My Story
I've stumbled, but I've stayed standing. I've fallen, but I've always gotten back up.
I'm Jaakko Välimaa, a 39-year-old from Pori with a long history in sports and coaching. For the past 13 years, I worked in a large sports club, eventually leading as executive director. During that time, I learned a great deal about working with people, but my greatest lesson came in 2017 when I experienced burnout. That experience pushed me into self-reflection and set me on a path of personal growth, learning how to help others develop.
I started coaching 18 years ago with a burning passion to help children and young people grow. Over time, I realized I had drifted away from that original passion. It was time to refocus on what truly matters—helping others unlock their potential.
I've had the privilege of leading and working with incredible professionals and engaging with thousands of people. Now, I'm ready to help you on your own journey. You're in control, and my role is to guide you in understanding where you've come from, how to stay on track, and how to choose the right path forward.
In my coaching, I use the Mind Empowerment Method (MEM), combining four powerful approaches to offer practical solutions and deep insights.
This is just a brief introduction to my story. What's yours? I hope I'll have the privilege to hear it.
My Education:
- Mind Empowerment Method Master Trainer, 1000 hours of study, Global Growth Research Center
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Coach, Transformation Academy, United States of America
- REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy) Coach, Transformation Academy, United States of America
- Master NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner, American Union of NLP
- Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health MOOC, University of Sydney, Australia
- Applied Sport Psychology and Leadership in Sport, Keith Begley BSc Dip Ed. MSc Sll
- Mind Empowerment Method Master Level, 500 hours of study, Global Growth Research Center
- NLP Practitioner, American Union of NLP
- Master Life Coach, Transformation Academy, United States of America
- Professional Life Coach, Transformation Academy, United States of America
- Goal Success Coach, Transformation Academy, United States of America
- Life Purpose Coach, Transformation Academy, United States of America
- Happiness Coach, Transformation Academy, United States of America
- Mind Empowerment Method Foundation Level, 250 hours of study, Global Growth Research Center
- Diploma in Physical Education and Sports, Finnish Sports Institute (Suomen Urheiluopisto)
- JJVK (Junior Ice Hockey Coaching Certification), Finnish Ice Hockey Association / Finnish Sports Institute
- JTVK (Junior Skills Coaching Certification), Finnish Ice Hockey Association / Finnish Sports Institute
- JVT (Junior Coaching Diploma), Finnish Ice Hockey Association
- NVT (Youth Coaching Diploma), Finnish Ice Hockey Association
- Level 1 Coaching Certifications, Finnish Ice Hockey Association
Ongoing Studies:
- Basic Studies in Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Open University, Faculty of Education and Psychology
- Neuroscience Coach Certification, Efficient Coach, United States of America
- Master's in Leadership, NEXT University, Spain
Current Projects:
- M.S.G.A., a multidisciplinary international project focusing on the study of personal development in various environments. The project includes top professionals from different fields such as psychology, education, sociology, sports experts, and technology innovation specialists.