Spark2Boost
- Service: Mentoring coaching programmes for managing directors that involve learning about different management tools under the guidance of experienced specialists. The coaching programmes provide an opportunity to network, share experiences and find new perspectives on one’s own leadership, occupational wellbeing and resilience.
- Year of establishment: 2024
- Mission: To provide managing directors with insightful sparks that everyone can utilise to develop and create a new direction for themselves and their businesses.
After more than 18 years of experience as CEO, Pia Adlivankin transitioned into something new. She had had a long career as the CEO of Linnanmäki, among other things, but she was looking for a new direction in her career – something where she could use her own expertise and passion for developing culture and management. Having long been encouraged by her friends to become an entrepreneur, Pia wondered what she had to offer and what she wanted to do. Could her know-how and experience be turned into something of her own? When Pia resigned in the summer of 2024, she finally decided to try her hand at entrepreneurship.
This resulted in the birth of Spark2Boost – a coaching company that provides small group coaching programmes for managing directors. At monthly meetings, held over a period of roughly five months, the participants are introduced to different management tools under the guidance of experienced mentors. The coaching programmes provide an opportunity to network, receive peer support and strengthen one’s own occupational wellbeing. Each mentoring package involves a facilitator and five or six mentors who share their practical knowledge about leadership.
Starting up as an entrepreneur was inspiring, but also new and challenging. Pia was used to delegating and working in teams – but now she was on her own. She knew that she needed partners around her and turned to her own network and Business Helsinki.
”The consultation that I received from Business Helsinki was absolutely brilliant! I was really impressed with the help that I received from my business adviser. The adviser was really knowledgeable, asking good and profound questions that helped me broaden my thinking and clarify the essence of my service. This was coaching at its best!”
In addition to the business advice, the clarification of the company’s business plan and calculations proved to be a valuable tool in other contexts as well. The training provided by Business Helsinki supported practical work, resulting in Pia’s network expanding even further. Pia received valuable support for the early stages of her entrepreneurial journey – and learned a lot about entrepreneurship at the same time.
The first coaching group of Spark2Boost started in February 2025, and client feedback has been enthusiastic. The participants have found that they have gained concrete tools and valuable peer support. The next mentoring package will start in the autumn, and interest in the coaching programmes has been increasing rapidly.
At the heart of Spark2Boost is a strong belief in networks and working together, because cooperation yields more results. Pia wants to continue to develop her operations, expand her coaching and bring together people who can learn from each other. She believes that when you support others, you receive support yourself, passing good things forward. Good leadership is built on trust, a good corporate culture and continuous learning.