en

Ville's Curriculum

A highly accomplished and results-driven leader with 15+ years of experience in the Finnish sports sector, spanning both military and civilian domains. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, develop strategic initiatives, and foster collaborative environments. Possesses a unique blend of leadership, coaching, and scientific expertise, complemented by a strong pedagogical background and a passion for continuous improvement. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in sports coaching science, focusing on physique sports and bodybuilding coaching development, while actively contributing to the international bodybuilding and fitness community as the Secretary General of the IFBB Coaches Commission and an IFBB College Faculty member. Recipient of the 2019 Finnish Medal of Honor for Sports and Physical Education, awarded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Core Competencies

  • Leadership & Management: Strategic Planning, Team Building, Performance Management, Conflict Resolution, Decision-Making, Budgeting, Stakeholder Engagement
  • Sports Science & Coaching: Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning, Performance Optimization, Athlete Development, Coaching Education
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Public Speaking, Presentation Skills, Negotiation, Collaboration, Active Listening, Cross-Cultural Communication
  • Research & Analysis: Quantitative & Qualitative Research, Data Analysis, Scientific Writing, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving
  • Pedagogy & Training: Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Training Delivery, Mentorship, Facilitation

Professional Experience

12/2024 – Present: Senior Specialist, Defence Policy Department, Ministry of Defence, Finland

02/2021 – 11/2024: Head of Sports, Finnish Army Headquarters, Defence Forces

  • Spearheaded the development and implementation of sports and physical training programs for the entire Finnish Army.
  • Led a team of sports professionals, ensuring optimal physical readiness and performance across all units.
  • Successfully managed budgets and resources, optimizing program effectiveness and efficiency.

02/2019 – Present: Secretary General, IFBB Coaches Commission, International Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (IFBB)

  • Global Impact: Leading the development and implementation of international coaching education programs for physique sports.
  • Strategic Vision: Shaping the future of bodybuilding and fitness coaching through innovative educational initiatives.
  • International Collaboration: Fostering a global network of coaches and experts dedicated to advancing the sport.

10/2022 – Present: Director, IFBB Nordic Academy

  • Overseeing the delivery of high-quality educational services to Nordic personal trainers and wellness coaches.
  • Developing and implementing strategic initiatives to expand the Academy's reach and impact.
  • Ensuring the curriculum remains cutting-edge and aligned with industry best practices.

04/2015 – Present: Executive Director, Suomen Fitnessurheilu ry (Finnish Fitness Sports Association)

  • Transformation Leader: Successfully led the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation.
  • Strategic Management: Developed and executed strategic plans that enhanced the organization's visibility and impact.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Built strong relationships with athletes, coaches, sponsors, and government bodies.

06/2021 – Present: Coach and Mentor, VI Coaching Oy (Self-Owned Company)

  • Providing expert coaching and mentorship in sports nutrition and physical training to a diverse clientele.
  • Developing individualized training programs based on scientific principles and client-specific goals.
  • Empowering clients to achieve their full potential in sports and fitness.

06/2017 – 01/2021: Officer and Course Leader, Finnish Defence Forces Sports School

  • Planned and delivered professional development programs for Defence Forces personnel in the field of sports.
  • Mentored and coached personnel on various aspects of physical training and sports performance.
  • Contributed to the development of a high-performance culture within the Sports School.

06/2019 – 06/2022: Sports Science Consultant, Celcius Finland Oy

  • Provided expert advice on sports science and performance optimization to a leading Finnish company.

03/2018 – 05/2021: Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist, VI-Valmennus (Self-Owned Company)

  • Delivered personalized training and nutrition coaching services to clients seeking to improve their fitness and well-being.

10/2013 – 06/2017: Deputy Unit Commander and Reserve Officer Course Leader, Finnish Defence Forces Sports School

  • Led and managed a team of soldiers, ensuring their physical and mental preparedness.
  • Developed and delivered physical and nutrition coaching programs to Defence Forces personnel.
  • Taught sports education, fostering a culture of physical fitness and well-being.

