Saara Iija
Founding Partner
Passionate Corporate Trainer developing high-functioning, agile, diverse teams & individuals, focusing on growth, inclusion & enjoyment
ICF Certified Leadership Coach (International Coaching Federation) empowering clients to thrive through challenges toward their goals
Professional Business Leader with experience from a fast-growth company (Fintech50), devoted to service design and leading interdisciplinary teams
LEARNING DESIGN, TRAINING FACILITATOR, LEADERSHIP COACH
CURIOSITY. GROWTH. CONNECTION.
A LIFE DRIVEN BY CURIOSITY
Curiosity has always been my compass. I’ve been drawn to the world—its landscapes, its people, and the lessons hidden in both. I’ve lived in several countries, traveled extensively, and embraced experiences that challenged and shaped me. I’ll never forget a particular jeep ride through the mountains of Bolivia—no roads, just raw terrain and a driver who kept nodding off at the wheel. It was terrifying, but also a lesson in trust, resilience, and navigating uncertainty—something I would later come to recognize as crucial in leadership, learning, and professional growth.
From the Arctic chill of my current hometown to the sun-soaked villages of Mexico, nature has always been my grounding force. Long hikes with my dogs give me energy, especially during the polar night when daylight is a distant memory. In nature, I feel connected. I feel small. But most importantly—I feel free.
Even as a child, I sought out opportunities, turning my love of the outdoors into something more. At eight years old, I picked 10 liters of mushrooms (funnel chanterelles) and sold them to a restaurant in downtown Helsinki. It was my first taste of independence and the power of recognizing value where others might not.
GROWTH THROUGH CHANGE
My journey has taken many turns. I’ve worked in sales and customer service, learning the art of human interaction. I’ve worked in research at CERN, where I was part of something bigger than myself. I helped scale a FinTech company, witnessing firsthand what it takes to grow from a startup to a structured organization. I am also a yoga teacher, a lifelong student, and someone who values continuous learning.
Changing career paths 180 degrees—multiple times—has been both challenging and rewarding. It requires courage, perseverance, and the ability to sit with uncertainty. But what I’ve learned is this: You’re never truly starting from scratch. Every experience, every lesson, every challenge contributes to who you are. The key is recognizing how to translate those skills into new contexts—and that’s where both coaching and training come in.
THE SHIFT FROM LEADING TO TEACHING
Helping others grow and achieve their goals gives me meaning. That’s why I became a leadership coach and trainer.
Before I even realized I was coaching, I was already practicing it. As a team lead in FinTech, I found myself guiding specialists in a field I wasn’t an expert in. It was an intimidating challenge, but one piece of advice stuck with me: Always hire smarter people than you. And here I was, leading a team of incredibly skilled individuals whose expertise surpassed mine in many ways.
This reality shaped my leadership approach. I couldn’t rely on my own technical knowledge—I had to lead differently. I focused on facilitating learning, providing clarity, and empowering others. I translated strategy into actionable steps, designed structures to support growth, and helped others find their own solutions.
This experience ignited my passion for training and coaching professionals in leadership, collaboration, and personal development. Whether in one-on-one coaching or structured training programs, I focus on equipping people with the tools and frameworks they need to grow, make confident decisions, and navigate complex professional challenges.
THE POWER OF LEARNING & BEING HEARD
Training and coaching go hand in hand. Training provides structured learning, insights, and tools to build skills. Coaching creates the space to apply those insights, deepen self-awareness, and develop lasting behavioral change.
My clients describe me as a clear, engaging trainer and an insightful coach—someone who helps them feel seen, heard, and understood. My approach is interactive and practical, combining knowledge-sharing with exercises, discussions, and reflection. It’s not about passive learning—it’s about experiencing and applying new insights in real time.
I also incorporate elements of somatic learning, such as breathing exercises, to help professionals manage stress and stay present in demanding environments. These techniques help shift from constant busyness to intentional action, which is key in today’s fast-paced world.
READY TO GROW?
If you’re looking for practical training programs, personalized coaching, or a mix of both, let’s talk. Whether you want to develop leadership skills, improve communication, or navigate change with confidence, I’d love to support you on your journey.
Let’s start a conversation. I offer sessions and training in English and Finnish. Reach out through the Contact Form, and let’s explore how we can work together.