Jukka Partinen takes on greater responsibility for the Rokmind coach network
Jukka Partinen has been part of Rokmind since the beginning, more than nine years ago. As Network Director & Senior Executive Coach, he is now taking on broader responsibility for developing and growing its coach network. He will continue his own coaching and client work alongside this expanded role, which supports Rokmind’s new strategy as a company focused on leadership impact.
Rokmind’s new strategy starts by asking what needs to change in leadership for a company’s direction to shape people’s day-to-day work. The answer may involve working with owners, the board, senior leaders and the wider organisation. Rokmind’s specialists must therefore work towards a shared objective that matters to the client.
“We have highly experienced people with strong expertise and perspectives of their own. I am interested in what we can achieve together that we could not achieve individually. This is where Jukka’s expanded role matters: helping us put our expertise to better use for clients, while giving our coaches the support to succeed as business owners”, says Melina Näätänen, CEO and founder of Rokmind.
Client needs shape the team
Together with the client, Rokmind agrees what should change and how progress will be recognised. Its long-term impact programmes combine strategic advisory work, Rokmind’s own methods and individual coaching. Research evidence and information gathered about the client’s situation support a shared assessment. The findings also guide decisions about the next steps.
Development work that spans several levels of leadership often calls for complementary expertise. Rokmind assembles specialists to suit the client’s situation and appoints a lead for the overall engagement. For example, work with a leadership team can then be linked to the board’s expectations and the decisions people need in order to do their jobs.
Rokmind’s growth depends on sustaining this shared approach as its network expands. Jukka’s role therefore combines developing the network with practical support for coaches as they build client relationships.
Individual expertise and a shared approach
Jukka works alongside experienced coaches who run their own businesses. He helps them identify where their expertise can make the greatest difference to a client, establish new client relationships, and develop proposals and coaching engagements. His role also includes recruiting new coaches and strengthening collaboration between specialists.
Support begins with each coach’s own client work and goals. The aim is to help an experienced professional win more clients and build a profitable practice around their strengths. When a client needs a wider range of expertise, a suitable colleague is brought in to work alongside them.
“Each coach takes ownership of their own practice, but no one has to develop alone. In my new role, I will focus on creating the conditions for Rokmind’s coaches to develop, succeed in their work with clients and thrive as business owners”, says Partinen.
Learning together from client work
Jukka also sees an opportunity for the network to deepen its understanding of what is happening in business leadership today. Working in different organisations, coaches gain experience of what helps change progress and where it stalls. He wants to make that experience available to colleagues, share effective practices and develop their work as coaches together.
Jukka will also continue his own coaching and client work. His direct experience of clients’ current concerns will therefore inform the development of the network.
“Each coach can then benefit from the expertise of the whole network. And, most importantly, our clients can benefit from the experience of the whole network”, says Partinen.
In his words: “One coach. The experience of the whole network.”