08/2011 – 09/2013: Team Leader and Weightlifting Coach, Finnish Defence Forces Sports School

  • Led a team of soldiers and coached them in weightlifting, contributing to their strength and performance development.

Education

01/2019 – Present: PhD Candidate, Sports Coaching, University of Jyväskylä

  • Dissertation: [Insert Dissertation Title or Topic Here] - Expected Completion: Fall 2025/Spring 2026

09/2014 – 02/2018: Master of Sports Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

  • Major: Coaching and Testing

09/2015 – 09/2017: Master of Military Sciences, National Defence University

  • Major: Soldier's Physical Performance

09/2008 – 08/2011: Bachelor of Military Sciences, National Defence University

  • Major: Soldier's Physical Performance

Awards and Recognition

  • 2019: Finnish Medal of Honor for Sports and Physical Education, Ministry of Education and Culture

Publications (List your publications using a consistent citation style, such as APA or MLA. Bold your name in each citation.)

  • Isola, V., Hulmi, J.J., Mbay, T., Kyröläinen, H., Häkkinen, K., Ahola, V., Helms., E., Ahtiainen (2024) Changes in hormonal profiles during competition preparation in physique athletes. European Journal of Applied Physiology (Accepted)
  • Isola, V., Hulmi, J. J., Petäjä, P., Helms, E. R., Karppinen, J. E., & Ahtiainen, J. P. (2023). Weight loss induces changes in adaptive thermogenesis in female and male physique athletes. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism,
  • Jouhki, I., Sarin, H. V., Jauhiainen, M., O'Connell, T. M., Isola, V., Ahtiainen, J. P., ... & Perola, M. (2024). Effects of fat loss and low energy availability on the serum cardiometabolic profile of physique athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 34(1), e14553.
  • Mursu, J., Ristimäki, M., Malinen, I., Petäjä, P., Isola, V., Ahtiainen, J. P., & Hulmi, J. J. (2023). Dietary Intake, Serum Hormone Concentrations, Amenorrhea and Bone Mineral Density of Physique Athletes and Active Gym Enthusiasts. Nutrients, 15(2), 382.
  • Hulmi, J. J., Isola, V., Suonpää, M., Järvinen, N. J., Kokkonen, M., Wennerström, A., ... & Häkkinen, K. (2017). The effects of intensive weight reduction on body composition and serum hormones in female fitness competitors. Frontiers in physiology, 7, 689.
  • Sarin, H. V., Pirinen, E., Pietiläinen, K. H., Isola, V., Häkkinen, K., Perola, M., & Hulmi, J. J. (2021). Mitochondrial bioenergetic pathways in blood leukocyte transcriptome decrease after intensive weight loss but are rescued following weight regain in female physique athletes. The FASEB Journal, 35(4), e21484.
  • Sarin, H. V., Lee, J. H., Jauhiainen, M., Joensuu, A., Borodulin, K., Männistö, S. Isola, V., ... & Häkkinen, K. (2019). Substantial fat mass loss reduces low-grade inflammation and induces positive alteration in cardiometabolic factors in normal-weight individuals. Scientific reports, 9(1), 3450.
  • Sarin, H. V., Gudelj, I., Honkanen, J., Ihalainen, J. K., Vuorela, A., Lee, J. H., Isola, V., ... & Häkkinen, K. (2019). Molecular pathways mediating immunosuppression in response to prolonged intensive physical training, low-energy availability, and intensive weight loss. Frontiers in immunology, 10, 907.
  • Sarin, H., Joensuu, A., Jauhiainen, M., Borodulin, K., Mannisto, S., Lee, Isola, V., ... & Hulmi, J. (2018). The Effects Of Intensive Weight Loss On Metabolome In Female Fitness Competitors.
  • Isola, V. (2017). Fitnessurheilijoiden kehonkoostumus, lihaskoko ja hormonitasapaino kilpailudieetillä ja palautumisjaksolla. Pro gradu-tutkielma. Jyväskylän yliopisto
  • Isola, V. (2017). Hajautetun jääkäripataljoonan puolustustaistelun kuormittavuus jääkäritaistelijalle. Pro gradu-tutkielma. Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu.