Sagan Rossi
Executive, team, and systemic coach

Board profile

Board candidate profile

WHO I AM AND WHAT BOARD ROLES I’M INTERESTED IN

Sagan Rossi (they/them)

I’m a people-focused leader with 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and strategic content development, combined with executive team leadership in the Finnish tech sector. I bring a rare blend of people insight, organizational psychology, cross-functional collaboration, ethical decision-making, alongside my expertise in brand, marketing and communication strategy. I’m also an HHJ–CBM certified board member, as well as a certified team and executive coach.

I’m interested in board opportunities with SMEs, startups, family-owned businesses, and nonprofit organizations, particularly those operating in software, technology, sustainability, professional services, health and wellbeing, and other knowledge-intensive sectors.

GOVERNANCE & BOARD-RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • HHJ–CBM Certified Board Member

  • Board Member, EMCC Finland (2025–present)

  • Boardman association member

  • Five years of executive team experience as VP Marketing  in a 100% export, Finnish software company

  • Direct experience with marketing, brand reputation, communications, acquisitions, hybrid work shifts, rebranding, coaching, team development, cross-cultural and cross-functional collaboration, and organizational transformation

  • Strong grounding in ethics, psychological safety, DEIBJ, organizational learning and development, and people-related risk perspectives

RELEVANT SUCCESS STORIES

Executive-level culture and leadership oversight

I spent five years on the global executive team of a Finnish technology company, contributing to growth, acquisitions, leadership development, and the transition to hybrid work across international teams during the COVID-19 pandemic.. 

Stakeholder and reputational communication in complex environments

For more than 20 years, I contributed to or led brand, communication, and marketing initiatives and strategies in technology and engineering-led organizations. I’ve been responsible for helping companies build trust with customers, employees, stakeholders, and partners. Additionally, I’ve supported the launch of new software and tech products and the development of new market verticals through product marketing, media relations, event and conference presentations, and industry engagement.

Change, acquisitions, and organizational transitions

I’ve supported organizations through acquisitions, restructuring, rebranding, and leadership transitions, helping leaders keep people informed, aligned, and engaged during change. 

People-related risk, ethics, and decision quality

I have worked with leaders and teams on culture, inclusion, psychological safety, and leadership effectiveness, helping address issues that can affect performance, retention, collaboration, and trust. 

Cross-cultural and international perspective

I was raised, educated, and have worked in the USA, and have lived and worked in Finland for over 20 years. I’ve worked extensively with teams and leaders across Europe, North America, and APAC, bringing practical experience of different business cultures, leadership expectations, and ways of working. I regularly coach highly educated foreign talents and that brings me exposure to a wide variety of industries and cultural backgrounds.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Founder, Executive and Team Coach
 Northspark Coaching & Consulting – Espoo, Finland | Apr 2024–Present

  • Provide coaching for leaders, teams, and professionals in globally focused tech, creative, and growth-oriented organizations.

  • Design and facilitate workshops and team coaching journeys focused on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.

  • Support individuals navigating leadership transitions, burnout recovery, and values-based decision-making.

  • Apply systemic and emotionally intelligent frameworks to foster psychological safety, self-reflection, and authentic communication.

VP Marketing (formerly Head of Marketing / Content Manager)
 Tuxera – Espoo, Finland | Apr 2016–Oct 2024

  • Member of the global executive team for 5 years, partnering closely with engineering, product, and business leads to align marketing strategy.

  • Guided storytelling and communication strategies that supported growth from €14.1M to €25.1M in annual net sales during my tenure.

  • Supported employer branding, recruitment communications, and reputation building within the global tech market.

  • Contributed to shaping organizational culture and cross-cultural collaboration.

  • Led and developed a creative team of seven through two acquisitions, remote and hybrid work transitions, and brand transformations.

  • Achieved top team satisfaction results (90% career satisfaction, 2023) through compassionate, transparent, and open leadership.

  • Oversaw internal and external communication frameworks (retrospectives, feedback discussions, surveys, and team sessions) to strengthen clarity, team alignment, and trust.

  • Championed diversity, inclusion, and well-being, encouraging open communication across global teams.

  • Conducted audience and stakeholder analysis to shape messaging, solidify go-to-market strategies, and improve communication effectiveness.

Senior Copywriter
 Tenfour Communications – Helsinki, Finland | 2007–2016

  • Delivered strategic content and messaging for global brands including Nokia, Microsoft, KONE, Fiskars Group, and Finnair.

  • Developed content strategies, editorial calendars, and long-form communication plans aligned with client marketing objectives.

  • Worked with client teams to ensure communications supported product positioning, reputation goals, and commercial priorities.

  • As blog editor-in-chief and community manager, contributed to agency visibility, lead generation, and client engagement.

  • Acted as a cross-functional link between creative, strategy, and client-facing teams.

BOARD AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Board Member  – EMCC Finland | 2025–Present
Contribute to governance discussions and advancing the ethical standards and development of coaching professionals in Finland. My strategic  area of responsibility is continual professional and personal development of coaches and mentors in Finland.

Career and Transformational Coach – Herizon.io | 2024–Present
Provide pro bono individual and group coaching to international professionals in Finland, helping them clarify career direction, build confidence, and communicate their value.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATES

HHJ–CBM Certified Board Member – Finland Chamber of Commerce (2026)

Professional Certificate in Team & Systemic Coaching – Henley Business School (Jan 2026)

Professional Executive Coaching Certification – Henley Business School (2024)

ICF ACC Accreditation – Valid through 2028

EMCC EIA Practitioner Accreditation – Valid through 2030

Vertical Leadership Development for Coaches – Institute of Coaching (2025)

Anti-Racism Course for Coaching Professionals – Crest Impact, Finland (2024)

Product Management PMC-I Certified – Pragmatic Institute (2023)

MA, Geography (Geomorphology & Remote Sensing) – Michigan State University (2004)

BSc, Environmental Studies – Michigan State University (1999)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Dual Finnish–US citizenship | Native English speaker | Good understanding of Finnish | Basic Swedish.

  • Creative pursuits include writing poetry, video gaming, and medieval longsword fencing.

  • Regular mindfulness practice  informs a reflective, grounded, and compassionate approach to leadership and coaching.

  • Writing on leadership and teamwork: Heartful Leaders, Heartful Teams.

Interested parties should contact me on LinkedIn or through my contact form.