Dr. Maarit Kokki
Executive Coach | Public Health & Strategy Consultant
My mission is to empower individuals and teams to navigate transition with clarity, courage, and purpose. Whether guiding personal transformation or supporting leadership alignment and collaboration, I bring strategic insight and deep humanity to create lasting, meaningful change.
Hello and welcome,
During the past 30+ years of working life, I have been driven by two deep-rooted desires: to serve and to contribute to a better life for others. With these in mind, I became a Medical Doctor — a specialist in clinical microbiology, internal medicine, and infectious diseases.
From one-to-one patient contact, I moved into Public Health to contribute to improved population health. Very soon, I realised this is only possible through strategies and policies. I began working at the European Commission, drafting the legal basis for the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and developing the first EU strategy to combat HIV/AIDS in the EU and its neighbouring countries.
Later, I moved to ECDC to advise three consecutive Directors, establish the Centre’s international work, and, during the last five years, enhance the organisation’s efficiency as Head of the Executive Office.
So, I bring together the medical world, strategic and policy-oriented thinking, organisational efficiency, and above all, us, people.
Throughout all these phases at work, leadership and team management have been my red thread — I’ve been privileged to lead high-performing teams. However, my deeper calling has always been to build teams from the ground up or enhance the performance of those teams that are struggling to reconnect with their purpose. I’ve done this with the individual always at the centre — and through honest conversation, big-picture thinking, and values-driven transformation. These are the same principles I now bring into my coaching.
While immersed in work I felt deeply passionate about, and while contemplating my own transition to the next stage in life, my coach once asked, “Have you ever considered being an executive coach?”
It was one of those breakthrough moments.
Without hesitation, I replied, “That’s what I believe I’ve been doing all my life. I’d love to continue — with a clear framework.”
That moment led me to study coaching at the wonderful Henley Business School (UK), and I became a certified professional executive coach in 2023. After stepping away from my full-time role in 2024, I founded RareBird Consulting & Coaching AB to continue doing the work I believe in most. A year later, I received my ACC accreditation from the International Coaching Federation, marking an important milestone in ensuring my work is grounded in globally recognised ethical standards.
RareBird has been with me and in me all my life. To me, it symbolises freedom: the act of breaking free from the cage and soaring into the open sky. We all carry our own cages — outdated beliefs, familiar patterns, or life chapters we’ve outgrown. As a coach, I partner with my clients as they find the courage to leave the safety of the cage and reinforce their belief in the strength of their own wings, so they can navigate the unknown with confidence and clarity.
I draw inspiration from nature — hiking in the mountains, cycling across varied terrain, and wondering while wandering. I also find joy and perspective through art, whether as a creator or a curious observer.
When you’re ready to step into what’s next – for yourself, your team, or your organisation – I’m here to guide and support meaningful, lasting change.
Warmly,
Maarit