Coaches
Saara Silvennoinen is the dynamic founder and CEO of MAI TALENT, a visionary leader with 15 years of experience driving business growth, talent development, and operational excellence. She specializes in scaling businesses by aligning strategy, people, and processes for lasting success. With a proven track record of supporting high-performing individuals and working with global teams, Saara has played a key role in scaling startups and guiding organizations through change. Passionate about innovation and growth, she developed an approach that blends storytelling with strategic leadership to empower founders, executives, managers, and professionals at all levels to thrive. Her inspiring and empathetic coaching style makes her a driving force behind MAI TALENT.
John Thornton's career is marked by excellence on and off the field. As a former All-American at West Virginia University, he was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Thornton went on to play in the NFL for 10 seasons, serving as the captain of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2007. After his playing days, Thornton became an NFLPA-certified agent, using his experience to negotiate record-breaking contracts. He is the current Co-Head of Roc Nation Sports' football division. John continues to shape the future of football with his deep understanding of the game and commitment to excellence. He is dedicated to sharing his extensive knowledge to help anyone eager to adopt the winning mindset of an athlete.
Armi Toivanen is a Nordic actor based in Helsinki, Finland. With a Master of Arts in Acting, Armi has made significant contributions to the Scandinavian performing arts scene. Her captivating performances have earned her a reputable place in the industry. Beyond her acting career, Armi is a certified mVm teacher, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent through her innovative teaching methods. Her passion for acting and education empowers her to inspire and mentor not only aspiring actors but also anyone interested in mVm coaching, offering valuable guidance through her blend of hands-on experience and academic insight.
Ugo Mozie is a Los Angeles-based Nigerian creative executive renowned for his visionary contributions to the fashion industry. He launched his first fashion line in 2009, gaining rapid recognition and leading to the introduction of his luxury hat line in 2015. Ugo’s impressive clientele includes Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Travis Scott, Beyoncé, Maluma, Naomi Campbell, and J. Balvin. He has also served as the PR Director for designer Vivienne Westwood. His latest venture, Eleven Sixteen, merges modern fashion with comfort, featuring extraordinary wide-leg designs. Ugo Mozie continues to inspire by blending creativity, culture, and elegance in every project.
Eric Nicks is the Founder and President of Alpine Music Group. He is a seasoned music industry veteran who has held prestigious positions, including Senior Vice President of A&R at Universal Motown, Vice President of A&R at Sony Records and Executive Consultant at Universal Music. He's helped shape the careers of LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Noreaga, Foxy Brown, Justine Skye and many more. Eric serves on the board of advisors for the Brooklyn Academy of Music and frequently speaks at colleges like NYU. He's passionate about inspiring young talent, and is dedicated to paving the way for the next generation of music industry professionals.
Jaakko Manninen is a multi-talented artist, music and film producer, and visual storyteller known for his work with Jutty Ranx, House Body, Beats and Styles, and many more. Jaakko is passionate about helping aspiring artists connect with their audience and discover their unique voice. He combines creativity with hands-on experience in sound engineering, directing, and production. His laid-back coaching style guides artists in building stamina, maintaining consistency, and discovering workflows that align with their life and creative path, helping them reach their full potential.
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Marta Valtovirta is a trailblazer in the fashion industry. As the CEO and Co-Founder of a prominent Finnish design brand, Marta brings over 15 years of experience to her role. Known for her expertise in branding and PR, she has worked with prestigious fashion houses before launching her own successful venture. As a board member at Fashion Finland and a lecturer at Helsinki Design School, Marta is passionate about inspiring the next generation of creatives. A globetrotter at heart, she draws inspiration from diverse cultures and champions the courage to forge one’s own path in business and life.
Essi Kivitie is an agile and empowering business leader with over 20 years of experience in the music, TV, film, and media industries. Known for building trust, she excels in strategic planning and HR management during periods of transformation, steering companies toward sustainable growth. Essi has held significant roles such as CEO of Rähinä Records and COO of Aurora Studios, with a strong commitment to fostering employee dedication and motivation through transitions.
Marko Loukaskorpi's career is marked by versatility and achievement. As a Senior Account Executive at Loihde and a semifinalist on Diili 2021, Marko has consistently demonstrated his expertise in business and leadership. He is also a dedicated educator, lecturing at Aalto University Executive Education, the University of Tampere, and the University of Eastern Finland. With notable roles like Head of Operations at Tiedekulma, University of Helsinki, and Multi-Camera Director at DMC Production, Marko has proven his ability to excel across different industries. His ability to guide and motivate others makes him a trusted advisor and inspiring coach.
Susanna Lustig is an expert in influencer marketing. With extensive experience in negotiating and managing hundreds of successful campaigns across the Nordics, she has shown that integrating sustainability into marketing is not just beneficial—it's essential for the future. Susanna's background as a head of sales for a leading Nordic influencer network has equipped her with the skills to elevate brands to market leadership. Additionally, her expertise in coaching both sales teams and talents has made her a valuable asset in fostering professional growth. She understands what different target audiences want and, more importantly, why they want it.
Sauli Koskinen is a versatile TV personality, podcast host, nature guide, and personal trainer, known for his fun-loving energy and passion for adventure. Rising to fame as the winner of Big Brother Finland, he won over audiences with his warm, down-to-earth personality. Since then, Sauli has thrived in the entertainment world, winning Dancing on Ice and becoming a prominent figure on Finnish TV. He now hosts a popular podcast, further showcasing his connection with audiences. As a certified nature guide and personal trainer, he offers energetic coaching sessions along with practical, easy-to-follow tips.