development Partner, Executive and Leadership Team Coach, Founder of True Potential
Since 2001, I’ve worked in leadership and organizational development – as a coach, trainer, consultant, and executive. I’ve coached leaders and leadership teams internationally across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and South America, with more than 4,500 hours of individual and group coaching for executives and managers, alongside team coaching – particularly for leadership teams. I’ve delivered training across hundreds of organization-specific development programs and processes, spanning numerous industries, in both international companies and widely across the public sector.
My own experience isn’t limited to the role of the leadership developer: I’ve worked in large international corporations, SMEs, start-ups, a joint venture, and M&A situations, in a range of roles, subsidiary CEO, VP of Leadership Development, leadership team member, specialist, and entrepreneur.
Education and Research
I’m a social psychologist (MSocSc, Master of Social Sciences, specializing in the assessment and development of individuals, groups, and organizations, with minors in management, work psychology, and international politics), as well as a BBA graduate majoring in international business.
I’m currently a PhD researcher in psychology at the University of Jyväskylä. My doctoral research examines leaders’ growth through coaching in organizations that strengthen collective leadership.
Certifications
I hold coaching’s highest international certifications: ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) and ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC), as well as EMCC Senior Practitioner status. Beyond these, I’ve completed a Certified Business Coach Master qualification, a Professional Certificate in Team and Systemic Coaching, a Professional Certificate of Advanced Study in Coaching Supervision, and a qualification as a supervisor for executive and management coaching. In my work, I also use a range of certified tools, including iEQ9 profiles, Workplace Big Five, Everything DiSC, the EQ-i 2.0 emotional intelligence assessment, Mind-Body Bridging, NLP, and narrative Enneagram. I additionally hold a Specialist Vocational Qualification in Management (JET), along with qualifications in entrepreneurship and strategic HR management.
Languages
My native language is Finnish, and I speak excellent English and good Swedish. I can also hold a conversation reasonably well in Spanish and German.
Me outside work
I’m married and the mother of two young adults, based in Helsinki. I love spending my free time with family and friends, and I stay active in many ways – beach volleyball is a particular passion of mine, and the gym and time outdoors in nature are close to my heart too.
Volunteer Work
I’ve led ICF’s global Coaching Science Community of Practice, served as Vice Chair of ICF Finland, coached for UNICEF and the Finnish Red Cross, and worked as a mental performance coach for young elite athletes.
See more about Sari on LinkedIn
True Potential works with a broad international collaborative network of experienced coaches and trainers, which allows us to take on larger projects internationally as well.
