Aiming for true high performance
This month, January 2022 we start the year with getting to know Satu Ahlman who is the founder of our corporate Overseas member Saga Performance. Satu is a multitasking woman with a strong mind and body, born in Finland and now lives in Sweden.
HEJ SBC Member!
Satu Ahlman
Who’s Satu Ahlman?
I am a so called dual national, originally from Helsinki, Finland but nowadays residing in Stockholm, Sweden. I’m a business owner, entrepreneur, leadership & performance advisor. I’ve worked with people and organizational development most of my career.
My history with the UAE began in 2004, when I moved from Helsinki to Abu Dhabi, and have later lived both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for several years and had the privilege to witness the incredible development of the country. Since 2017 our home base has once again been in Sweden but I do work with my UAE clients both remotely or by flying over. In my spare time, I am a passionate cross fitter and like to go for long walks out in the nature together with my husband.
You’ve been running your own company Saga Performance for over 3 years what made you want to start your own?
While working for a management consultancy in Sweden, this idea of combining leadership & culture development, and data driven performance optimization had been growing in the background. I knew there were really no other companies doing the same and I had a good partner network that I could engage with and build the service offering with. Saga Performance was founded to “Redesign the concept of High Performance” for individuals and corporates. I truly have a passion for helping people get the best out of themselves, live healthy lives, and perform at the top, in a sustainable manner. At Saga Performance we do this by combining science based tools and testing with behavior change.
You worked in the UAE before as well as in Finland and now you´re based in Stockholm, what differences do you find working within the different regions?
I think most Finns and Swedes know that although the countries are very similar, the cultures actually differ - which can be seen in work places, especially related in decision making processes, communication styles etc. But each country has their pros and cons, naturally. I personally love learning from different cultures and obviously the UAE being a cultural melting pot, you get to meet and work with so many different nationalities. In a leadership role, it can be very rewarding but also demanding at times. Also, how business development and for instance negotiations are handled, obviously differs quite a bit between regions. I have plenty of fun stories, starting from 2005 when I entered my first "business development" role in Abu Dhabi. I can just say that English language didn’t take me very far in meetings back then.
You’ve been a mentor previously and you’re now a mentor in the SBC mentorship program. What do you enjoy the most of being a mentor?
I love seeing people pursue their dreams and help them grow. If I can share from my experiences, I’m always happy to do so. Mentoring is quite different from coaching (which I do with clients) and I do enjoy both. As a mentor you also have the privilege of learning from the mentee, which I think should not be underestimated.
What are your dreams?
Business wise, I want to see where Saga Performance takes me and where I can take the business next. My “big picture" dream is really to influence and educate, so that I can contribute to healthier and happier societies, across borders. And perhaps most importantly, never stop learning and developing myself.
Thank you Satu for sharing your story! We hope that all your dreams come true and you will have all the success with Saga Performance.
Satu Ahlman, Founder of Saga Performance.
Email: satu@sagaperformance.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/satuahlman
Website: www.sagaperformance.com