My human self

I’m Sanna, founder of My Human Self. People who have worked with me say that I lead authentically and with empathy, have a solutions-oriented, strategic mindset and get stuff done! I’m known for building trust quickly, being curious, listening without judgement and being willing to challenge constructively when it matters. I’m deeply attuned to people and group dynamics, and I care about the human core of the work – not just outcomes on paper, but how leadership and culture actually show up day to day.

I do my best work when I have space to think independently, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and bring well-formed thinking into the room. 

That’s where my strongest contribution sits – making sense of complexity, naming what’s off in the system, and helping set clear, sustainable direction.

My background spans leadership and talent consulting, management consulting, banking and insurance across London and Sydney over the past 17 years. I specialise in leadership and organisational development, culture and talent systems that genuinely support business strategy – not as one-off initiatives, but as integrated, long-term capability.

I focus on longer-term advisory, design and delivery partnerships with a small number of organisations. The work works best when there’s relational depth, mutual trust and a shared commitment to doing the thinking as well as the doing.

Alongside my business, I’m currently completing a Bachelor of Psychology and hold a Diploma of Coaching (ICF accredited). I’m certified by Leadership Circle®, accredited in multiple diagnostic and psychometric tools, and I’m an accredited behavioural assessor up to Senior Executive level.

I’m most in flow when I’m helping leaders with deep self-discovery, sense-making and reflection, and when I’m supporting both individual and organisational growth. I’m comfortable working with uncertainty, change and ideas that aren’t fully formed yet. 

Outside of work, I have lived and built a life in three countries and travel often to see friends and family. I enjoy Latin dancing, art in all its forms, regular time in nature for grounding, exercise for physical and mental health, reading and jazz.

For more, look me up and connect on LinkedIn:  Sanna Rissanen | LinkedIn