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CV

Professional Summary

Executive Communications Advisor and founder of my own advisory practice, with 20 years shaping how leaders and organisations are seen and heard. I advise C-suite leaders and founders on their message, their presence, and the words they choose, and I prepare them for the moments of real weight, from the boardroom to the stage.

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A trained journalist and national broadcaster, I turn complex ideas into clear, compelling communication, and I bring real, on-air performance experience into every engagement. My own method, Puhevoima (Speak Power), is grounded in behavioural science and interaction psychology.

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Native English and Finnish speaker, with working Swedish and a growing foundation in French and German. Based in Helsinki and relocating to Dubai, where I am open to senior communications and advisory roles.

Skills

Executive Communications   Speechwriting   C-Suite Coaching   

Leadership Communication   Executive Facilitation   

 Learning & Development    Programme Design  

Writing   Content Creation   Broadcasting & Presenting  

 Event Hosting & MC   Television Production 

Work Experience

2019-present

Founder & Lead Consultant, Maija Ilmoniemi  

  • Developed Puhevoima (”Speak Power”), a proprietary facilitation methodology grounded in behavioural science, affective neuroscience, and interaction psychology

  • Designed and delivered bespoke leadership communication and sales communication programmes for B2C and B2B clients, and online courses

  • Delivered executive coaching and individual communication coaching to senior professionals

  • Built all programme content, methodology, and client-facing materials from the ground up

2023-2024

CEO, Tukikummit Foundation

Led a Finnish non-profit foundation focused on preventing social exclusion among children and young people by funding access to hobbies and extracurricular activities — founded in 2007 on the initiative of former President Sauli Niinistö. Responsible for operations, fundraising strategy, stakeholder relations, and organisational leadership

2017-present

Radio Presenter &Journalist, 

Radio Nova (2022-present) & Yle Radio Suomi (2017-2019)

  • Live on-air presenting at Radio Nova, Finland's largest commercial radio station, and previously at YLE Radio Suomi, Finland's national broadcaster

  • Morning presenter and journalist, YLE Radio Suomi Kuopio (2017–2018) and Helsinki channel team (2018–2019)

  • Real-time audience reading, authentic communication under pressure, editorial decision-making, and communicating complex topics to broad national audiences

Education

2002-2005

Master Of Social Sciences, University Of Helsinki

  • Major: Communication. Minors: Education Science, Leadership

  • Thesis: Managerial Communication Competence at Fortum Oyj

2012-2013

Acting Studies, University of the Arts Helsinki 

Advanced studies in acting technique — embodied presence, emotional authenticity, and real-time audience connection (30 ECTS)

2012-2013

Business Coaching, Coaching Company Oy

Qualified to work with individuals and teams in professional development and behavioural change contexts (levels 1 & 2)

Interests

Writing — I have written two books and blogged for years, and never quite stopped. Music — cello since 1989, singing always; done solo, bands, choir, studied pop, rock and classical. Knitting — the kind that slows the mind down. Travel — new cities, new cultures, new conversations. Hiking — particularly in mountain environments. The Alps are firmly on the list. Languages — currently reviving French and German. Joys of Life – Good food, good coffee, enjoy beautiful and aesthetic things and the kind of conversations that go somewhere unexpected.

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