Saara Haapanen

About Saara Haapanen

Helping teams coach better, perform better, and stay well doing it I’m Dr. Saara Haapanen, performance scientist, wellness strategist, and CEO of Performance is Haapanen- a boutique consulting firm that helps organizations build internal coaching capacity, strengthen leadership from the inside out, and support employee wellness.I’ve spent the past 25+ years coaching high-level performers- including pro athletes, doctors, executives, and entrepreneurs - across 3 countries. Our approach is grounded in what actually works under pressure- on the field and in the boardroom. We’ve supported thousands of educators, healthcare workers, and corporate teams through coaching programs and scalable wellness interventions - including the Move at Work Challenge, an 8-year movement and mental health initiative used by Colorado’s largest school districts.My work blends mindset, movement, and measurable outcomes. I’ve published internationally on motivation, emotional regulation, psychological stress and creating coaching climates of success, and have been featured in Forbes Health, Shape, Reader’s Digest, and more. We’re especially known for helping organizations train coaches who can actually coach.Whether you’re managing internal facilitators, athletic coaches, peer mentors, or team leads, our Be a Good Coach™ Certification and Peak Performance Profile™ give your people the tools to motivate, lead, and support others through change, pressure, and growth.I also love helping professionals with ADHD learn to optimize their superpowers. One of my favorite sessions to lead is Unlocking Potential: Thriving with ADHD in the Workplace - a practical, engaging training that helps teams better support and retain neurodivergent talent.Why companies call us: “Our coaches know the content—but they struggle with motivation, communication, and connection, and clients aren’t getting results.” “We’re losing high performers to burnout or disengagement.” “Our coaches are certified—but no one taught them how to lead humans.” “Our wellness efforts are scattered, stale, or underused—and we need something fresh, engaging, and ready to roll out now that makes leadership look smart for bringing it in.” “We have incredibly talented people with ADHD—but no clue how to support them.”Sound familiar? Send me a DM to chat or request an invite to our next executive forum for leaders driving coaching, wellness, or performance (we hold sessions monthly).Let’s build a team that doesn’t just get through performance—but thrives in it.

Experience

1. Move at Work Motivator

   Performance Is Haapanen

   Jan 2017 — Present

   Energize Your WorkplaceWe help humans live happier healthier lives at work through the moveatworkchallenge.com wellness platform. Daily wellness is accessible at work (or home) via 5-7 minute movement and mental health training videos designed to help employees increase focus and productivity, while reducing overwhelm and anxiety. Our videos can be done anywhere — from offices to classrooms, even on planes! We\'ve filmed at iconic locations like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and more, making movement fun and engaging.Proven Impact Since 2017:We’ve partnered with non-profit organizations, health care companies, and school districts. We are proud to work with Colorado\'s largest school district- Denver Public Schools since 2017, and have helped thousands of employees thrive.Participants Report:Increased: Focus: 100% Energy: 65%🤸 Flexibility: 50% Productivity: 45%Reduced: Tension: 70%🧘 Stiffness: 70% Stress: 60% Boredom: 65%🤕 Pain: 40%Additional Benefits: More fun, happiness, and collaboration at work Boosted team motivation Improved well-being and moraleHow It Works: 100% online and accessible for all fitness levels No equipment needed Daily text and email reminders New, fun, and efficient videos every day Custom video requests and performance trackingOur videos are used by C-Suite executives to kick off meetings and by teachers engaging students in classrooms. We make movement simple, impactful, and fun for everyone.Ready to Transform Your Workplace?Let’s chat about how Move at Work Challenge can boost your team’s motivation, productivity, and well-being. Book a call today -> https://calendly.com/haapanen/moveatwork Employees LOVE it! We have hundreds of testimonials is an approved service with Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Contact Dr. Saara to find out more -> https://calendly.com/haapanen/moveatwork

Education

• University of Wyoming

  BSc, Kinesiology and Health Promotion

  2003 — 2007

• University of Jyväskylä

  PhD, Sports and Exercise Psychology

• University of Jyväskylä

  MSc, Sport Psychology

  2007 — 2009

Skills

• Research
• Teaching
• Microsoft Office
• Customer Service
• Leadership
• Microsoft Excel
• Management
• Powerpoint
• Event Planning
• Higher Education
• Fitness
• Exercise
• Boot Camp
• Nutrition
• Group Exercise Instruction
• Fitness
• Public Speaking
• Sports
• Coaching
• Athletics
• Personal Training
• Wellness