Jani Hirvonen
I believe elite performance is a discipline. My philosophy results from a 16-year career as a World-Class Taekwondo Athlete and continues as a 2x Ironman All-World Gold Athlete. I live this every day, translating the rigor of elite competition into corporate strategy and growth.
I am an Award-Winning corporate and non-profit leader, executive coach, and board advisor with over 20 years of sales and partnerships experience in Europe, North America, and globally. I build disciplined, high-performing organizations that lead with integrity and deliver results.
Jani Hirvonen appointed to Forttuna Business Council Global Advisory Board
The Forttuna Business Council is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers dedicated to shaping the future of commerce, trade, and enterprise across the globe. It is a trusted space for those driving transformation in entrepreneurship, corporate strategy, sustainability, finance, marketing, and organizational growth. The members include founders, business owners, CEOs, investors, innovators, consultants, and professionals from diverse industries who are redefining success and creating opportunities that extend far beyond their own companies. More here.
"Leadership is a muscle that grows with practice. The key is to stay humble and continue to learn. Success and growth requires discipline, resilience and consistency. Work hard and show up everyday. Most importantly, believe in your dreams"
The Disciplined Executive
Launching soon
What I do
GLOBAL TECH LEADER AND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
With over 20 years of sales and partnerships experience—including 16 years at Google—I have built a career at the intersection of innovation and execution focused on transforming and scaling global businesses. Currently, I lead the Global Search Partnerships business at Google, where I spearhead efforts to enable content creators to scale and monetize their businesses through Google's monetization solutions.
Prior to my current role, I led Global Channel Partnerships business and served as the Head of EMEA Business Development. My experience also includes managing sales across the Nordics, UK, Ireland, Benelux, and Russia, as well as EMEA Emerging Markets. Throughout my tenure, I have been honored with 7 Gold and Platinum Awards in the organization for excellence and impact.
Before joining Google, I built my foundational expertise in marketing, sales, and management as an Area Sales Manager for Bonnier Corporation and Marketing Manager for Eezy Flow (formerly Corporate Spirit Ltd.). These early roles instilled in me the discipline and market agility that I now apply to global-scale operations.
STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE AND THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Beyond my operational leadership, I bridge the gap between high-level executive execution and long-term corporate governance. As a Certified Board Director (NACD), I bring over a decade of experience across both the non-profit and for-profit sectors as Board Member and Advisor.
I shape the leadership conversation as an active member of the Forbes Business Development Council, Forttuna Business Council Global Advisory Board and Fast Company Executive Board. I'm an Honored Listee of the Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives and I have also been recognized with multiple international leadership awards including the Forttuna Global 100 Power List and Stevie® Award.
I have mentored and coached Leaders, Founders and Executives across the world for over the decade to reach peak performance. I’m currently working on turning these lessons into my upcoming book, 'The Disciplined Executive,' where I codify an athlete’s approach to leadership and elite execution. Find out more about the The Disciplined Executive here.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND SERVICE
I believe that leadership is a community responsibility, and my service legacy includes work with several organizations. I was appointed as the United Nations Representative to represent economic and social interests within ECOSOC with focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Junior Chamber International (JCI), I served as the National President of JCI Ireland, I served as Chief Executive Officer overseeing governance, operations, and international relations for the organization. I was the first non-Irish National President of JCI Ireland, an experience that earned me multiple national and international awards and a lifetime Honorary Membership as a JCI Senator.
My commitment to civic leadership also includes a history of service through the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International. This foundation continues to inform my approach to elite execution today. I am also recipient of an Honorary Certificate for Military Excellence from my Military Service in Finland.
ARCHITECTURE OF EXCELLENCE
I have built my leadership style on a synthesis of Academic Rigor and Operational Grit. My foundation is rooted in a diverse educational background, holding 3 Master’s and 3 Bachelor’s degrees spanning Business, Corporate Law, and Political Science from the University of Turku, Finland.
To remain at the forefront of global business, I complement this foundation with Professional and Executive Certifications in AI, Management, Leadership, and Strategy from MIT, Stanford, Wharton, and Harvard. This academic breadth is balanced by a deep commitment to operational excellence as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Prosci® Change Management Practitioner. I'm also a Certified Executive, Business and Career Coach with a focus on practical and disciplined execution required to drive measurable results.
PURSUIT OF PEAK PERFORMANCE
I coach elite performance because I live it every day. For me, discipline is a practice applied equally to the racecourse and the boardroom. My philosophy was formed during a 16-year career as an athlete for the Finnish National Taekwondo Team and I competed at the sport’s highest levels. I was recognized as a five-time Athlete of the Year and a Finnish Olympic Committee scholarship athlete. I am 7x Finnish National Champion, 2x Nordic Champion and placed Top-10 in European and World Championships.
This foundation taught me that high performance isn't a one-time event—it’s a sustainable habit. Today, I translate that athletic rigor into global corporate leadership while continuing to lead from the front in the endurance world. As a 2x IRONMAN All-World Gold Athlete, I rank among the top 2% of my age group globally. I integrate this hands-on discipline with my expertise as a NASM® Certified Sports Nutrition Coach and a Certified Coach for USA Triathlon and USA Taekwondo to build resilient, high-performing organizations.
Articles
Forbes Business Development Council
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: Beyond The Deal: BD's New Role In Long-Term B2B Partnerships
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: Biz Dev 101: How To Avoid Partnership Problems And Get A Higher ROI
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: Are Your Biz Sales Stalled? Smart Moves For A Quiet Quarter
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: Trust Before Tech: Building Community And Transparency In AI Adoption
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: Building Biz Momentum: 14 Ways To Turn Your Vision Into Reality
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Forbes Article: Leadership Is A Full-Contact Sport: You Only Grow When You Get Hit (⭐ Forbes Editor's Choice ⭐)
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: Seeking An Effective Sales Leader? 16 Cornerstone Traits To Consider
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Forbes Article: Act Like A Founder: Why Enterprise Leaders Need An Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: 20 Outdated Sales Practices To Retire And What To Do Instead
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: 20 Ways Business Leaders Find (And Vet) Their Next Big Development
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Forbes Article: The Future Of Leadership In The Age Of AI
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: 20 Tips For Attracting And Retaining Top Sales Leaders
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Forbes Expert Panel® article: 20 Tips To Navigate Sudden Funding Losses
Fast Company Executive Board
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Fast Company Expert Insights article: How 23 Leaders Choose Who to Mentor
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Fast Company Expert Insights article: 22 ways to motivate employees to take on new roles
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Fast Company Expert Insights article: 20 ways to motivate your employees to use AI
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Fast Company Expert Insights article: 23 ways executives can end the year
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Fast Company Article: How elite sales leaders drive growth in down quarters
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Fast Company Expert Panel® article: 14 side-hustles that can expand opportunities and earnings
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Fast Company Expert Panel® article: 20 ways to transform a limited biz mindset and fuel leadership growth
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Fast Company Expert Panel® article: 18 proven strategies to earn respect from peers as a new leader
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Fast Company Expert Panel® article: 20 lessons leaders wish they had prioritized in their business plans
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Fast Company Expert Panel® article: Is inspiration or influence more powerful? 20 leaders reflect
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Fast Company Expert Panel® article: 20 workplace pet peeves (and how to overcome them)
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Fast Company Expert Panel® article: 16 expert strategies for solving today’s workforce gaps
Other articles
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Leadafi Executive Biography Jani Hirvonen: Lead With Integrity, Build With Purpose, Elevate Through Impact
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USAII® article: Leveraging AI to Transform a Sales Organization
"Mindset is a choice. Every day is an opportunity to grow but you need to be purposeful and be comfortable in getting uncomfortable"
20+
Years of Professional Experience across Europe and US
43
Awards and Honors as
Leader & Athlete
54
Certifications and
Academic Degrees
30+
Championship, Tournament and Race victories as an Athlete